Eliot Arts School (Photo – Colorado Boulevard)
In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) is taking proactive steps to ensure student and staff safety. Recent soil sampling revealed elevated lead levels near several school sites, prompting a swift response from local officials.
By News Desk
On Friday evening, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported that soil tests conducted in the Altadena and Pasadena areas showed increased lead levels in some locations near school campuses. The findings raised concerns about possible exposure to ash and debris carried by wind during the fire.
In response, PUSD released a statement stating that the District is working closely with the Pasadena Public Health Department to review the results and develop specific guidance for schools. The district is also seeking direction from L.A. County officials for campuses located outside the Pasadena city limits
“We are proactively taking additional safety measures and contracting with a qualified environmental consultant to conduct soil sampling at campuses potentially affected by windborne ash and debris,” said PUSD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco. “PUSD will replicate sampling conducted at residences by the L.A. County Department of Public Health.”
At this time, no school closures are planned. However, the district is evaluating whether adjustments to outdoor activities and field use are necessary, based on forthcoming health guidance. Remediation steps may include additional testing, deep cleaning, and temporary protective measures.
The district emphasized that all campuses have been prepared for safe operation and that both local and state health officials are actively involved in developing a comprehensive response plan.
“We took proactive steps to make sure our campuses are safe and ready for students and staff. We worked closely with local and state agencies and followed expert recommendations to guide our approach. We are also in communication with public and state health officials to develop plans for soil testing, as part of our ongoing commitment to safety,” Blanco said.
As more information becomes available, the district will provide timely updates and take immediate action as needed.
PUSD is also advocating for clearer, more consistent statewide guidelines to help school communities respond to fire-related contamination. “We know we’re not alone. Other districts across California are navigating similar challenges,” said Blanco. “That’s why we’re encouraging our state and county partners to establish unified guidance that allows school communities to move forward with confidence.”
Preliminary findings and related analysis are available on the Public Health Post-Fire Assessment page under the sections titled Outdoor Soil – Yards and Outdoor Soil – Ash/Soot.
The district thanked the community for its continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to student and staff safety as the top priority.
We know that we have pollutants and toxins in our soil since the smog era. What were the levels before the fire? How much are they elevated since the fire? That’s what needs to be figured out.