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After the Woolsey Fire

Number 1

Clear Debris

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Clear Hazardous Material

Ash, debris, and fire damage on homes that have been red or yellow tagged may contain hazardous materials that can threaten public health. Due to a declaration of a Local Health Emergency, the removal of debris is prohibited until an inspection of the debris is conducted by specially trained Federal, State, or local hazardous materials teams.

Additional Resources

Hazardous Material Inspection and Removal (Phase I)

In Phase I, local government, state and federal agencies have organized teams of experts from the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) to inspect impacted properties and remove any household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment.

No forms need to be filled out and no appointments need to be made for this free service and it is a required assessment. Officials will post a yellow clearance placard on your property to indicate it is safe from hazardous materials. This service is for both residential and commercial properties.

Fire and Trash Debris Removal (English; Español)

Household Hazardous Waste Assessment and Removal

Household Hazardous Waste Assessment Dashboard

Household Hazardous Waste Assessment and Removal (Video)

FAQ Household Hazardous Waste Assessment and Removal

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Clear Fire Debris

Fire Debris Removal Operations (Phase II)

In Phase II, Federal, State, and local officials are coordinaing to conduct fire - related debris removal, including the building's foundation, from your property. There are two options available to residents. Option One is FREE for residents who opt-in and qualify for the government-sponsored Fire Debris Removal program. Option Two is for residents who opt-out or do not qualify for the Fire Debris Removal Program (Option 1). View this video to help explain Phase II.

For questions on fire debris removal programs, contact (626) 979-5370. For additional fire-related resources, visit https://www.lacounty.gov/recovery.

Option 1: Residents who opt-in for Government Program (Recommended)

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) in coordination with LA County Public Works, will provide private property debris removal services to residents who elect government-assisted debris removal.

Do I Qualify for Option One?

  • There is no cost to the property owner for this work, but residents must opt-in to the program to participate.
  • Residents who opt-in to this program will be required to provide consent to access property through a right-of-entry form that will be administered by the County or local jurisdiction.

Step 1: Download and complete the Right of Entry Permit for Debris Removal Form (English) or (Spanish)

Step 2:Return your Right of Entry form to a Disaster Recovery Center or via email to woolseyfire@dpw.lacounty.gov by January 28, 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advisory Notice (English) or (Spanish)

Option 2: Residents who opt-out or do not qualify for the Fire Debris Removal program

Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in the government-assisted debris removal program. This will be a much more streamlined process and no-fee will be administered. However, residents may choose to remove non-hazardous debris from their properties in the following ways:

  • Self-clearance and self-hauling directly to a permitted landfill or other permitted solid waste facility.
  • Self-clearance and use of roll-off bins or dumpster by authorized waste haulers to remove debris for disposal.
  • Contracting for clearance and hauling. Residents are advised to select a contractor based on their individual needs.

In some cases, a demolition permit will be required to remove standing structures.

Step 1: Download and complete the Opt-Out Application Form

Step 2: Download and complete the Partially Burned or Damaged Structures Form

Step 3: Submit both forms to a Disaster Recovery Center or via email to woolseyfire@dpw.lacounty.gov by January 30, 2019.

Step 4: All debris removal must be completed by March 15, 2019.

Step 5: Download and fill out the Property Clean-Up Completion Certification Form once work is completed and submitted to a Disaster Recovery Center or via email to woolseyfire@dpw.lacounty.gov

Additional Resources