Marketplace Morning Report After LA fires, struggles for the homes still standing
Jan 8, 2026
Ellen, a local resident and block captain, dives into the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, discussing the challenges faced by neighbors with homes still standing. She raises alarming concerns about toxic smoke and the hidden dangers of contamination, sharing shocking lab results that revealed heavy metals and asbestos. Insurance companies come under fire for denying claims based on inadequate assessments, pushing homeowners to pay out of pocket for necessary remediation. Ellen's insights highlight the ongoing struggle for safety and support in the wake of disaster.
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House Sandwiched Between Flames Survived
- David Brancaccio describes a house that sat between two burning homes yet survived the blaze on his block in Altadena.
- Neighbors faced lingering smoke, soot and uncertainty about safety and cleanup despite structures remaining standing.
Neighbor Finds Heavy Metals In Smoke Residue
- Ellen recounts testing that found asbestos, lead, beryllium, cyanide and other heavy metals in her standing house.
- She says she paid for testing out of pocket despite insurance telling her visual inspection was sufficient.
Get Professional Testing, Not Just Visual Checks
- Do not rely solely on visual inspection; Ellen says insurance told her eyeballing soot was enough but professional testing found toxins.
- Pay for industrial hygienist testing if you suspect contamination, even if insurers advise otherwise.