Press Play with Madeleine Brand

USC professor’s house burned down, now he’s helping victims test their soil

The federal government will not test soil in the fire zones, so USC researchers are doing it for them. For earth scientist Josh West, the work is close to home.

By Madeleine Brand • Mar 27, 2025 • 1 min read

The federal government will not test soil in the fire zones, so USC researchers are doing it for them. For earth scientist Josh West, the work is close to home.

Madeleine Brand
Host, 'Press Play'
Sarah Sweeney
Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW
Stephen Gregory
Managing Editor, Press Play
Angie Perrin
Producer, Press Play
Josh West
professor of earth sciences and environmental studies at the University of Southern California

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

USC professor’s house burned down, now he’s helping victims test their soil

The federal government will not test soil in the fire zones, so USC researchers are doing it for them. For earth scientist Josh West, the work is close to home.

Share

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

USC professor’s house burned down, now he’s helping victims test their soil

The federal government will not test soil in the fire zones, so USC researchers are doing it for them. For earth scientist Josh West, the work is close to home.

Share