Newsom signs first-in-nation standards for homes damaged by wildfire smoke

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Set us as preferred Thousands of Los Angeles homeowners faced a persistent problem long after the devastating wildfires in January 2025: While their homes were left standing, they had been infiltrated by heavy, toxic smoke and ash, and remained unsafe.Residents were forced into lengthy battles with their insurance companies to prove contamination and get help paying for the cleanup and additional living expenses.Backed by wildfire survivors and advocates in Altadena, California Gov.Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced he had signed legislation to create new, first-in-the-nation standards to test and remediate homes damaged by wildfire smoke, and to require insurance companies to pay for the associated costs.“California will not leave survivors to navigate recovery alone,” Newsom said.

“These new protections will make insurer obligations clearer and give homeowners more financial flexibility when they need it most.As fire seasons across the West become a year-round reality, California’s commitment to recovery must be just as enduring.” Business A bill has been introduced in the California Legislature to reform how insurers handle smoke damage claims following widespread complaints from January 2025 fire victims.The January 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires were two of the deadliest and most destructive in state history.

Together, they burned more than 16,000 structures and killed 31 people.Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) authored Assembly Bill 1642 after hearing repeatedly from constituents concerned that the fires had left layers of ash contaminated with asbestos, lead and toxic materials in and around their homes.

The now-signed bill directs the state to create scientific standards for what constitutes a safe home and provide guidance on how to properly remediate residences.Twenty months after Jane Lawton Po...