The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department closed the Altadena Sheriff’s Station Thursday in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, citing pollutants in the air and water shortages.
The day before, deputies sent an emergency message to their patrol cars saying that the air had become so toxic after several days of wildfires that they would be required to wear masks while on duty and remove their uniforms before setting foot in their homes. He said it needed to be dyed.
Then, on Thursday, sheriff’s officials said the department received a letter from the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding the contamination complaint.
“Employees are returning to work at the station and are concerned about airborne contaminants from wildfire smoke,” the letter said, and regulators have yet to determine whether that is true. He added that there are no plans to test him at this time.
The department is investigating the complaint and will report it to state regulators, according to the letter, which said it has a two-week deadline to do so.
In the meantime, the station master has decided to close the station as the department works to procure air purifiers, tap water and other essentials.
The closure comes just over a week after deputies first responded to reports of a wildfire in Eaton Canyon on Jan. 7. The wildfires killed at least 17 people and destroyed thousands of homes, businesses and historic buildings in unincorporated Altadena and nearby Pasadena.
Even in forested areas, wildfires release a variety of pollutants that can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing respiratory problems and other health problems. However, if the fire destroyed certain other buildings (such as a local hardware store loaded with buckets of paint and chemicals), the smoke could contain additional toxins such as lead and asbestos. the sheriff warned in a message Wednesday.
The day after the Eaton Fire nearly destroyed the sheriff’s station on East Altadena Drive, deputies took everything they had with them, including guns, body cameras and memorabilia from the building, which was built in 1948. They were forced to evacuate.
The park across the street, the bushes around the station, and even the California flag flying overhead were ablaze with heat and flames.
But after initially relocating to the nearby Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, the deputies quickly returned to the station, even though they had to use a portable toilet installed in the parking lot due to a lack of water. Ta.
“As someone who has worked for the Altadena Sheriff’s Department for many years, I can tell you that the officers assigned there have a deep love for the community and are heartbroken by the devastation they have witnessed.” Assn Chairman Richard Pippin said. A Los Angeles deputy sheriff made the announcement Friday afternoon. “They will continue to work tirelessly to serve their communities in dire circumstances, whether or not they have access to things like water and electricity.”
But the union president continued that the sheriff’s station should be one of the first things to be repaired, along with fire stations and schools.
He added: “I sincerely hope that our elected officials recognize the importance of investing in these critical infrastructure and public safety investments.”
The sheriff’s office said it has provided masks to all personnel working near wildfires, as well as goggles for eye protection.
“In addition, personnel have been authorized to wear cotton-based cloth uniforms to facilitate cleaning and minimize the risk of contamination,” sheriff’s officials said Friday. “The department continues to explore resources and equipment to ensure the safety of personnel working on these devastating wildfires.”
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