LA WILDFIRE CLEANUP

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What to know about the 2025 LA Fires

Phase 1: EPA-Led Hazardous Waste Cleanup

The first step in the debris removal process is managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and focuses on clearing Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) from affected properties. This includes dangerous materials such as:

· Paints, solvents, and pesticides

· Propane tanks and pressurized fuel containers

· Batteries (including lithium-ion, which pose a fire risk), and other hazards

According to EPA officials, Phase 1 has already begun and is mandatory for all properties impacted by the fire.  Residents do not need to opt in; trained professionals will automatically assess and remove hazardous waste at no cost to property owners.

Track the EPA’s progress for Phase 1 at their website here

Although access to the Palisades is now open during this Phase 1 process (more below), government officials  strongly encourage residents and agents to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks and gloves when entering the area due to the hazardous conditions.

Phase 2: Onsite Debris and Ash Removal – Army Corps of Engineers or Private Contractor

Following the EPA’s hazardous waste clean-up, property owners must decide between two options for Phase 2:Option A: Government-Managed Debris Removal (Opt-In for Free)If a homeowner opts in, the onsite debris removal will be conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with Los Angeles County at no cost to the homeowner. However, this government program would get reimbursed by the homeowner’s private insurance policy if they have coverage specifically for debris removal (LA Fire Town Hall: Debris Removal – Timestamp 1:24:36 –1:24:42).


This work includes the removal of ash (up to 6" of topsoil per comments from Colonel Eric Swenson), burned structures, hazardous trees, and foundation clearing (if necessary) and requires the submission of a Right of Entry (ROE) Form from the homeowner to grant access for cleanup. Key Deadline: Residents who want to participate in this free cleanup are encouraged to submit their ROE forms as soon as possible through the County’s online portal or at local Disaster Recovery Centers. The deadline to opt in is March 31, 2025.

Link to Right of Entry Form and Submission Information

Officials encouraged residents to sign up together within neighborhoods to expedite cleanup efforts, as removal crews will prioritize clusters of properties for efficiency.

Option B: Private Debris Removal (Opt Out at the Owner’s Expense)


If property owners decide to opt out, they must hire a qualified private contractor for cleanup at their expense. Before starting debris removal, the property owner must first obtain the following:


• Phase 1 Clearance from US-EPA, and A permit from Los Angeles County Public Works (this will be managed through LA County’s EPIC-LA system – more information on this permit to come)

• Property owners selecting Option B are still encouraged to fill out an Opt-Out Form on the LA County recovery website. 

Link to Opt-Out Form and Submission Information

Contractors must follow the same environmental and safety regulations as the government-led program. Insurance coverage varies for such work, and out-of-pocket costs may be significant. Please discuss these costs with a licensed contractor.


What About Foundations?


Whether a homeowner opts in or out, LA County and/or the Army Corps of Engineers will work with the individual property owner regarding existing foundations. LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella noted that many foundations will likely require removal due to structural damage post fire (LA Fire Town Hall: Debris Removal – Timestamp  1:55:48 – 1:57:42). For those enrolled in the government debris removal program, the Army Corps of Engineers will handle foundation demolition if necessary, and homeowners can be consulted with before removal occurs if desired.


If there is a desire to preserve existing foundations, the County will require an analysis to be performed by a structural engineer to confirm if the existing foundations can be utilized for the rebuild project (LA Fire Town Hall: Debris Removal – Timestamp  2:20:47 –  2:21:25).

Phase 3: When Can I Start Construction?

After the Phase 1 (EPA-Led Hazardous Waste Cleanup) and Phase 2 (Debris Removal) processes are complete, LA City Mayor Karen Bass and LA City Councilwoman for CD-11 Traci Park affirmed that projects with approved permits can start construction (LA Fire Town Hall: Debris Removal – Timestamp  2:52:35 –  2:53:52).

Based on Councilwoman Park and Mayor Bass’ comments, there is a potential benefit to Opting Out in Phase 2 and completing the debris clearance yourself in order to begin
construction on your rebuild project sooner. The downside, of course, is the cost of paying for the Phase 2 Debris Removal yourself. Additionally, based on Colonel Swenson’s comments earlier today noting that the significant majority of Phase 2 Debris Removal will be completed within a year, the Opt-In timeline does not appear excessively cumbersome at this time, though this is subject to change.

Whether you opt for government-led debris removal or choose private contractor cleanup instead, your property must be officially certified before any rebuilding can begin. The certification letter will confirm that all ash, burned structures, hazardous materials, and contaminated soil have been properly removed. More information regarding the certification process will be forthcoming.

While the cleanup process is underway, property owners can proceed with engaging their project team and pursuing building permits for their rebuild project. LA County and LA City are working to streamline permits for fire rebuilds. Please refer Crest Real Estate – Fire Rebuild Webinar #1 for recent updates regarding permitting and the Executive Orders from the Mayor and the Governor (EO-N-4-25EO-N-7-25EO-N-9-25EO-N-14-25). 

Lastly, it should be noted that government officials are assessing the damage to existing utilities in the area (power, water, gas, etc.) and are planning to conduct extensive improvements as a result, such as undergrounding electrical infrastructure (PPCC Webinar 2:09:01 –  2:09:35). Such improvements could impact construction timelines and the ability for certain phases of construction to be completed. As the infrastructure upgrades progress, more information will be provided regarding timelines and potential impacts to construction.

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