Attorneys: Videos show SoCal Edison lines sparked Eaton Fire
Cooler weather dominates as fires near full containment
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Thursday, January 30-February 05, 2025
Cities oppose hazardous fire debris processing at Irwindale park, as forms for free debris removal now available By Joe Taglieri
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he cities of Duarte, Azusa, Irwindale and Baldwin Park have opposed federal plans to use Lario Park to process hazardous debris from the Eaton Fire, officials said Monday. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared the site, located at 15701 E. Foothill Blvd., with plastic spill control measures and will monitor air quality during operations scheduled to start next week, according to a statement from Duarte officials. The cities reported that there was no prior notice nor a chance to publicly voice concerns about possible environmental impact and the proximity to residents of truckloads of toxic substances rolling through communities.
Fire debris such as lithium electric vehicle batteries and other possible toxic materials, will be transported to the site each day, "processed into appropriate waste streams," packaged for shipment and sent out for final disposal, EPA officials said. "While the cities are completely in solidarity with our neighboring communities, we are extremely disappointed with the lack of respect to our local residents for not being notified of the EPA's cleanup efforts and having toxic materials transported to our backyards," according to the Duarte statement. Arcadia Mayor Michael Cao on Tuesday added concerns from his foothill city about the EPA's decision
to transport hazardous waste nearly 15 miles from the fire sites to Lario Park “I was disappointed to learn that Lario Park was selected as the site for the Eaton Fire hazardous waste cleanup, with no advanced warning or opportunity for community input," Cao said in a statement. "The wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County must be cleaned up, but I cannot understand how trucking hazardous waste through so many vulnerable communities, and placing near homes and schools, is the best possible option." A water truck will do routine dust suppression to minimize visible emissions, and EPA officials intend to do sampling of the site after work is completed to assess
By Joe Taglieri and F. Diaz
possible negative impacts. Trucks will use back roads from the fire zone to Lario Park to avoid the Foothill (210) Freeway. When the hazardous waste is processed for shipping or disposal, U.S. Department Transportationapproved trucks will haul materials to selected disposal facilities using the "quickest authorized paths," according to the EPA. The specific route trucks will take to haul the hazardous fire debris was not disclosed. The cities plan to formally oppose the debris site and advocate for its closure "as soon as possible," according to the Duarte statement. The cities are also
n the wake of devastating wildfires that have ravaged the state, California is allocating over $2.5 billion for response and preparedness, Gov. Gavin Newsom's office announced Thursday. The substantial outlay will go toward various recovery efforts, including providing shelters, removing hazardous waste and testing air quality. Newsom joined community leaders and elected officials near the devastated community of Altadena and signed the disaster relief bill. “Thanks to our partners in the legislature, we’re providing over $2.5 billion in immediate relief — expediting initial firestorm response and recovery efforts," Newsom said in a statement. "We’re also directing millions of dollars to help local governments speed up building approvals — so folks can rebuild their homes faster." The relief package designates $2.5 billion to expedite initial fire response and recovery efforts including shelter for survivors, debris removal and cleanup, postfire hazard assessments such as flash floods and debris flows, traffic control and other emergency response activities. Another $4 million from the state's Department of Housing and Community Development is intended to help expedite building permits. The legislation also appropriates $1 million to
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See Wildfire response Page 15
A property damaged in the LA wildfires deemed unsafe to enter is red-tagged. | Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County/YouTube
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California allocates over $2.5B for wildfire response, recovery
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joet@beaconmedianews.com
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rebuild fire-damaged schools, with $250,000 for the Division of the State Architect and $750,000 to the Office of Public School Construction. The relief dollars are from California's reserve fund for economic uncertainties, totaling about $8.3 billion as of Jan. 10. "California leaders from both political parties are united and working together to provide L.A. with the immediate assistance and support they need," Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, said in a statement. "We approved billions of dollars to help clean-up devastated neighborhoods, rebuild schools and put communities on a path to recovery. ... This is a first step, but we are committed to a full recovery and will stand with Angelenos until this work is done." Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, D-North Coast, said in a statement, "This $2.5 billion is a clear commitment that we’ve got your back LA. We’ve got your back now and we’ve got your back in the months and years to come. Your rebuild and your comeback is our priority. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas and our legislative colleagues who moved with urgency to get this funding across the finish line. This downpayment is just the beginning.” Legislators also stressed the importance of equitable rebuilding efforts.