August 28, 2025
Victims of the Altadena and Palisades wildfires are facing a second wave of danger—this time from toxic materials left behind in the aftermath of the flames. Long after the fires have been extinguished, hazardous substances like cancer-causing asbestos and lead are emerging as health threats.
Local and state environmental officials warn that burned structures—including older homes and buildings—may have released hazardous materials into the environment when they were destroyed. Lead-based paint, asbestos insulation, and other toxic construction materials can become airborne during fires and settle in surrounding areas, creating long-term risks and health hazards for those returning to their properties.
Asbestos and Lead: Long-Term Dangers After Wildfires
Asbestos, once widely used in construction, is known to cause deadly illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Lead, another common building material, can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in children. These substances don’t disappear once the fire is out—they linger in dust, ash, and contaminated soil, where they can be easily inhaled or ingested during routine activities like sweeping, gardening, or rebuilding.
Widespread Wildfire Damage and New Layers of Risk
The scope of the destruction is staggering. The Eaton Fire alone destroyed more than 9,000 structures in Altadena, including 6,000 homes. In Pacific Palisades, nearly 7,000 homes were lost and 12 people killed in a fast-moving blaze that overwhelmed local resources. As residents begin to rebuild, they are also facing the costly and complex challenge of ensuring their properties are safe from lingering contaminants.
Utility Missteps Under Legal Scrutiny in Wildfire Lawsuits
Fire victims have filed lawsuits alleging that utility companies failed to take appropriate safety precautions before and during the fires. In both Altadena and Palisades, plaintiffs claim that Southern California Electric neglected to depower power lines during red-flag fire conditions—an established industry practice meant to reduce wildfire risk.
In the Palisades, additional legal claims highlight critical failures in water infrastructure. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) had left the 117-million-gallon Santa Ynez Reservoir depleted due to a torn cover. When the fire hit, only 3 million gallons of water remained in smaller backup tanks. Hydrants ran dry within 12 hours, leaving firefighters without the resources they needed to combat the flames and protect lives and property.
Toxic Exposure Complicates Recovery
The presence of dangerous materials like asbestos and lead only adds to the trauma and disruption wildfire survivors already face. Many are now contending with potential exposure to carcinogens as they sort through what remains of their homes and neighborhoods. These environmental hazards create new questions—about health, about property safety, and about responsibility.
Trial lawyers in the Los Angeles office of Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel are actively representing individuals and families affected by these fires. The firm also has extensive experience representing individuals who have been harmed by exposure to asbestos and other toxic substances.
How We Help Victims of Wildfires
Seek justice with the help of our experienced wildfire attorneys. At Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel, we fight aggressively on behalf of individuals and families devastated by preventable wildfires. Our wildfire lawyers have held utility companies and other negligent parties accountable for the damage they cause. If you or a loved one has suffered loss due to a wildfire, we can help.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Private equity firm and co-defendants agree to pay $25M in Medicaid fraud case alleging mental health services provided by unqualified providers.
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