Step 1: Debris Removal
The first step in the road to rebuilding is debris removal. EPA has completed Phase 1 Hazardous Material Removal. Property owners are welcome and encouraged to submit their application to rebuild at any time in the process.
The first step in the road to rebuilding is debris removal. In partnership with city, county, state, and federal officials and agencies, Los Angeles County championed the fastest major debris clean up in American history.
More than 2.5 million tons of debris have been removed from more than 9,000 properties throughout LA County.
Phase 1: Hazardous Waste Removal
The EPA’s phase 1 hazardous material removal work was completed as of February 27, 2025.
Phase 2: General Debris Removal
Phase 2 of fire debris removal is was coordinated and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Private Property Debris Removal Information
Property owners do NOT need to sign up for Phase 1 household hazardous debris removal. However, if your property has been damaged or destroyed, it must pass a Phase 1 household hazardous debris inspection and clearance by the EPA before being eligible for moving into Phase 2 removal of the remaining fire debris.
For Phase 2, property owners need to decide whether to opt in for no out-of-pocket cost cleanup by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or opt out and pay a specialized, approved contractor to remove the remaining fire debris, following all necessary requirements, rules and regulations.
Property owners won’t be able to get a Phase 2 permit unless they have received Phase 1 clearance from the EPA.
For those that opted-out of government-coordinated debris removal, consider the following steps:
- Apply for a Eaton & Palisades Fire Debris Removal Permit through epicla.lacounty.gov to avoid delaying work in their communities.
- Call the LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332. Rebuild plans can be submitted prior to the completion of the debris removal process.
- Property owners who opted out or failed to submit an ROE must obtain a Fire Debris Removal (FDR) permit, learn more here.
Additional Resources
The deadline to opt-in or -out of the government-run debris removal program was April 15, 2025. Fire debris must be removed by June 30th.
Participants of the government-run debris removal program can use the Hazardous Tree Waiver to retain specific trees on their property.
Use the Debris Removal Dashboard to view the status of ROE submissions and other debris removal data
The list of permitted waste disposal facilities is for residents and contractors who are ineligible or opted-out of the government-run debris removal program.