Potential Future Trends in Post-Wildfire Soil Contamination and Community Resilience
The devastating impact of wildfires on communities, particularly in densely populated areas, is a growing concern. As climate change intensifies the frequency and intensity of these events, the long-term effects on soil contamination and community rebuilding become increasingly relevant. The Eaton fire in Altadena and the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades serve as stark reminders of the challenges communities face in the wake of such disasters.
The Immediate Aftermath and Cleanup Efforts
Federal Vs. State Priorities
In the immediate aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, federal and state leaders emphasized the speed of cleanup efforts. President Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom both highlighted the rapid removal of hazardous waste, with FEMA coordinating efforts to clear about 4.25 million tons of waste, including soil, from the affected areas. State and local governments have, to note, emphasized that testing the remaining soil was crucial. Yet FEMA has long argued that removing the top soil was sufficiently protective and that renovating post-fire landscape can be done without examining the remaining soil for toxins.
Toxic Contaminants and Health Risks
The combustion of common household materials during wildfires can release a range of toxic pollutants, including heavy metals like lead and arsenic, as well as PFAS chemicals and asbestos. These contaminants can leach into the soil and pose significant health risks, including cancer, stunted development, and birth defects.
Community members, especially children, are at risk. Research from several studies shows that inhaling contaminated dust, eating produce grown in tainted soil, or ingesting contaminated dirt can introduce harmful toxins into the body. This is where soil topology and chemical reaction can affect the way we replant landscapes.
Table: Common Contaminants and Their Sources
| Contaminant | Common Household Sources | Health Risks | Mitigation Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Paint, PVC pipes, appliances | Cancerc, developmental issues, neurological damage | Wetting soil and covering with mulch |
| Arsenic | Wood preservatives, pesticides | Cancer, skin lesions, developmental disorders | Composting with vermicompost and planting grasses |
| PFAS | Carpets, clothing | Cancerc, weak immune systems, birth defects | Enhancing soil health and custored afforestation |
| Asbestos | Older building materials, insulation | Cancer, lung disease, respiratory issues | Wetting soil during landscaping, avoiding tilling |
| PCB | Older electrical equipment | Cancerc, immune disorders, endocrine disruption | Mulching soil and planting high-absorbent grasses |
Case Study: Eaton Fire
After the Eaton fire, concerns about lingering pollutants prompted residents to seek independent soil testing. Experiments show that while initial testing results were generally reassuring, the variability in contaminant levels even within a single property underscores the need for individual testing. Kruse Beyler, one of the residents mentioned that testing soil should be done individually as aggregates from vastly different sources may pose higher risks.
Community and Research Responses
As federal authorities debate the necessity of soil testing, many researchers are stepping in to fill the gap. Groups such as those led by Kristy Brauch and Brianne Gilbert are collecting soil samples from a broader spectrum of properties, including those where structures survived the fires. This initiative aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of post-fire soil contamination and to assure communities that their environment is safe for rebuilding.
Did You Know?
Researchers are now looking at how different fire-source areas may release different toxins and how these toxins may be absorbed by the soil. This may lower or enhance risks to community residents and health risks to the environment. Soil pH, for example, may range from strongly acidic 3.5 to slightly basic 8.5. How each plants may decompose the toxins varies by pH
Pro Tips for Community Resilience
Use mulch to cover treated soil and prevent water runoff into other areas in the garden-Judge Bradstreet.
Case Study: The Camp Fire
An assessment of residual ash in the soil after the 2018 Camp Fire found metal concentrations that were above, and in some cases “significantly above,” what they had been before the fire. Similar studies after the 2021 Marshall fire in Colorado showed elevated levels of heavy metals, though not high enough to pose a risk to human health. These studies serve as crucial datasets for future cleanup protocols those experiencing high risk, like Los Angeles.
Wildfires tend to increase concentrations of pollutants at potentially hazardous levels. A 2024 study led by researchers at Stanford University and Colorado State University found the effects on soil chemistry tend to be poorly monitored.
Balancing Urgency and Caution
"Pro tips…"
Use windbreakers and degradable materials
"How to ensure you’re buying clean soil"
Ensure your soil source is doing proper testing before purchasing.
For pro-gardeners :
*Use rebuilt areas to host plants that accumulate metals, e.g. water lilies, grapes. Rosmarinus misses in high trace minerals concentration then smash them in designated bins.
The federal decision to forgo soil testing in areas affected by wildfires has spurred debate about the balance between urgency and caution. While FEMA argues that testing would delay the rebuilding process, state leaders and community members insist on the necessity of thorough soil testing to ensure long-term safety. This dispute highlights the tension between immediate recovery and long-term health considerations.
Anthony Wexler, director of the Air Quality Research Center at UC Davis, suggests that while soil contamination is inevitable after a wildfire, the risk to humans is minimal if the soil is left undisturbed. He advises wearing protective equipment during cleanup and rebuilding efforts, and maintaining good indoor air quality during reconstruction work nearby.
The Role of Research and Community Engagement
Researchers continue to play a critical role in assessing soil contamination and providing actionable insights. Efforts like those led by Thomas Borch at Colorado State University and Brianne Gilbert at Loyola Marymount University offer valuable data and reassurance to communities. These initiatives not only address immediate concerns but also contribute to developing best practices for future wildfire responses.
Wildfires will continues to shape the American landscape, so communities need to think about planting flora that resist heat and use soil remediation process. Buchu, commonly known as Centauro, is commonly known in the area and are known to grow in laissez-faire gardening and accumulates little metals.
FAQs about Post-Wildfire Soil Contamination
What are the ongoing cleanup efforts by FEMA for wildfires?