DEBRIS REMOVAL

Recovery from these unprecedented and devastating wildfires will be challenging, and LA County Public Works is committed to working with residents to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. The County is committed to streamlining the permitting and building process and helping you rebuild your community.

To ensure public health and safety, the Health Officer has issued a local health emergency order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris at fire damaged and burned properties located in Critical Fire Areas, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed by an approved government agency. Post-fire house debris is hazardous because it can contain toxic materials like asbestos, lead, mercury, chemicals from household products, and other heavy metals which are released into the ash and debris when structures burn. These materials pose a risk to health if inhaled or handled improperly. Per the order properties with damaged or destroyed structures are not allowed to remove hazardous fire debris without County approval.

Here's what to expect for debris removal as we work together toward restoration.

Step 1: Household Hazardous Waste Removal

• The US EPA is coordinating fire debris assessment and household hazardous waste removal activities. This is done at no cost to the property owner. Each property with damaged/destroyed structures identified will be cleared of all household hazardous waste.

Step 2: Fire Debris Removal

• After household hazardous materials are removed, the next phase of debris removal can begin.
• Owners of destroyed structures will have the opportunity to participate in a government-sponsored program to have their properties cleared of fire debris. Property owners who elect to opt-out of the government-sponsored program will be required to obtain County approval prior to removing any fire debris.
• The County will release more detailed information about the debris removal program as it becomes available, please check back here frequently for updates.
• Once the debris removal process is complete, rebuilding can begin.