U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beginning residential debris removal in LA County

This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the State of California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will begin Phase-2 debris removal for private residential properties in the Eaton and Palisades wildfire impact zones. The start of Phase-2 debris removal to private homes marks a major milestone in the wildfire recovery process for residents impacted by the wildfires.

“This mission is personal for us,” said Maj. Gen. Jason Kelly, deputy commanding general for Civil and Emergency Operations. “Our teams on the ground are bringing the same urgency, precision and care to residential properties that we do with all our civil works and military construction missions around the world. We are grateful for the strong collaboration with FEMA, the state of California, Los Angeles County and the local jurisdictions impacted by the fire, and we remain committed to supporting these impacted communities every step of the way.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, in partnership with six locally affected jurisdictions, has been working with wildfire survivors to collect Rights of Entry, establish safe debris haul routes, and coordinate the responsible transport and disposal of fire ash and other fire-related debris. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s removal of household hazardous materials has paved the way for this next phase.

“Clearing debris is the first step toward recovery, and we are committed to helping residents in communities across LA County rebuild,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recovery Field Office. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proud to support this mission alongside our federal, state and local partners to ensure families return home and begin the rebuilding process as quickly as possible.”

As operations ramp up, residents should expect increased truck traffic in affected neighborhoods and along debris removal routes to local landfills. Officials encourage the public to plan accordingly and appreciate their patience as crews work to remove debris and mitigate health and safety risks for all residents of LA County.

The Army Corps of Engineers anticipates that most eligible properties enrolled in the federal debris removal program will be cleared within a year, with a majority expected to be completed well before that deadline.

Survivors who have not yet signed up for the program can do so by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center or visiting the county’s recovery website at: recovery.lacounty.gov.

For media inquiries, contact the Corps of Engineers Wildfires Recovery Field Office Public Affairs at SoCalWildfires@usace.army.mil.

Contact:
LA Recovery Field Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
socalwildfires@usace.army.mil