The aftermath of the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires has been further complicated by the presence of burnt-out electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as home-battery storage systems.
The lithium batteries from these vehicles, including those from Tesla Inc., have added to the toxic debris that requires specialized removal, thereby delaying the return of fire victims to their properties.
According to American Military News, state assembly member Jacqui Irwin, representing the Pacific Palisades, one of the neighborhoods most affected by the fires, stated, A lot of the cars in the evacuation area were lithium batteries. Weve heard from firefighters that those lithium batteries burned fires near homes like those with power walls for much longer.
The wildfires, which commenced on January 7, have claimed at least 27 lives and obliterated thousands of homes. Despite forecasts predicting an end to the dry, dangerous winds, the absence of rain and the potential for another round of winds next week have kept officials on high alert. Insurance loss estimates from the fires have skyrocketed to as much as $40 billion, with BlackRock Inc. CEO Larry Fink warning that the city's reconstruction could take a decade. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already allocated $100 million towards the cleanup effort.
Data from S&P Global Mobility reveals that there were over 431,000 Teslas in operation in the Los Angeles area as of October 2024. Their local market share, based on new registrations, was three times that of the rest of the nation. The Tesla Model Y was the top-selling vehicle in the state through September, according to the California New Car Dealers Association.
Lithium battery fires can be challenging to extinguish, often requiring large amounts of water. Automakers have published guides for first responders detailing how to respond to such incidents. In some areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, residents who had been evacuated were permitted to return to their homes on Thursday. However, those whose homes were destroyed or are in areas of significant fire damage will have to wait until utilities and structures are inspected and deemed safe before they can retrieve personal items or assess the damage themselves.
During a briefing on Wednesday, county Deputy Public Works Director Cid Tesoro urged residents allowed into areas ravaged by the Eaton fire not to attempt to clean up debris, which can contain sharp objects and toxic materials, including asbestos, lead, mercury, and other chemicals.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, in an executive order this week, acknowledged the complications posed by newer technologies like lithium-ion batteries, which can present distinct risks when exposed to high heat from fires. Two years ago, Newsom signed an executive order mandating that all vehicles sold in the state be zero-emission by 2035, positioning the state as a leader in battery storage.
San Diego firefighter Robert Rezende, a specialist in lithium-battery hazards who will be assisting in the cleanup effort, said protocols developed during the 2023 Maui fires will be used in Los Angeles. However, he noted that the scale and hazards of this event are significantly larger.
Rezende stated, The state has seen other fires, but nothing this urban, with so many neighborhoods and structures where youd expect to see more electric vehicles and other energy storage systems. Were anticipating a pretty big lift.
In Maui, the Environmental Protection Agency shipped more than 30 tons of lithium batteries from over 1,400 properties for recycling. Tara Fitzgerald, an incident commander with the agency, stated that the initial phase of cleanup involves the removal of materials most at risk to public health, including pesticides, batteries, fuels, and other products typically considered hazardous household waste.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an order on Wednesday prohibiting the unsafe removal of fire debris, warning of substantial risks to human health and the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of. Independent removal of debris is prohibited without an inspection from approved agencies, including the EPA and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
The health department stated, The combustion of building materials such as siding, roofing tiles, and insulation result in dangerous ash that may contain asbestos, heavy metals and other hazardous substances. Household and business hazardous substances such as paint, gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, compressed gas cylinders and chemicals may have been stored in business locations, homes, garages or sheds that may have burned or released in the fire.
The Palisades fire caused significant damage to the neighboring city of Malibu. Mayor Doug Stewart stated in an interview that the state is taking responsibility for debris removal and that it managed the cleanup effectively after the Woolsey fire in 2018. That fire destroyed 1,600 structures, while the Palisades fire has destroyed or damaged more than twice that.
The rebuilding process will be lengthy. Six years after the Woolsey fire, only 182 of the 363 single-family homes approved for rebuilding have been completed. Much of the city remains under evacuation orders and without power. Building inspectors are conducting rapid visual assessments of damaged properties and are 35% complete, according to Malibus website. Stewart expressed concern that toxins from burned homes could pollute the beaches and ocean when the rains begin.
Stewart said, Weve got a responsibility to the environment. A beautiful day in Malibu is what draws us here and makes life so idyllic. Thats what we have to protect. The challenge of cleaning up after the wildfires is a stark reminder of the potential environmental hazards posed by modern technologies, even those designed to be more environmentally friendly. As the state grapples with the aftermath of the fires, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and the environment.
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