New Campaign Warns Wildfire Survivors About Hidden Toxins In Standing Homes

LOS ANGELES, CA — A coalition of wildfire survivors and elected officials Tuesday announced the launch of an educational campaign for people who may be living in potentially unsafe homes due to lingering smoke damage from the January 2025 wildfires.

The campaign comes ahead of a looming Jan. 7, 2027, statute of limitations for residents to file a claim and take action, which can be done at standinghomes.la.

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"A house that 'looks fine' proves nothing," LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement. "Homeowners need to know their rights, and the facts, to address what they can and cannot do to address the potential for environmental hazards left behind from the fires and unaddressed by homeowners' insurance companies."

Barger joined LA Mayor Karen Bass, the California Community Foundation, and Pacific Palisades and Eaton fire survivors for the announcement in downtown Los Angeles.

Miguel Santana, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation, said Standing Homes was created to fight for impacted families, provide them with the facts and make sure they know their rights.

"Owners and renters whose houses still stand, whose insurers call the loss `minor,' and whose children may be breathing the toxic air that was left behind need to be armed with the facts and the next steps they can take to ensure their homes are safe to live in," Santana said in a statement. "Science must prevail, not a smell test."

The January 2025 fires destroyed more than 16,000 structures in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, and many were damaged too. More than 13,000 structures, according to claims filed with the Department of Insurance, were left with potentially unsafe living conditions due to smoke and soot.

UCLA researchers found that smoke-coated household items continue to release harmful chemicals indoors long after the flames go out. Fire survivors have faced challenges with their insurers to resolve claims and receive payouts.

Based on California law, the California Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations set minimum standards for prompt, fair and equitable settlement for every claim. When an someone with insurance files a claim, the insurer must investigate the damage at its own expense. Homeowners can also hire their own certified industrial hygienist for independent testing.

"Residents need to know that smoke and ash travel through HVAC systems, attics, wall cavities and insulation. Lead, asbestos, and toxic residue settle on floors, windowsills, and furniture," Santana said in the statement. "All of theses need to be addressed. Until they are, there is a good likelihood your home may not be safe to live in."

City News Service