Southland / Wildfire Recovery—
Suzanne Potter, producer, California News Service, a bureau of Public News Service.
The Eaton Fire burned through Altadena about a year ago, leaving behind properties contaminated by toxic pollutants. Local groups continue to help families pick up the pieces.
The fire displaced more than 22,000 people and destroyed close to 10,000 structures, many in historically Black neighborhoods.
Heavenly Hughes, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit My Tribe Rise, said their bridge financing program has been a lifeline.
“We have given out nearly $1 million directly to survivors to help them have some sense of stability when it comes to housing after losing their homes and livelihoods,” she said.
She said 60% of the community is still displaced, and things are chaotic because many families have exhausted FEMA aid and insurance settlements but still can’t afford soaring rent prices. In addition, many people can’t rebuild because their insurer dropped their policy.
Hughes said her family’s home survived the fire but is now unlivable due to toxic residue from burned plastics. She added that her family is still trying to get insurance to cover it, and thinks the electric company that owns the poles that started the blaze should step in.
“Edison International, we believe they should be the ones paying to do adequate testing, removing all the poisoned soil, contaminated structures that still stand,” she said.
Advocates say they’re also concerned by instances where contaminated soil has been used in new builds.
