An underground fire at a Los Angeles County landfill has been quietly burning since 2022, releasing toxic gases into nearby neighborhoods. Residents near the Chiquita Canyon Landfill report chronic symptoms—including nosebleeds, skin rashes, and a rise in cancer diagnoses—while officials continue to monitor the site.
In this episode, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo joins us to discuss the health concerns, the state’s response, and what this may reveal about California’s broader approach to waste management and public health.
“People are getting cancer. They can’t sell their homes. Their kids can’t go outside. And we still haven’t declared a state of emergency,” said Assemblymember Schiavo, who has called for relocation support and stronger intervention.