The LA Wildfire Debris Removal Process

Overview of the Process

When wildfires strike, the cleanup process is a critical first step in rebuilding. The debris removal process is divided into two main phases, each managed by different agencies. In Phase 1, hazardous materials will be removed by the EPA, and in Phase 2, homeowners can either opt-in to the government-run cleanup program or choose to hire private contractors.

Phase 1: Hazardous Material Removal

Before any debris removal can take place, a household hazardous debris inspection and clearance must be conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Property owners cannot proceed to Phase 2 without first receiving this clearance.

What Phase 1 Entails

• The EPA is responsible for removing hazardous materials, including: Paint, Cleaners and solvents, Oils, Batteries, Pesticides, Identifiable asbestos, Pressurized propane tanks, etc.
• Hazardous waste cleanup began on January 28 and is funded by the federal government. To check the status of your parcel, click here.
• The EPA has committed to completing Phase 1 within 30 days, though based on past experiences (such as the Paradise Fire), it may take longer.
• Hazardous waste materials will be staged for landfill disposal at the Lario Federal Staging Area in Azusa. The EPA has shared more information about the staging areas here.
• Each property will receive a Certificate of Compliance once the hazardous waste has been successfully removed. This certificate is required before proceeding to Phase 2.
• LA County has put together an FAQ for Phase 1 cleanup here.
• For specific questions about Phase 1, call the EPA: 833-798-7372.

Learn More: Watch a typical hazardous waste cleanup (from the Paradise Fire)

Phase 2: Debris Removal Options

Once Phase 1 is completed, homeowners must decide how they want to proceed with debris removal. There are two options: they can participate in the government-run cleanup program or manage the process independently by opting out.

• Opt-In can be done online, by printing and mailing in this form, or the forms can be found in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center. The form is also available in Spanish, Russian, Armenian, Korean, and Simplified Chinese. The deadline to opt-in is March 31, 2025.
• Opt-Out can be done online, by printing and mailing in this form, or the forms can be found in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Residents can track the Army Corps of Engineers Phase 2 cleanup progress here.

Government-Funded Cleanup by the Army Corps of Engineers (Opt-In)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will manage the debris removal free of charge for homeowners who opt-in. LA County has put together a step-by-step guide to the process. The deadline is March 31, 2025.

• Right of Entry Form Required: Homeowners must submit a form allowing the government to enter their property.
• Status: For homeowners who have opted-in, you can use this tool to check the status of your property.
• Support: For help, contact the ROE Support Hotline at (844) FIRE-DEBRIS.
• Contractors: The Army Corps of Engineers hires a main contractor, ECC (ECC.net), to supervise the cleanup. Licensed professionals, including debris removal specialists, will assist in the process.
• Cost: Covered by the federal government.
• Timeline: Based on past fires like the Paradise Fire, debris removal can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months.

Learn More: Watch the Cal Fire Cleanup Process (from the Paradise Fire)

Hiring a Private Contractor (Opt-Out)

Homeowners who opt-out must hire a licensed private contractor to remove fire debris.

Requirements:

• Approval from the county and a permit from the local city authority are required before work can begin. The Eaton and Palisades Fire Debris Removal permit is available via LA County’s EPIC-LA system. More information can be found here.
• Homeowners must hire a licensed and certified contractor.
• If asbestos is found, an abatement contractor must be hired, and an asbestos cleanup plan must be submitted to South Coast AQMD for review.
• All debris removal must comply with local regulations and adhere to the same safety standards as the Army Corps of Engineers.

Choosing a Licensed Contractor

To ensure a safe and legal cleanup process, homeowners should verify their contractor’s license through the Contractors State License Board:

Approved License Classifications:

• “A” - General Engineering License
• “B” - General Contractor
• “C-21” - Building Moving/Demolition License

Why You Should Work with a Licensed Contractor

• They'll be certified to do the job
• They must carry appropriate insurances both liability and workmen’s comp for its employees.
• They will hire only licensed haulers that are approved to move the debris materials to the appropriate waste disposal facility.
• They'll be bonded by Surety Company that he or she will complete the work.

It's important to avoid scams. Hiring an unlicensed contractor may result in:

• Injury liability for workers without compensation insurance
• Improper disposal of hazardous debris
• Fines and citations from public agencies

Learn More: Avoiding scams after the LA wildfires: What every homeowner needs to know

Private Contractor Costs & Timeline

• The cost of private contractor debris removal varies and is paid by homeowners or insurance.
• Based on experience from the Paradise Fire, the average cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home is $55,000, with a range between $24,000 to $80,000.
• Factors that affect cost include: Home size, Steel construction, Foundation removal, Pool/hardscape removal, Trees, brush, and landscaping, Underground plumbing/electrical, Asbestos presence
• Estimated Timeline: A private contractor can typically complete debris removal in three weeks or less, assuming no delays from regulatory agencies.

What to Expect During Debris Removal

• 72-Hour Notice: Cleanup crews will attempt to contact homeowners 72 hours before starting work. Homeowners should ensure gates are unlocked and provide access codes to the EPA (833-798-7372) if needed.
• Foundation Removal: Most foundations will likely need removal, especially if they are 35+ years old.
• Demolition of Damaged Homes: FEMA will determine if a structure requires demolition. If eligible, the Army Corps of Engineers will handle the demolition and debris removal.
• Soil Removal: Typically, crews remove 6 inches of soil around 2 to 5 feet beyond the fire-affected area.
• The Army Corps of Engineers will have field teams and contractors do a walkthrough with homeowners prior to starting debris removal. Homeowners will be consulted regarding trees on their property, and no trees will be removed without their signed consent. Learn more here.

Final Steps: When is Cleanup Complete?

• Once the cleanup meets program standards, contractors will install erosion control measures.
• The County will notify homeowners once their property is safe and ready for rebuilding.

By understanding the debris removal process and selecting the right option, homeowners can take the first step toward rebuilding their lives after a wildfire. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wildfire recovery efforts are constantly evolving, and details about the debris removal process—such as timelines and requirements—may change. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, homeowners should always check for the latest updates from official sources. For the most current information on wildfire debris removal, visit LA County Recovers: Debris Removal or call:

• LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332
• EPA Hotline: 833-798-7372
• US Army Corps of Engineers Debris Call Center: 213-308-8305

Acknowledgements

To provide the most accurate and practical guidance, we have closely monitored updates from LA County, and we consulted with Don Kain, the president at Rocka Builders, who has been building homes in Los Angeles since the 1980s. Having been evacuated twice due to wildfires, Don has firsthand experience with the challenges homeowners face. He also served on the evaluation team for the "Old Fire" in Lake Arrowhead and Cedar Glen, where he assessed damage and reconstruction techniques for rebuilds. His insights have shaped this guide to help homeowners navigate the debris removal process with confidence.

Disclaimer:
The information and resource links provided on this website are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed to be complete, up-to-date, or applicable to your specific situation. This website is not operated by a licensed attorney, and the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice.