BRIDGE FIRE

Property owners impacted by the fire must follow the steps below for debris removal and rebuilding processes . Please note, ash, debris, and fire damage on homes may contain hazardous materials that can threaten public health. The removal of debris is prohibited until an inspection of the debris is conducted by the Los Angeles County Fire - Health Hazmat Division (Fire-Hazmat) or local hazardous materials agencies. Recovery activities are underway to ensure the safe removal of hazardous waste and fire debris of homes damaged by the wildfires. Failure to follow this process may result in not being able to take debris to local facilities.

Please follow the steps below for the Debris Removal and Rebuilding Processes. Click here for an overview of the Fire Debris Removal & Rebuilding Process (Flowchart).

Debris Removal Process

All properties are required to clear household hazardous waste (HHW) and Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) prior to removing ash and fire debris. This is to ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment. This process is intended for both residential and commercial properties that have been destroyed by the fire.

STEPS FOR BURN DEBRIS REMOVAL

1. Obtain Asbestos Report: Property owners will need to obtain an Asbestos Report from a Cal/OSHA Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC), indicating the waste is free of asbestos contamination. A list of Cal/OSHA Certified Asbestos Consultants is available at https://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/doshcaccsst/caccsst_Query_1.HTML
2. Schedule Debris Inspection & Obtain Fire Debris Approval Certificate: Property owners are required to sign Access Agreement form and submit Asbestos Report to allow onsite inspection. Send your Asbestos Report to BridgeFire@pw.lacounty.gov for review and referral to LA County Fire – HazMat Division to schedule an inspection of the property and classify which materials can be disposed of at the landfill. Once inspection is completed, Public Works will issue a Fire Debris Approval Certificate to the property owner or contractor.
3. Submit Fire Debris Approval Certificate to local Building and Safety Office: Fire Debris Approval Certificate is needed to obtain a demolition permit from County Building and Safety.
4. Dispose Burn Debris at Approved Landfill: Burn debris will only be accepted at approved landfills. The property owner or contractor will need to bring a copy of the Fire Debris Approval Certificate to the landfill when disposing of any burned debris. Note: If utilizing Mid-Valley or Victorville Landfills, please contact (909) 386-8701 prior to bringing burn debris loads to the facility.

Please note: if Access Agreement is not signed, Fire Department will not be able to access your site for inspection and subsequent issuance of a Fire Debris Approval Certificate. In this case, the property owner will be responsible to obtain the necessary permits from building and safety and comply with all regulatory requirements from the disposal facility operator. As such, you are highly recommended to contact the disposal facility before bringing any debris for disposal.

Rebuilding Process

Once property owner has completed disposal of burn debris, rebuilding process can begin.

1. Submit site plan to LA County Fire Department and Department of Regional Planning for review: The site plan can be submitted online at EPIC-LA, which you can access here. The LA County Fire Department and Department of Regional Planning will review or site plan and provide guidance to ensure that your proposed rebuilding plan is in compliance with applicable zoning and fire codes.
2. Submit Plans to Building and Safety and Receive Agency Referral: To begin the rebuilding process after a disaster, property owners need to submit an application for a building permit, either at your local Building and Safety District Office or online in EPIC-LA. Building and Safety will review your plans and provide guidance to ensure the project meets building code requirements. Building and Safety will also assist you in identifying any other local and State agencies that will also require the review and approval of your design.
3. Obtain Departmental Agency Approvals and Building Plan Approvals: Once the plans are approved, you’ll be ready for a building permit to start the construction.
4. Building Permit Issued: With your plans approved, you’ll be ready to be issued construction permits that will allow work to begin.