Some Pasadena Schools Reopen Outdoor Areas Following Fire-Related Soil Testing

The Pasadena Unified School District announced Wednesday that several schools have been cleared to fully reopen outdoor areas following soil testing conducted after the recent Eaton Fire.

Soil samples from the cleared schools showed no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances, allowing students to immediately resume normal outdoor activities including recess, physical education classes and team sports, according to a letter from Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco.

“I am pleased to share that many of our schools have been fully cleared, with soil samples showing no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances. These campuses have been deemed safe, and effective immediately, all outdoor areas, including bare soil spaces, playfields, and athletic facilities at these schools will fully reopen,” Blanco wrote.

However, testing revealed elevated levels of certain substances in specific outdoor areas at other schools. Those areas will remain closed until further testing and remediation are completed.

“We are working closely with local and state health and environmental agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Pasadena Public Health Department, to review test results and, if necessary, develop science-based remediation plans that will protect our students and employees,” Blanco said.

The Pasadena Unified School District conducted the testing in partnership with a state-licensed environmental consulting firm following the Eaton Fire and subsequent findings of impacted soil by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Results for heavy metals like lead have been received, but officials said other test results may take longer. The Pasadena Unified School District has committed to completing any necessary remediation before the new school year begins.

“We want to be abundantly clear: safety is not negotiable,” Blanco said. “That’s why we’re moving forward with both urgency and care.”

The Pasadena Unified School District has posted maps of tested areas for cleared schools on its website. Individual school maps and detailed reports will be added as they become available.

Parents and staff can find the list of cleared schools and updates at pusd.us/firerelief-safety.