Pasadena Health Officer Issues Order to Protect Community From Eaton Fire Debris

The City of Pasadena has initiated mandatory safety measures for removing hazardous debris from properties damaged in the Eaton Fire, implementing a structured cleanup program to protect public health.

City of Pasadena Acting Health Officer Parveen Kaur issued a Health Officer Order on Wednesday, Jan. 22, requiring the safe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris to help protect community safety.

Violation of the Order is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment, fine, or both, the City cautioned, saying also that police will enforce it.

“The Health Officer Order is a preventative measure in helping protect and preserve the community’s health, during the aftermath of Eaton Fire,” Kaur said. “Exposure to hazardous debris and ash may lead to acute and chronic health effects and cause long-term public health and environmental impacts.”

The Health Officer Order establishes that Phase 1 is mandatory for all destroyed and heavily damaged properties, involving hazardous waste removal. Phase 2 involves removing structural ash and debris, offering property owners the option to participate in a government-sponsored program at no cost.

Property owners who opt out of the sponsored program must coordinate at their own cost for private debris removal, transport, and disposal in a manner that does not endanger the community and complies with all legal requirements.

The City of Pasadena has requested state and federal assistance to expedite recovery activities and ensure safe removal of fire debris.

The Health Officer Order warns that fire debris may contain dangerous substances including lead, asbestos, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins. These materials pose particular risks to vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.

The Health Officer Order states that improper handling and transport of debris can expose workers to toxic materials and spread hazardous substances throughout the community, with uncontrolled debris posing significant threats through dust particle inhalation.

Residents returning to homes with smoke odor but no fire damage are advised to wear a well-fitted National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-approved respirator (such as an N95 or P100) during cleanup. The city cautions against approaching unsafe structures, including free-standing chimneys, walls, and overhanging remnants of fire-damaged buildings.

For additional information, residents can visit CityOfPasadena.net, follow the city on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, visit the Fire Debris Removal Program website, or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.