Current Situation

Multiple fires continue to burn throughout Los Angeles County, although firefighters have made progress on stopping and/or increasing containment on several of them. The California National Guard is currently deployed to Los Angeles County to support emergency response missions, including ingress and curfew enforcement for the impacted communities. Water quality issues remain in areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fire. Thousands of homes and other structures have been lost. Los Angeles County departments, including Sheriff, Fire, Office of Emergency Management, Public Works and Public Health, work together to provide comprehensive services so those affected by the wildfires have the information they need.

Once local officials have cleared the area and allowed entry, individuals entering previously evacuated, or fire damaged areas should take precautions to protect their health and safety.

For a comprehensive list of information related to active wildfires and services being provided by the County of Los Angeles, visit https://www.lacounty.gov/emergency/.

Health Officer Orders

Local Health Emergency Declared Due to Critical Fire Events and Windstorm Conditions

On Friday, January 10, Public Health declared a local health emergency in Los Angeles County and issued an order temporarily banning the use of air blowing devices, like leaf blowers. The recent strong winds and fires have caused hazardous air quality, increased ash, and debris, and disrupted essential health services. During the fire recovery and cleanup, air blowers are prohibited throughout the county until the Health Officer determines it is safe to use them without harming public health. Ash is like a fine, dangerous dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause major problems everywhere it lands. It’s not just dirt.

To report use of air blowing devices like leaf blowers, residents can call Environmental Health at (888) 700-9995 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) or submit a complaint via email to ehmail@ph.lacounty.gov.

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Health Officer Issues Order for Safe Removal, Transport, and Disposal of Fire Debris

These devastating fires throughout Los Angeles County have burned and destroyed thousands of residences and other structures. The fire debris and ash that resulted from the residential and other structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances. The fire debris and ash pose significant threats to public health through inhalation of dust particles and contamination of drinking water supplies. Accordingly, improper handling of fire debris and ash can expose persons and workers to toxic materials, and improper transport and disposal of fire debris can spread hazardous substances throughout the community.

On Wednesday, January 15, the County’s Health Officer has issued an order that prohibits the clean up and removal of fire debris and ash in the burned residential and business areas of the County until a hazardous materials inspection at the property is conducted. This Order is necessary to protect the health and safety of individuals from toxic substances in these areas. There will be additional information forthcoming regarding the fire debris and ash evaluation and removal process as the County moves into the recovery phase of this tragic disaster.