Pasadena, CA, Firefighters Share Health Concerns After Eaton Fire

    May 21, 2025
    Researchers at the University of Arizona are studying the impact of the wildfires on Southern California firefighters.

    The effects of the historic California wildfires earlier this year linger in the bodies of those who battled the flames.

    Firefighters' blood tests are showing high levels of carcinogens such as toxins and metals.

    "For many of us, it was the worst exposure of our careers. Everybody shared similar symptoms," said Pasadena Capt. Dave Marquez told KCAL.

    Crews from Station 38, the first to respond to the Eaton fire, reported the smoke not only burned their eyes and throat, but also caused headaches and fatigue.

    Firefighter Kevin Adiar explained: "I was coughing up black stuff probably for about four days afterwards. I couldn't eat any food for the first day. I was just throwing up and I had to have oxygen on my face."

    Firefighters are participating in a University of Arizona study involving the health impact on responders.

    "The uncertainty amongst us is very high right now," Marquez said. "We don't know what's going on inside of us."

    He has also been working to secure funding to track 50 different types of cancer in Pasadena's firefighters. 

    "Most of us here, the men and women in this department, have their families that they go home to, and they do come first," Marquez added. 

    About the Author

    Susan Nicol | News Editor

    Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues. 

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