South Coast AQMD Begins Air Quality Monitoring for Eaton Fire

A view from Pasadena towards the mountains where debris and soot was stirred due to wind (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)

This week, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) launched air quality monitoring efforts in the burn scars and surrounding communities affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

By News Desk

Debris removal activities may stir up hazardous dust and ash. At the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in close coordination with the California Air Resources Board, this initiative will assess air quality during debris removal and other related activities.

South Coast AQMD’s monitoring efforts will proceed in two key stages:

Stage One:

• Mobile Monitoring of Air Toxics

Over a four-week period, two mobile monitoring vehicles will be deployed to measure toxic metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in real-time. These vehicles will help identify potential hotspots near the Eaton and Palisades fire zones and inform the placement of temporary air monitoring stations.

Stage Two:

• Stationary Air Monitoring

Following the mobile monitoring, stationary air monitoring stations will be installed based on monitoring results, cleanup activity, sensitive receptors (such as residents and schools), and meteorological conditions. These stations will measure particulate matter (PM), lead, arsenic, and asbestos in nearby communities.

South Coast AQMD will continue to work with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as public health authorities, to share air quality data with the public.

Residents are advised against attempting to clean up fire debris—including damaged structures, furniture, personal belongings, vehicles, vegetation, or other burned items. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) and Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) have issued orders prohibiting the unsafe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris. These orders are in place to protect public health and safety by ensuring proper oversight of debris removal efforts.