What to Expect When Phase 2 Debris Removal Gets Underway in Your Community
Recovery One Truckload at a Time
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is swiftly and safely conducting debris removal efforts in neighborhoods impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The videos below explain what you may see happening in your neighborhood as private property debris removal ramps up.
Hazardous Tree Removal
Not Just an Army Corps Mission
Safety is the Job
Recovery Work Isn’t Quiet
Our Mission is Clear
Every Truckload
Right of Entry Form
The deadline to opt-in to the government-run debris removal program is April 15, 2025. Click below to learn about your options for debris removal.
Hazardous Trees
A hazardous tree removal waiver has been established for property owners participating in the federally funded Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program who wish to retain specific trees on their property. This waiver allows owners to retain certain trees identified by an ISA-certified arborist to be hazardous. The waiver can be submitted via email or to the contractor during the 360-degree walkthrough, which is the last step before debris removal operations begin. Completed forms must be emailed to Eatoncallcenter@ecc.net for Altadena properties or Palisadescallcenter@ecc.net for Palisades properties.
A hazardous tree is any tree that poses an immediate threat to lives or public health and safety, including risks to debris removal crews. Under the PPDR Program, trees are eligible for removal if they meet all the following criteria:
- The tree has a diameter of 6 inches or greater (measured 4.5 feet above ground).
- The tree is a distance less than 1.5 times the tree height from a structure or presents a hazard to work crews.
Example: The tree could fall on a home or sidewalk. Refer to graphic for visual aid.
- The tree is dead or expected to die within five years as determined by an ISA-certified arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
Additionally, trees that have fallen within the ash footprint will be removed as part of debris clearance efforts.
Property owners who wish to preserve specific hazardous trees must complete the Waiver of Hazardous Tree Removal form. Those opting out of hazardous tree removal should be aware that:
- Retaining hazardous trees may impact the ability to obtain a permit or rebuild on the property.
- The local permitting agency will determine rebuild requirements.
- The property owner assumes responsibility for future hazards caused by the trees they choose to keep.
Property owners interested in retaining a tree must:
- Complete the Waiver of Hazardous Tree Removal form.
- Provide a site sketch and list of trees they wish to preserve.
- Submit the completed form in person to the Corps of Engineers’ contractor during their site visit or email completed forms to Eatoncallcenter@ecc.net for Altadena properties or Palisadescallcenter@ecc.net for Palisades properties.
To obtain a copy of the waiver form, property owners can visit Waiver of Hazardous Tree Removal at recovery.lacounty.gov.
For media inquiries, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wildfires Recovery Field Office Public Affairs at SoCalWildfires@usace.army.mil.