LOS ANGELES, CA – The timeline for clearing debris from neighborhoods devastated by recent wildfires has been significantly shortened, with officials now estimating that the cleanup process could be completed in less than a year. Local, state, and federal agencies are accelerating efforts to remove hazardous materials and debris to allow rebuilding to begin as soon as possible.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is overseeing the first phase of the cleanup, which involves the removal of household hazardous waste. Los Angeles County officials said the EPA has already completed preliminary assessments and will begin operations in the coming days. This phase is expected to be completed within 30 days, significantly faster than the initial projection of three months.
The second phase, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with Los Angeles County Public Works, will focus on general debris removal. Property owners have two options: opt into the free, government-managed program or hire private contractors to handle cleanup. Authorities now estimate this process will take less than a year, a major reduction from earlier projections of 18 months.
Colonel Eric Swenson, Field Office Commander for the Army Corps of Engineers, emphasized the importance of homeowners submitting right-of-entry forms promptly to ensure timely debris removal. “Once a crew arrives at a property, depending on the complexity of the site, it could take between two and 10 days to clear the debris,” Swenson said. “We certainly expect to be done with this whole process in less than a year. It just really depends on how fast we get the rights of entry.”
So far, more than 600 residents in Altadena and Pacific Palisades have opted into the program, according to county officials. The deadline for submitting right-of-entry forms is March 31, 2025. Homeowners who do not opt in will be required to handle debris removal independently using private contractors.
For residents who choose private cleanup, strict requirements must be met. Private contractors must comply with Army Corps standards, follow county-approved haul routes, dispose of debris at approved landfills, and meet all local jurisdiction regulations. However, private debris removal cannot begin until the EPA completes the hazardous waste removal phase.
Swenson detailed the precautions being taken to prevent environmental contamination during debris transportation. “When we remove fire action debris, we place it in the bed of a dump truck, inside of a black, heavy-duty plastic liner, which we will wrap tightly around that ash,” he explained. “Then we lower the tarp from the truck on top of it to ensure that all of the ash remains in place during transit. We also use the ‘wet method,’ applying water mist to keep ash from becoming airborne and mitigate any risk to the community and nearby homes that have been reoccupied.”
To streamline the rebuilding process, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved measures to remove regulatory barriers. Supervisor Kathryn Barger said the board’s decision simplifies permitting and eliminates bureaucratic delays. “It took 20 pages of a board motion, but we eliminated barriers that would slow down the rebuild in our communities,” she said.
Residents can begin submitting building plans immediately, even before debris removal is complete. Officials are establishing one-stop permitting centers in affected areas, including Altadena, to help residents navigate the rebuilding process.
Meanwhile, public health and safety measures remain in place. Access passes are required at checkpoints for returning residents in Carbon Beach and along Pacific Coast Highway for those in Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) at these checkpoints.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath noted that beaches remain closed from Malibu to Playa Del Rey due to water quality concerns. Areas under closure include Surfrider Beach, Las Flores State Beach, Santa Monica, and Dockweiler. An ocean water quality advisory remains in effect.
Officials are holding weekly press conferences every Wednesday at 8 a.m. to provide updates on the recovery process. The next town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, with an additional public health-focused town hall, “Protecting Your Health After a Fire,” set for Friday, January 31, at 6 p.m.
For residents seeking information, the EPA can be reached at 1-833-798-7372 or via email at [email protected]. General debris removal inquiries can be directed to 844-347-3332 or found online at recovery.lacounty.gov.
“When I speak with our residents who have lost everything, their spirit fills me with hope,” Barger said. “We will not stop working until we get you back into your homes.”
