California Fire Survivors Battle Insurers Over Hidden Smoke Toxins in Their Homes
Michelle Meyers, Partner at Singleton Schreiber, authored an opinion piece for CalMatters titled “California Fire Survivors Battle Insurers Over Hidden Smoke Toxins in Their Homes,” published on May 5, 2026.
In the article, Meyers discusses the ongoing challenges California homeowners face more than a year after the Eaton and Palisades fires, particularly regarding smoke contamination and inconsistent insurance claim handling. She highlights concerns surrounding toxic substances found in fire-damaged homes, including lead, asbestos, and heavy metals, and explains how many survivors continue to question whether their homes are truly safe following remediation efforts.
The piece also examines two proposed California bills addressing wildfire smoke remediation standards. Meyers advocates for Assembly Bill 1642, which would establish health clearance standards and strengthen consumer protections, while criticizing Assembly Bill 1795 for relying on industry-created remediation standards that she argues may prioritize insurer compliance over homeowner safety and future litigation protection.
