Los Angeles fires create hazardous conditions from melted electric vehicles and batteries

Recent fires in Los Angeles, which killed 28 people, melted electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries, creating hazardous conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading a large-scale cleanup, marking one of the largest hazardous-materials efforts in the area. The Palisades Fire burned over 36 square miles, affecting neighborhoods with many electric vehicles. Cleanup crews are prioritizing intact batteries that could still pose risks, as they search through thousands of destroyed homes and buildings. Evacuation orders have been lifted, allowing residents to return during specific hours. The EPA has set up hazardous debris collection sites and received $175 million for cleanup, with a 60-day timeline to remove toxic waste.