Federal Agencies Set to Initiate Fire Debris Cleanup on Private Properties

LOS ANGELES—Officials declared on Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will start clearing fire debris from private properties that were either damaged or destroyed by the wildfires in January.

In collaboration with Los Angeles County and affected local governments, the two federal agencies will enter the yards of residents who have submitted a Rights of Entry form to address the removal of fire-affected materials, including trees deemed hazardous, metals, concrete, and ashes.

During a press conference, federal representatives emphasized that this initiative marks a significant step in the process of wildlife recovery.

“Residents in the affected areas will see a rise in truck traffic, as well as equipment and work crews in the upcoming days, weeks, and months,” stated Col. Eric Swenson, the commander of the USACE’s Recovery Field Office. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to clear the debris and mitigate the long-term risks for the entire community of L.A. County.”

The receipt of the Rights of Entry forms allows the Corps to begin the debris clearing process from residences that faced destruction in the wildfires, pending clearance of hazardous materials by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Robert Fenton, the regional administrator for FEMA Region 9, responsible for Southern California, highlighted that L.A. County has collected over 7,300 of these Rights of Entry forms.

The debris-removal process is divided into two phases. The first phase involves the EPA addressing hazardous waste. Once these hazardous materials are cleared, residents can opt to have the Army Corps of Engineers handle the removal of additional debris under Phase 2. The program is free for participants, provided they complete the Rights of Entry forms. Alternatively, residents may choose to hire their own contractors.

Currently, the USACE has initiated Phase 2 operations at five campuses within the Pasadena Unified School District that suffered damage during the Eaton Fire. Debris removal methods have already been implemented at institutions like the Pasadena Rosebud Academy, Franklin Elementary School, and Noyes Elementary School.

By the end of the week, work will commence at several schools in Pacific Palisades.

Swenson assured the public that measures will be taken to minimize air quality issues, such as employing water suppression techniques. Additionally, the agencies request that drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists remain vigilant in work zones with heavy machinery.

“Our aim is to assist families in taking the initial steps toward rebuilding by safely and responsibly removing fire debris with a sense of urgency,” Swenson remarked.

Tara Fitzgerald, the EPA Pacific Southwest Incident Commander overseeing the agency’s response to the L.A. wildfires, mentioned that initial activities include disposing of household hazardous materials like propane tanks, pesticides, and damaged batteries—any items that could pose risks to returning residents and clean-up workers starting Phase 2 of debris removal.

The EPA currently has over 1,300 staff and 100 teams actively involved in Phase 1 efforts, having already cleared 3,000 hazardous material parcels as of Monday.

The agency aims to complete Phase 1 by February 28 to facilitate the commencement of Phase 2 on additional residential properties. To achieve this goal, Fitzgerald noted that new staging areas for household hazardous materials would be established at a Will Rogers State Beach parking lot and the Altadena Golf Course.

Fitzgerald indicated they do not foresee the need for additional Phase 1 staging areas, though the USACE may consider operating more sites for their activities.

As part of the program, Swenson mentioned that the agency is capable of testing six inches of topsoil to ensure the removal of any dangers left by fire-related debris or ash. Property owners with further inquiries were advised to reach out to the county health department regarding soil testing options.

Fitzgerald elaborated on the EPA’s contract with Clean Harbors, which assists in the proper packaging and disposal of hazardous materials at designated facilities, excluding municipal landfills or recycling centers. Acceptable disposal sites are state, county, or out-of-state facilities.

Phase 2 materials will be transported to facilities authorized by CalRecycle or the county. Materials like concrete, metal, and wood may be recycled and redeployed into markets.

“We utilize specialized contractors when necessary for handling materials such as asbestos,” Swenson added.

Both FEMA and USACE are taking numerous precautions to ensure hazardous materials do not leak or compromise the safety of staging areas by deploying various protective materials, deep containers, specialized vehicles, and more.

Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the swift initiation of the fire debris removal, noting it commenced 35 days after the fires began—approximately half the duration it took to initiate similar efforts following the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.

“The speed of this cleanup is unparalleled and reflects the commitment of local, state, and federal governments to aid families in regaining stability as swiftly as possible,” Newsom expressed in a statement.

Mayor Karen Bass similarly echoed Newsom’s sentiments, asserting in a statement that this “rapid timeline illustrates the strength of cooperation among local, state, and federal officials, and we will persist in eliminating red tape while collaboratively serving the residents of the Palisades.”

By Jose Herrera