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Toxic Homes: The Silent Aftermath of Wildfires
8 Nov
Summary
- Wildfire survivors face toxic homes despite insurers deeming them habitable.
- Filmmakers donned hazmat suits to document the hidden dangers of contaminated homes.
- The film explores the emotional toll and impossible choices of returning to toxic houses.
The documentary "Still Standing" offers a profound look at the aftermath of wildfires, focusing on homes that survived the flames but became toxic. Released in late 2026, the film by directors Víctor Tadashi Suárez and Livia Albeck-Ripka captures the impossible choice faced by homeowners after the January 2025 Eaton fire in Altadena, Los Angeles, which destroyed thousands of residences.
Wearing hazmat suits and masks, the filmmakers documented homes contaminated with toxic ash, a reality many insurance companies dismissed. The film portrays residences frozen in time, with holiday decorations and family settings preserved, creating a stark visual of lives disrupted. This ongoing disaster, marked by residents' endless calls to insurance companies, highlights a less-reported consequence of wildfires.
"Still Standing," which has garnered Oscar-qualifying awards and screened at various festivals, premieres online on November 19, 2026, as part of the PBS series POV. The documentary delves into the emotional and psychological toll on survivors, who grapple with undefined loss and grief while navigating the invisible threat within their own homes.
