Now that authorities are allowing residents to return to fire evacuation zones to check on the condition of their homes, health experts say it's safer to wait before venturing into burn areas.
But if you plan to see for yourself what your home has become, there are some precautions you can take to protect your health.
This article is provided free of charge to help our communities stay safe and supported during these devastating fires.
Los Angeles County officials said this week that up to 11,000 people will be able to return home.
But authorities remain concerned residents will be exposed to hazardous materials left behind by the unprecedented fires.
Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order aimed at speeding recovery, emphasizing the importance of removing hazardous waste from burn scars to ensure a safe recovery.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an order prohibiting the cleaning or removal of fire debris from fire-damaged and burned homes in critical fire areas, including the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst and Lidia area fires, until approved government agencies Complete hazardous materials inspection.
Federal and state environmental agencies are preparing to investigate fire-damaged properties.
“We completely understand that people are eager to return to their homes,” said Yana Garcia, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency. “However, I understand how important it is that hazardous waste removal is done by trained personnel equipped with protective equipment. This cannot be emphasized enough.”
Danger in the area could include "batteries, ammunition, propane tanks, pesticides and even household cleaning products, which can become highly volatile and toxic when exposed to heat and fire," Garcia said.
Dr. Ashraf M. Elsayegh, a pulmonologist at Providence St. John's Health Center who was one of those who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, has not yet returned to his home to assess the damage and is in no rush to do so.
At a news conference at the hospital on Thursday, Elsayer said his family would eventually want to return home to see if anything could be saved.
"I think I'm going to wait as long as possible and if I do go, I'm going to take all the proper precautions," Elsayer said.
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Doctors have expressed caution about returning to fire zones because of the harmful chemicals in the ash covering damaged and remaining homes.
Researchers still don't fully understand how harmful urban fire ash can be to nearby areas and its impact on surrounding communities.
What experts do know is that urban fires are more toxic than wildfires because burning homes, their contents and cars emit chemicals.
Part of the reason for the lack of available data is that "we have nothing to compare it to the combination of wildfires and urban fires" (because of the Los Angeles-area fires), which pose different risks than wildfires alone, he said.
Elsayer described the Los Angeles-area fires as "the largest urban fire in modern American history."
The only similar urban fire event Elsayegh could mention was the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center in New York, for which he was present.
In the months after the 9/11 attacks, first responders and residents were exposed to a dangerous mixture of asbestos, silica dust, heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals left behind by large amounts of ash, dust and debris from the towers' collapse. .
"If we've learned anything (since September 11), it's that we went back too soon," he said.
Experts do not have a firm timetable for when people should return to burned areas. Their main advice was to listen to local authorities.
“It’s easier said than done because we all want to rebuild at some point,” Elsayer said.
When you are allowed to return to an area that was evacuated, experts warn you should wear protective gear.
"Tolcanic ash remains viable in any given area for about two years, so it's going to be around for a while," Elsayer said.
Ashes contain volatile organic compounds, including benzene, silica, asbestos, lead, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen fluoride. Most of these compounds are carcinogens.
He said the compounds come from burning old homes, cars, furniture and even household cleaning products.
For example, if you return to a burn area to survey the damage or dig through the rubble for family heirlooms, you are exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
These toxins can affect your heart, blood and even your gastrointestinal tract, Elsayer said.
"We've seen before that after large wildfires we have asthma exacerbations, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia and lung infections," he said.
Long-term health effects may include lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, or silicosis.
Elsayegh again pointed to the World Trade Center and said, "About 20 to 25 percent of all people who were exposed (to 9/11 smoke and ash) still need medical care for their lungs."
Before you enter any burn site, Elsayegh recommends getting a tetanus shot.
There will be a lot of metal in these areas and possibly rusty nails, and the risk of contracting tetanus is high if you get a cut.
You can make an appointment for a tetanus shot at:
A tetanus booster shot is recommended every 10 years. If you don't already have a booster, Elsayegh recommends purchasing one.
Protective equipment to wear when visiting a burn scene should include:
After visiting the burn area and returning to your temporary shelter, remove all outside clothing and protective gear before entering the residence to reduce the risk of exposing others in the home.
You are dealing with potential asbestos compounds in the ash, which can stick to your clothing and skin when exposed to them.
If any part of your skin comes into contact with volcanic ash during your visit, use baby wipes to remove it and then shower immediately, Elsayer said.
If dust has collected outside your home, experts recommend not sweeping or using a leaf blower, as you can blow it back into the air.
Instead, spray the ash with water, collect it in a trash bag, and throw it in the trash.
Do not use a garden hose to soak the ashes as this will only create a toxic sludge.
When you are able to return to a home that was not damaged by the fire, there will be ash particles inside the home.
Do not sweep, dust, or use a regular vacuum cleaner to remove ash particles. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove any remaining small particles from your home, Pasadena city officials recommend.
They advise that carpets, upholstery and curtains may need commercial cleaning.
Children, pregnant women, and people with asthma, COPD, chronic heart disease, or diabetes should avoid cleaning up fire damage or ash.
Experts say if you are visiting a burn area or volunteering in an affected community, you should watch for exposure symptoms such as upper respiratory tract infections, asthma exacerbations, shortness of breath and anaphylaxis-type reactions.
If you feel uncomfortable, call your doctor for further consultation.
You can also call Providence Saint John Health Center’s new Disaster Relief Lung Clinic for a consultation at (310) 829-8618.
Deputy Features Editor Max Harper contributed to this report.