Health Hazards Await as California’s Fire Evacuees Return Home

Dangers include tainted water, toxic debris, and the threat of landslides. Meanwhile, high winds make a comeback.

The remains of oceanfront homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., on Jan. 17. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

Officials on Jan. 20 allowed more Southern California residents to return home to neighborhoods destroyed or damaged by recent catastrophic wildfires, but many face hazards, including contaminated water, toxic debris, and landslides.

The two major wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton fires, that started on Jan. 7 are still burning. Fire crews have the upper hand on both this week despite the arrival of more Santa Ana winds and red-flag fire danger weather warnings, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Management (Cal Fire).