PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — The Palisades and Eaton fires collectively destroyed over 16,000 homes, businesses and other buildings across Los Angeles County.

In its wake, lies contaminated debris that could be seeping into the soil.

Environmental toxicologist and the founder of Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation, Danielle Stevenson said these sites could be considered brownfields. The EPA classifies brownfields as "property where expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.”

Her organization is conducting soil testing as part of a post-fire bioremediation study. Stevenson said soil testing could uncover how bioremediation, the use of living organisms like plants and mushrooms, could help extract contaminants from the area.