Wildfires can leave behind not only charred rubble and ash but also hidden hazards. After a major fire, the cleanup process is both critical and sometimes overwhelming for homeowners. The good news? Los Angeles County (and many other California counties) has a structured, two-phase debris removal program to help property owners safely clear and eventually rebuild on their land.
In this post, we’ll break down Phase 1 (Household Hazardous Material Removal) and Phase 2 (Private Property Debris Removal), outline your options, and highlight important next steps if you’re navigating this process.
Who Does It?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) typically manages the initial household hazardous materials removal after a catastrophic wildfire. In some cases, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) works alongside them, but EPA is often the lead agency.
Is It Mandatory?
Yes—Phase 1 is mandatory. Hazardous materials pose a serious risk not just to your property, but to your neighbors and the local ecosystem. Items like lithium-ion batteries, paint, propane tanks, and automotive fluids can leak toxins or even explode if not removed properly. The government has the legal authority to access properties for this emergency task, so you do not need to sign any forms or grants of permission.
How Long Does It Take?
The teams can typically clear a single property in a matter of hours to a day, but because they’re working across an entire region, the total process may span several months—especially if hundreds or thousands of structures were impacted. Keep an eye on the official LA County or EPA websites for progress updates.
Helpful Resources
EPA Hotline: (833) 798-7372
Once the hazardous materials have been cleared, the next step is removing the ash, structural debris, and potentially contaminated soil. Here, you have two main options:
The deadline to participate in the government clean-up is March 31,2025. Please make sure your friends and neighbors are aware.
How It Works
Under a federal or state mission assignment, teams organized by agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or CalOES (California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services) will remove debris from your property at no out-of-pocket cost to you, beyond whatever your insurance covers for debris removal. You’ll need to sign a Right of Entry (ROE) form, which grants these crews permission to come onto your property.
What’s Included?
Insurance Considerations
Deadlines
There’s typically a 60-day window after Phase 2 sign-ups open (Signups open on January 28,2025) to opt in. You can later decide to switch to a private contractor if you change your mind (though you usually can’t switch back).
Why Choose This Option?
Government-sponsored removal can save you significant money. Debris removal can easily exceed $100,000 per lot—costly enough to eat into your rebuilding budget if you’re underinsured. Opting in also streamlines the process, particularly if your neighbors do the same.
What’s Required?
If you choose your own contractor, they must follow strict county or state guidelines for handling and disposing of fire debris. Proper permits, dust control measures, and disposal records are mandatory to ensure public health and safety.
Pros and Cons
Check Your Insurance
Does your policy have a separate debris removal limit, or is it lumped in with dwelling replacement? If you have a limited debris removal coverage, consider the government program so you can preserve more of your policy for rebuilding.
Speak With Neighbors
If your entire block opts into the government program, that might speed up the cleanup for everyone. On the other hand, if multiple neighbors are going private, you may want to coordinate schedules to reduce logistical conflicts.
Evaluate Your Timeline
While government crews often move quickly once they’re in your neighborhood, there can be initial waiting periods. Private contractors might start sooner, but they can also be backed up with demand after a fire.
No Waiting to Submit Building Plans: You don’t have to wait for debris removal to begin the process of designing or submitting plans for your rebuild. However, you generally can’t start actual construction until your property has been officially cleared.
Recovery of Personal Items: Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 crews typically watch for sentimental or valuable items that might have survived the fire. These items are often turned over to local authorities (like the LAPD) so they can be returned.
Stay Informed: Official county or city websites (and local neighborhood or city council meetings) will often post daily or weekly updates. You can track where cleanup teams are working and get an estimated window for your property.
Going through the debris removal process after a wildfire is overwhelming, but remember—you do have options, and there are agencies in place to help lighten the load. Phase 1 clearance of hazardous materials is non-negotiable, ensuring safety for everyone. After that, Phase 2 provides flexibility: either let government-sponsored crews handle the bulk of the work, or hire a private contractor you trust.
Whichever route you take, understanding the timeline, insurance considerations, and local requirements is crucial. Stay connected with official LA County or City resources, keep lines of communication open with your neighbors and insurance representatives, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure of the next step.
If you have additional questions or want the latest details, for Phase 1 clean up, see the EPA website, and for Phase 2 clean up, check the LA County Public Works website for official updates, deadlines, and forms. Remember, recovery can feel slow at times, but with the right support and information, you’ll be on the path to rebuilding.