Diana Felton, 47, chief of the Hawaii State Department of Health's Communicable Disease, claimed the droves of distressed homeowners returning to the rubble resembles what she saw after the state's 2023 Lahaina fire.

'It's almost like Lahaina PTSD, seeing pictures of people going into the LA neighborhoods without any PPE,' Felton said, recalling when Hawaii residents ventured into the burn zone without anything to protect themselves from toxic ash.

Los Angeles public health experts have since advised the greater Los Angeles public to vacate neighborhoods that are covered in 'cancer-causing chemicals.'

Such hazardous chemicals are a result of burned vehicles, solar panels and batteries, building materials and everyday household products.

Yet, even as officials have issued the stark warnings, residents continue to return to the ruins, with some posting videos on social media showing them walking through the remains without any protective gear.

'The desire to go back and see what you can salvage is very strong,' Felton sympathized with the curious residents. 

'It seems like a really important part of the moving on, recovery and healing component. I just want people to strike a balance between doing what's best for closure and their mental health and protecting their physical health,' Felton added. 

Felton told those returning to the burned areas after the deadly 2023 blaze that they should wear an N95 mask, goggles, gloves, socks, close-toed shoes, pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Hawaii health officials added at the time that those who were pregnant, elderly, young or medically compromised should not enter the contaminated areas.

The incinerated areas were tested just four months after the August 8, 2023, fire - which took the lives of 102 people - and all of the 100 acres analyzed revealed elevated levels of arsenic, lead, antimony, cobalt and copper.

Such substances have been linked to long-term health problems. 

Felton speculated that ash from the fires in and around the greater Los Angeles area is likely riddled with similar dangerous particles.