Los Angeles County has opened a $1 million recovery pilot to help homeowners affected by the Eaton Fire in Altadena and unincorporated Pasadena.
The county is offering eligible residents up to $60,000 for soil and lead cleanup, helping them make their properties safer after the devastating wildfire.
Here's what to know
Under the New Roots Eaton Canyon Pilot Program, county funding covers soil testing, lead cleanup, and administrative costs, with applications available from noon on Oct. 21 through noon on Nov. 25, according to Patch.
The program is expected to help roughly 20 properties, and the funding available for bare-soil cleanup is capped at $60,000 per home.
Eligibility is limited to homeowners who certify that the property has been their primary residence since Jan. 7, 2025, when the deadly, wind-driven Eaton Fire began. Officials also require the home to be habitable and owner-occupied when applicants file.
Calling the pilot a source of immediate relief for residents still navigating recovery, Supervisor Kathryn Barger said: "Eaton Fire survivors have been through so much — they deserve every bit of support, now. New Roots is another step towards bringing them some relief. I will continue doing everything the County can do to support these families while we urge Congress to appropriate the federal disaster recovery funding our community needs."
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More background
By covering soil testing and removing potentially contaminated soil, the pilot addresses a costly part of wildfire recovery that can continue long after the fire itself. The funding helps cover an expense that many homeowners would otherwise have to pay themselves.
Required paperwork includes a property tax bill, a utility bill, and a government-issued photo ID, meaning applicants must document both ownership and continued residence after the fire.
With $1 million in total funding and a goal of helping about 20 properties, the pilot is expected to reach only a limited share of fire-affected households in Altadena and unincorporated Pasadena.
The program focuses on residents still living in place and trying to continue the cleanup process while keeping their homes safe and livable.
What's being done?
Barger and the Los Angeles County Development Authority launched the program using money from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors' Climate Equity Account.
Officials are also looking at ways to expand the effort, including potential federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds.
Los Angeles County Development Authority Executive Director Emilio Salas said the recovery process brings changing challenges for homeowners: "The needs of homeowners in fire-affected communities are complex and evolve as families enter new phases of recovery."
Homeowners can review eligibility or apply at newroots.lacda.org. Questions can also be directed to the county by phone at 626-568-1727 or by email at newroots@lacda.org.
He said the program is meant to provide practical help: "We are eager to lend a hand in ensuring families are able to remain in their home safely as they clear the way to new beginnings."
Where can I learn more?
For more on the Eaton Fire's aftermath and the wider challenge of cleaning up wildfire damage, these stories add useful context. They look at survivors pushing for faster aid, fire impacts around Eaton Canyon, lower-cost soil-remediation options, toxic runoff concerns tied to energy storage, and water projects aimed at reducing future wildfire risk.
• Across California, Eaton Fire survivors are pressing Sacramento for insurance fixes and housing advances.
• Near Altadena, a longtime volunteer shared heartbreaking updates from Eaton Canyon as wildfires forced evacuation.
• Scientists are testing lower-cost hazardous soil cleanup that could ease recovery burdens for landowners.
• In San Diego County, residents warned battery fires and toxic runoff could threaten their town.
• At Descanso Gardens, planners say a 250-acre rainwater project could help curb future wildfires.
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