Efforts to clean up the wildfire damage in Los Angeles neighborhoods have been complicated by the presence of highly combustible lithium-ion batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated Phase 1 of the federal cleanup, with surveyors working to remove and dispose of hazardous materials, including lithium-ion batteries found in charred vehicles and homes.
The EPA has issued a warning about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, emphasizing that they can be extremely dangerous, even if they appear intact. These batteries have the potential to spontaneously re-ignite, explode, and emit toxic gases and particulates, even after the fire has been extinguished.
According to EPA incident commander Steve Calanog, the cleanup efforts in the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton fires are estimated to be the largest lithium-ion battery pickup and cleanup in history. Removing these batteries, whether damaged or not, requires technical expertise and caution to deionize them before disposal.
Los Angeles City Fire Capt. Adam VanGerpen highlighted the unprecedented scale of the situation, with a significant number of electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries affected by the fires. The long-term effects of exposure to these batteries remain unknown.
The California Energy Commission reported a high number of zero-emission vehicles sold in Los Angeles County in 2024, with Tesla models Y, 3, and Cybertruck being the top sellers. Authorities are warning about the residual heat that can pose a danger for an extended period, potentially leading to spontaneous combustion of lithium-ion batteries.
Aside from vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are also present in personal electronics, power tools, and home energy storage systems. President Trump's executive order aims to expedite the cleanup process and ensure the safety of residents and workers involved in the cleanup efforts.
Phase 2 of the cleanup, which involves debris removal, will be coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) once Phase 1 is completed. The EPA, along with local, state, and federal partners, is working towards a comprehensive response to the wildfires to aid in California's recovery.
