The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has embarked on its largest wildfire hazardous waste cleanup operation in history, responding to devastating fires in Los Angeles County. The agency has assessed 6,022 properties affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, removing 80 electric vehicles and bulk energy storage systems deemed hazardous to public safety and the environment.
Currently, 1,050 personnel are engaged in field operations, a significant increase from 478 last week. An additional 280 responders are mobilizing today. The EPA is forming 60 teams to clear hazardous materials from over 13,000 residential and 250 commercial properties impacted by the fires. A working group has been established to coordinate with utilities and government stakeholders to expedite cleanup efforts.
"EPA is undertaking the largest wildfire cleanup in the history of the agency," stated EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "We have over a thousand personnel on the ground to aid Californians...in Los Angeles’s recovery."
Under FEMA's directive, the EPA is responsible for removing lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous materials from fire-damaged properties as part of Phase 1 of federal recovery efforts. Residents returning home should exercise caution and contact a hotline if they encounter potentially damaged lithium-ion batteries.
On January 24, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing expedited response measures for California's water resources and disaster response efforts. The EPA's removal of hazardous materials is mandatory for resident safety before Phase 2 debris removal begins under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers coordination.
Hazardous materials targeted for removal include household products like paints and cleaning supplies, garden chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, various battery types, propane tanks, asbestos-related items, and pressurized fuel cylinders.
In partnership with the U.S. military and Department of Homeland Security, plans are being developed to speed up debris removal processes.
Residents must vacate their property during EPA operations; otherwise, crews will reschedule their work at that location. Valuable objects discovered will be handled by local law enforcement for safekeeping.
Temporary storage sites have been secured for processing removed hazardous waste before shipment for proper disposal.
The public can access updated information about these operations on EPA’s dedicated website for California Wildfires in 2025.
