Removal & Restoration
During the summer break, as part of the Eaton Fire recovery, PUSD will remove fire-related contaminants impacting soil and trees in designated areas at 11 campuses and sites following requirements from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). PUSD has worked closely with environmental experts, arborists, and DTSC to assess fire-related contaminants impacting soil and trees and determine the appropriate next steps.
The work will take place while students, staff, and community are off campus. Restricted areas have remained closed since last year, and affected areas will be restored with clean soil and replacement trees to support safe, healthy school environments.
We will continue to provide updates as the work progresses.
Messages
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July 14, 2026 - Statement and Timeline Documenting PUSD’s Soil Remediation Process and Coordination with Public Agencies | Español
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July 9, 2026 - Message on Today’s Events at John Muir | Español
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June 19, 2026 - Board Votes to Continue Soil Remediation and Allow for Tree Retention Alternatives | Español
- June 16, 2026 - Statement on Community Concerns on Safe Soil Cleanup Following The Eaton Fire | Español
- June 15, 2026 - Joint Statement From DTSC and PUSD on Safe Soil Cleanup and Restoration of Campuses Following the Eaton Fire | Español
- May 29, 2026 - Eaton Recovery: Restoring Outdoor Spaces | Español
Removal and Restoration - Summer 2026
DTSC
- Fire-Related Investigation Findings Summary Letter
- Video of DTSC April 16, 2026 Public Meeting Draft Removal Action Workplan
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DTSC reviewed the District’s Fire-Related Campus Assessment Reports and Removal Action Workplans (RAWs). More information about the DTSC School Cleanup Program is available at: https://dtsc.ca.gov/schools. The reports are located on the DTSC website at https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/ (search school name).
Final Soil Removal Maps - School and Non-School Sites
- Final Soil Removal Map - Blair May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Cleveland Campus May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Ed Center May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Field May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Franklin May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Jefferson May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Longfellow May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Muir May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Octavia E. Butler May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - San Rafael May 2026
- Final Soil Removal Map - Washington May 2026
Tree Removal Maps
Soil Cleanup Notices - School and Non-School Sites
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Blair June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Cleveland June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Education Center June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Franklin June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Jefferson June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - John Muir June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Longfellow June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Octavia E. Butler June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - San Rafael June 2026 | Español
- Soil Cleanup Notice - Washington June 2026 | Español
Soil Removal & Restoration
Under the direction of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and to ensure the safety of our students and staff, removal of Eaton Fire-related contaminants impacting soil and trees will take place at 11 campuses and sites during the summer break. Click on Removal & Restoration for maps & other information.
Click on Removal & Restoration above for maps & other information.
Soil Removal - August 2025
Environmental testing identified areas at nineteen campuses where fire-impacted soil contaminant levels exceed state screening thresholds.
Eight campuses were cleaned up prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year. PUSD is working under the guidance of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to address the remaining fire-impacted soil.
School Sites
Soil Removal In Progress
- Altadena Arts Magnet
- Allendale
- Blair
- Cleveland Campus: Aveson and Alma Fuerte Charter
- Field
- Franklin
- Jefferson
- Longfellow
- Madison
- Marshall
- Muir
- Octavia E. Butler
- San Rafael
- Washington
- Webster
Altadena Arts Magnet
Allendale
Blair
Cleveland Campus: Aveson and Alma Fuerte Charter
Field
Franklin
Jefferson
Longfellow
Madison
Marshall
Muir
Octavia E. Butler
San Rafael
Washington
Webster
Non-School Sites
Soil Test Results - May 2025
Soil Test Results – May 2025
PUSD is pleased to report that several schools have been fully cleared, with no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances detected in soil samples. The full list of schools can be found below.
PUSD is pleased to report that several schools have been fully cleared, with no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances detected in soil samples. As a result, outdoor playfields and bare dirt areas at those campuses will fully reopen. Normal operations – including recess, PE classes, and athletic team practices – will resume immediately at these locations.
However, in the spirit of full transparency, some school sites did show elevated levels of certain substances in specific outdoor areas. The district is taking immediate, proactive steps to address them.
See the state's fact sheet about lead screening levels
Key actions underway include:
- Continued restriction of access to affected outdoor areas until remediation is complete.
- Ongoing collaboration with local and state health and environmental agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Pasadena Public Health Department, to review test results and, if necessary, develop safe, science-based remediation plans that will protect our students and employees.
- Conduct additional soil testing and remediation where needed to maintain and ensure safety.
- Individual school notifications will include summaries, maps of affected areas, and timelines for resolution.
- While the results for heavy metals like lead are in, other results may take longer. Maps will be updated as new data becomes available.
- Updates will be posted here as soon as they are ready.
Messages
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is it taking longer to get PUSD’s soil test results?
- Why did the district conduct testing?
- What did PUSD test for?
- Who conducted the tests and analyzed the results?
- What were the results?
- What happens if elevated levels are found?
- Were students and staff exposed?
- How will families and staff be notified if elevated levels are found at their school?
- What if no elevated levels were found?
- Why are some results available, while others are not?
- If elevated levels were detected, will instruction be impacted?
- Where can I get more information or updates?
Why is it taking longer to get PUSD’s soil test results?
When Los Angeles County’s soil testing showed elevated levels of lead in areas near the burn zone, PUSD moved forward with conducting its own soil testing. While lead was a principal concern, PUSD consulted with local and state health and environmental agencies and conducted testing of other heavy metals, PAHs, dioxins/furans, and asbestos. This comprehensive approach took additional time, but it reflected our commitment to ensuring a clear, complete understanding of potentially fire-affected site conditions before reopening outdoor areas.
Why did the district conduct testing?
PUSD conducted soil testing in response to findings released in April by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) regarding elevated lead levels in soil samples collected near the Eaton Fire burn area and after consultation with local and state health and environmental agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Pasadena Public Health Department. Working with these experts is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to the safety of students and employees.
What did PUSD test for?
PUSD’s sampling strategies and locations followed best practices and the protocol used in the residential parcel sampling conducted by Los Angeles County Public Health, including surface (0–1 inch) sampling of bare soil areas such as gardens, fields, and play spaces.
Each sample was tested for the following:
- Heavy Metals, including Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium , Copper, Nickel, and Zinc.
- Asbestos fibers.
A subset of samples based on location and sensitive areas, approximately 25% per campus, were selected for analysis of the following:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Dioxins and Furans
Who conducted the tests and analyzed the results?
Verdantas, a state-licensed environmental consulting firm, conducted soil sampling and analysis, following state and federal environmental and public health guidelines. Additionally, certified National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) laboratories completed all soil analytical services.
What were the results?
- At a number of school campuses, no elevated levels of fire-related substances were detected, and no further action is needed.
- At other locations, elevated levels of certain fire-related substances were detected. These areas will be addressed through ongoing investigation, and if necessary, targeted remediation of impacted soil will be performed.
- While the results for heavy metals like lead are in, other results may take longer. Maps will be updated as new data becomes available. Updates will be posted at pusd.us/firerelief-safety as soon as they are ready.
What happens if elevated levels are found?
Were students and staff exposed?
How will families and staff be notified if elevated levels are found at their school?
If elevated levels were found:
- Families and staff at that specific campus will receive direct notification from the district.
- Soil test results are available on the PUSD website at pusd.us/firerelief-safety.
What if no elevated levels were found?
Why are some results available, while others are not?
Schools were sampled in a systematic order, and testing is ongoing. The results are still being received from state-certified laboratories, and maps and full reports will be posted at pusd.us/firerelief-safety as they become available.
If elevated levels were detected, will instruction be impacted?
Where can I get more information or updates?
Visit the district website at pusd.us/firerelief-safety. Testing updates and results will be posted.
Anyone who is concerned about exposure to lead from wildfire can obtain blood lead testing for themselves, and their children, in one of three ways:
Visit Your Medical Provider
- Ask your doctor for a blood lead test.
- Testing is covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal.
Go to a Quest Lab for a Free Blood Lead Test
- Dial 1-800-LA-4-LEAD to request a free appointment through Quest Labs.
- Simple, convenient, and confidential.
In-Person Mobile Blood Lead Testing
- For a limited time, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will offer FREE mobile blood lead testing. Upcoming events are listed below. Additional events will be added in the months to come. More information can be found at the Fire Safety and Health information website.
See previous FAQ:
At Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. Following the Eaton Fire and related soil health concerns identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, PUSD has completed a comprehensive round of soil testing at all school sites in partnership with a certified environmental consulting firm.
Several schools have been cleared and deemed safe for normal outdoor use, while others will undergo targeted remediation to ensure all outdoor areas meet health and safety standards.
We are committed to full transparency and swift action. Please explore the sections below for school-specific updates, safety measures, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Community Message
News Release
Soil Test Results
PUSD is pleased to report that several schools have been fully cleared, with no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances detected in soil samples. The full list of schools can be found below.
PUSD is pleased to report that several schools have been fully cleared, with no elevated levels of harmful fire-related substances detected in soil samples. As a result, outdoor playfields and bare dirt areas at those campuses will fully reopen. Normal operations – including recess, PE classes, and athletic team practices – will resume immediately at these locations.
However, in the spirit of full transparency, some school sites did show elevated levels of certain substances in specific outdoor areas. The district is taking immediate, proactive steps to address them.
See the state's factsheet about lead screening levels
Key actions underway include:
- Continued restriction of access to affected outdoor areas until remediation is complete.
- Ongoing collaboration with local and state health and environmental agencies, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Pasadena Public Health Department, to review test results and, if necessary, develop safe, science-based remediation plans that will protect our students and employees.
- Conduct additional soil testing and remediation where needed to maintain and ensure safety.
- Individual school notifications will include summaries, maps of affected areas, and timelines for resolution.
- While the results for heavy metals like lead are in, other results may take longer. Maps will be updated as new data becomes available.
- Updates will be posted here as soon as they are ready.
- Allendale ES
- Altadena ES
- Blair MS & HS
- Don Benito Fundamental School
- Field ES
- Hamilton ES
- Jackson STEM
- Jefferson CC
- John Muir HS
- Longfellow ES
- Madison ES
- Marshall Secondary
- McKinley School
- Norma Coombs ES
- Octavia E. Butler Magnet
- Pasadena HS
- San Rafael ES
- Sierra Madre ES
- Sierra Madre MS
- Washington ES
- Washington Children's Center
- Webster ES
- Willard ES
- Wilson Campus: Aveson, CIS, PALs, Rose City HS, Twilight and Willard Children's Center
- Education Center
- District Service Center
- Audubon Campus: Odyssey Charter
- Burbank campus: Stratford (private)
- Cleveland Campus: Aveson and Alma Fuerte Charter
- Hodges
- La Casita
- Linda Vista Campus