FEMA to pay for lead testing at 100 homes destroyed by Eaton Fire, cleaned by federal workers, report says

LOS ANGELES () — Federal officials are expected to announce that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will pay to test soil for lead at homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire, marking a major reversal, according to reports.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Environmental Protection Agency said that FEMA will cover the cost of soil testing at 100 properties previously cleaned by federal contractors.

The decision comes after reporting by the Los Angeles Times stated that cleanup crews may have violated safety protocols, potentially leaving toxic contaminants behind.

Sampling is scheduled to begin next week, with results expected in April.