Pasadena Firefighters Face Lingering Health Effects from Eaton Fire Smoke Exposure

[UPDATED] Pasadena firefighters who responded to the devastating Eaton Fire earlier this year are now experiencing lingering health issues tied to smoke exposure, with blood tests revealing elevated levels of carcinogens, toxins, and metals, according to a report by KCAL News.

“Pasadena firefighters gave their all during the Eaton fire and were exposed to tons of lead, asbestos and other toxins. This wasn’t a wildfire,” Fire Chief Chad Agustin told Pasadena Now on Wednesday. “My role is to make sure they stay healthy. We are communicating with the best experts around the country on testing and frequency of testing.”

Firefighters from Station 38, who were among the first to arrive at the scene, reported a range of severe reactions following the fire, including burning sensations in their eyes and throats, persistent headaches, and overwhelming exhaustion.

According to Agustin, many firefighters had symptoms immediately after the fire, and although much of that has subsided, there is ongoing testing, including physical exams and blood work.

Pasadena firefighters are taking part in a research effort led by the University of Arizona aimed at examining how prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke affects the long-term health of emergency personnel.

“For many of us, it was the worst exposure of our careers. Everybody shared similar symptoms,” Pasadena Fire Captain Dave Marquez told KCAL.

One firefighter reported coughing up black phlegm for days after the fire.

“I couldn’t eat any food for the first day. I was just throwing up and I had to have oxygen on my face,” local firefighter Kevin Adiar said in the report.

Although residents left the area when the fire broke out on Jan. 7, County and local firefighters fought the blaze until Jan. 24, when it was finally contained.

The blaze was one of the worst in the state’s history, killing 18 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures combined in Altadena and Pasadena.

Agustin said those who battled the blaze suffered physical and emotional effects. City officials continue to explore ways to support impacted firefighters through medical screening, mental health services, and long-term monitoring programs.

“The uncertainty amongst us is very high right now,” Marquez said during the broadcast. “We don’t know what’s going on inside of us.”

In addition to taking part in the research, Marquez has been advocating for resources to track 50 different types of cancer in Pasadena Fire Department personnel.

“Most of us here, the men and women in this department, have their families that they go home to, and they do come first,” Marquez said in the interview with KCAL.