FEMA reverses decision will test soil on 100 lots destroyed by Eaton fire

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week announced that in a reversal from its original position would be providing soil testing to 100 properties in the Eaton fire area.

Last March, members of California’s Congressional delegation urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct soil testing after wildfire cleanup.

In its statement this week the EPA said soil sampling will be done at randomly selected properties and will be focused on testing for lead. Samples will be collected at the bottom of excavations completed during debris removal and approximately six inches below.

“Even when FEMA refused to act, we kept fighting,” Congresswoman Laura Friedman said in a statement. “We pushed because families deserve to know their land is safe. This reversal shows the power of never giving in to the Trump Administration, but testing 100 homes is not enough. We’re going to keep pushing for full soil testing, real cleanup, and the long-term relief that California families deserve.”

The EPA will collect 30 small soil samples from different locations on each parcel.

According to the EPA, in 28 days the agency cleared 13,612 residential and 305 commercial properties for debris removal in the aftermath of January’s wildfires.

The delegation said that while the reversal in policy is welcome, it’s only the first step.

“This testing is an important step forward, but it must be followed by real action if contamination is found. Survivors cannot be forced to bear the burden of paying out of pocket for their own remediation,” Rep. Judy Chu said in a statement. “I will continue standing with residents every step of the way and will not stop fighting until families can safely return home.”

The EPA said property owners will receive reports with their lead results and the agency will release findings with county officials. Results are expected to be released by the end of spring 2026.