Despite repeatedly warning that wildfire debris likely contains hazardous substances, public officials are preparing to dump millions of tons of contaminated ash and rubble from the Eaton and Palisades fires into Southern California landfills that were not designed to handle high concentrations of toxic chemicals. … In the past, state environmental regulators have issued violations for dumping hazardous waste, including lead-contaminated soil, at these landfills, citing the risk it poses to groundwater.

Other wildfire response news:

• Los Angeles Times: Could balloon-like water tanks help fight L.A.’s fires? A new concept is touted as a solution
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services: News release: California’s largest watershed protection mission reaches 80% completion following devastating fires in Los Angeles County
• LAist: Water quality issues: What utilities are doing after the wildfires 
• The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.): Surprise January wildfires followed near-driest rainy season since 1800s