Communications & Public Affairs

Devastating fires throughout Los Angeles County have burned and destroyed thousands of residences and other structures. The fire debris and ash that resulted from the residential and other structural fires may contain asbestos, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances. Fire debris and ash pose significant threats to public health through inhalation of dust particles and contamination of drinking water supplies. Accordingly, improper handling of fire debris and ash can expose persons and workers to toxic materials, and improper transport and disposal of fire debris can spread hazardous substances throughout the community.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an updated Health Officer Order (HOO) that provides protective fire debris removal and disposal requirements for properties within the Palisades and Eaton burn areas that do not have one or more burned structures and are not eligible for the government-run debris removal program (Phase 1 or Phase 2). These properties may have fire debris in the form of burned trees, shrubs, fences, etc.. Property owners of non-qualifying properties that plan to remove fire debris must use best management practices for dust control during fire debris removal, transport, and disposal to protect the health and wellbeing of those involved in fire debris removal and people in surrounding areas.

Updated: March 24, 2025

On January 23, the County Health Officer revised the Order prohibiting the use of power air blowers throughout the County. The Order now limits the prohibition of the use of power air blowers, such as leaf blowers, to only within the Palisades and Eaton Wildfire Perimeter Areas as defined by the CAL FIRE and The Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Services (WFIGS) Group. This revised Order remains in effect until the County Health Officer determines that fire recovery conditions have progressed to a point, where use of air propelling devices will not negatively impact the health of residents and persons working in those areas.

Although power air blowers may be used in all areas of the County of Los Angeles that are outside of the Palisades and Eaton wildfire perimeters, in areas where concerning amounts of ash and dust are still present, the County Health Officer recommends that individuals consider alternatives to the use of power air blowers, for example, gentle sweeping followed by wet mopping or HEPA vacuums, to collect and remove them. Individuals cleaning fire-related ash and dust should wear respiratory, eye and skin protection to limit contact with hazardous materials that may exist within the ash or dust.

To report use of air blowing devices like leaf blowers, residents can call Environmental Health at (888) 700-9995 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) or submit a complaint via email to ehmail@ph.lacounty.gov.

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