LA wildfire victims remain living in toxic Altadena homes.

A year after the Eaton fire, many Altadena residents have returned but report lingering lead and asbestos contamination and limited official clarity on whether homes are safe to occupy.

A year after the Eaton fire, Altadena residents are returning with unanswered questions about safety and contamination. The blaze killed 19 people and destroyed nearly 9,500 structures across Altadena and nearby communities. Returning homeowners and renters report lingering lead and asbestos contamination and limited official information about health risks. Local residents formed Eaton Fire Residents United and have collected testing and remediation reports to document conditions and advocate for clearer protocols. Known facts: - The Eaton fire killed 19 people and destroyed nearly 9,500 structures in Altadena and nearby areas. - Many residents who have returned report persistent contamination such as lead and asbestos and say indoor particulate levels and residues remain a concern. - Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU) reported that testing from hundreds of properties found a substantial share of remediated homes still exceeded EPA thresholds for lead or asbestos. - Residents report disputes with insurance companies over testing and remediation costs and say official guidance on safe reoccupation was limited early on. Summary: Lingering contamination reports and limited official clarity have left returning residents facing health concerns, financial strain, and ongoing displacement. Undetermined at this time.