$1M Eaton Fire Soil Cleanup Program Launched By LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County officials launched a $1 million pilot program Wednesday to test for and remove lead-contaminated soil from residential properties affected by the Eaton Fire.

The New Roots Eaton Canyon Pilot Program, announced by county Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the Los Angeles County Development Authority, is intended to help homeowners in Altadena and unincorporated areas of Pasadena address lead contamination in bare soil following the January 2025 wildfire.

The program aims to provide soil testing and remediation services for approximately 20 properties, with funding drawn from the county Board of Supervisors' Climate Equity Account.

Applications opened at noon Wednesday and will be accepted until noon Nov. 25.

"Eaton Fire survivors have been through so much — they deserve every bit of support, now," Barger said. "New Roots is another step towards bringing them some relief. I will continue doing everything the County can do to support these families while we urge Congress to appropriate the federal disaster recovery funding our community needs. Until that help arrives, my commitment to every survivor of this fire will not waver."

To qualify, homeowners must certify that the property has been their primary residence since Jan. 7, 2025, the day the Eaton Fire began. The property must also be habitable and owner-occupied when the application is submitted. Applicants must provide a property tax bill, utility bill and government-issued photo identification to verify their primary residence.

According to the county, applications will be evaluated based on lead levels detected in bare soil and household characteristics that could increase the risk of exposure. Priority will be given to households with pregnant residents, children younger than 6, children younger than 6 who regularly visit the home, or household members with elevated blood lead levels, officials said.

Other priority categories include households with children ages 6 through 17 and those with elderly residents or people with disabilities.

Applicants will be notified after their applications are reviewed and may be asked to submit additional documentation.

"The needs of homeowners in fire affected communities are complex and evolve as families enter new phases of recovery," LACDA Executive Director Emilio Salas said. "We are eager to lend a hand in ensuring families are able to remain in their home safely as they clear the way to new beginnings. We acknowledge that this pilot is a small step, but we are hopeful that we will be able to augment the assistance by working with our Federal partners."

County officials said the program is an initial effort to address soil contamination across the fire-affected area, with additional funding needed to assist more property owners.

Officials are exploring possible future support through the federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program, which can help finance housing and infrastructure repairs following major disasters.

No funding is currently available through that source for the program, but Congress is considering disaster recovery appropriations for major disasters in 2025 and 2026, including the Eaton Fire, according to the county.

Homeowners can check eligibility and apply at newroots.lacda.org, call 626-568-1727 or email newroots@lacda.org.

City News Service