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California Schools Impacted by Palisades Fire
A spokesperson from Los Angeles Unified School District confirmed that Palisades Charter High School, Palisades Charter Elementary School, and Marquez Elementary School have suffered considerable damage due to the Palisades Fire.
As educational institutions in areas affected by the wildfire prepare to reopen, many parents express anxiety regarding the potential dangers posed by toxic ash resulting from the blaze.
Kelli Ferrone stated that although Canyon Charter Elementary School may resume operations as early as Monday, she personally undertook cleanup efforts at the campus, located just half a mile from the fire’s devastation. Ferrone conveyed to the Associated Press her preference for the school to temporarily relocate instead of rushing to reopen.
“The Los Angeles Unified School District has never encountered a disaster of this magnitude,” Ferrone remarked. “Although everyone is making a concerted effort, we urgently need a new temporary location with classrooms and teaching staff present. This is essential for restoring community confidence.”
The ash resulting from the fire is a hazardous mixture comprising remnants of burned vehicles, electronics, batteries, construction materials, paints, furniture, and an array of personal items. It also includes harmful substances such as pesticides, asbestos, plastics, and lead, which particularly affect children. However, the long-term health repercussions of exposure to this toxic material remain uncertain.
RAIN IN CALIFORNIA HELPS FIREFIGHTERS BUT RAISES CONCERNS OVER TOXIC ASH RUNOFF
As a mother escorts her daughter into a temporary classroom on January 24, 2025, in Los Angeles, they await the reopening of Canyon Charter Elementary School, which has been closed due to the fallout from the Palisades Fire.
The school remained shuttered on January 22, 2025, following the nearby wildfires.
Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, explained, “Due to their hand-to-mouth behavior and rapid growth during early childhood, children are more susceptible to pollution of this nature. The risk of exposure will linger for some time.”
“All seven Los Angeles Unified School District locations near the Palisades Fire have undergone cleaning and inspection by environmental consultants prior to reopening,” the district announced via its official update.
LA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS ANNOUNCE CLOSURES DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE
On January 15, 2025, a melted jungle gym, destroyed by the Eaton Fire, was observed at a school in Altadena, California.
The cleaning procedures followed the recommendations set forth for schools affected by wildfires by various agencies, including the California Department of Education, California Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
While some are concerned about the safety of the remaining schools, others face an absence of any school to return to.
Plumes of smoke from the Hughes Fire were visible over Castaic, California, on January 22, 2025.
In a heartfelt expression of loss, actor Chris Pratt shared on social media, “Our community is gone; my son’s school has been destroyed, and my son’s mom’s house burned down.” Pratt, along with his ex-wife Anna Faris, is parent to their 12-year-old son, Jack.
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