Everything You Need to Know About LA County's Free Fire Debris Removal Program
This article was originally published on Jan. 29, 2025 on laist.com.
As the Environmental Protection Agency starts the first phase of removing hazardous debris from areas destroyed by the Palisades and Eaton fires, property owners are being urged to start thinking about what happens next.
For now, there isn't a huge rush since there’s no timeline for when the Phase 1 of the removal process will be completed, but it's already generating controversy. Material from the Eaton Fire is being taken to Lario Park, just north of Irwindale, while debris from the Palisades Fire zone is being shipped to property near Malibu managed by California State Parks. Despite the EPA pledging to take public health precautions, elected officials in both areas are sounding alarms about potential risks of the hazardous waste leaching into water and soil, or being kicked back up into the air.
Before Phase 2 starts, property owners will need to choose whether to sign up for free debris cleanup through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
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What happens in Phase 1?
In Phase 1, EPA crews will enter homes to pick up dangerous materials like batteries, paint, cleaners, solvents and oils. It’s important to note that during this phase, the crews can enter homes without permission. If human remains or firearms are found, workers will contact law enforcement for removal.
No timeline has been set for when Phase 1 will be finished. The final step is for EPA officials to clear the property to move to Phase 2, marking it with a sign.
For questions about Phase 1, residents can email EPALAWildfiresInfo@epa.gov, or call (833) 798-7372.
About Phase 2
After Phase 1, you can opt for a free cleanup by the Army Corps of Engineers or hire a contractor preapproved by the government. You have until March 31 to decide.
To opt in, residents can fill out this form online. Make sure to have homeowner and vehicle insurance information handy. In the free debris-removal program, crews will remove burned debris, asbestos, vehicles, damaged trees and ash and clean up soil. Residents can also ask for foundation removal.
Col. Eric Swenson of the Army Corps of Engineers, says Phase 2 removal could take two to 10 days.
As of Wednesday morning, 1,409 people had submitted applications to opt in, according to L.A. County's Joint Information Center.
For help filling out the form, residents can call the L.A. County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline at (844) 347-3332. They can also email PalisadesFire@dpw.lacounty.gov or EatonFire@dpw.lacounty.gov.
Property owners can also seek assistance in person at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers.
To opt out of the program, submit this form online. If you hire a private contractor for debris removal, it will not be covered by state or federal funds.
