Close your eyes and imagine the items you might keep in a garage. Other than your car, you might have tools powered by batteries or gas. Maybe cans of paint, gardening supplies like pesticides or fertilizer. Maybe your child’s bike or crates of holiday decorations.
Now imagine all those items burned and broken, scattered across the entire neighborhood. This challenge is one still facing residents affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires today.
When the LA wildfires raged, they burned through anything and everything. Four months later, the fires have long been extinguished, but before residents can return to their beloved neighborhoods, the debris from the fires must be cleared. It is a months-long process, and the cleanup from the Los Angeles fires is the largest effort the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has ever conducted in a wildfire zone.
For families who lost everything, each cleared lot marks a small but vital step toward rebuilding their lives.
How the Cleanup Process Works: The Phases of Debris Removal
| Phase 1: Clearing Hazardous Debris | Phase 2: Clearing Remaining Debris | |
|---|---|---|
| Who handles it | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or private contractor |
| Cost to residents | Free and automatic — no need to sign up | No out-of-pocket costs if using the government program |
| What it removes | Hazardous materials like paint, chemicals, propane tanks, asbestos, and ammunition | Remaining structural debris, soil testing, and site clearance |
| Special notes | Items like lithium-ion batteries are considered “unexploded munitions” and require extra caution | Typically takes 2–3 days per property, depending on lot size, weather, and other factors |
Debris removal is the first of three milestones to meet in order to rebuild. Residents had the choice to opt for the government program or hire a private contractor. According to the Los Angeles Times, 10,373 of the around 12,000 eligible land parcels elected to use the government program led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. You can view their progress at their CA Wildfire Debris Mission website.
What is Happening to the Debris?
See a lot of trucks on the road? There’s a reason for that:
Video: Los Angeles County Coordinated Joint Information Center
Some trucks are taking the waste offsite, while others are taking debris to be processed onsite. The Los Angeles Public Press identified 17 sites where the debris will likely end up. According to a video from Amalfi Estates, debris like concrete and steel are being processed and recycled onsite. The Army has created a TDRS, or Temporary Debris Reduction Site, in Temescal Canyon (a canyon located in Pacific Palisades). Doing the work on location breaks down the debris to smaller chunks, which fills one semi-trailer instead of three or four. This more sustainable approach reduces the cleanup timeline, which will get LA closer to the rebuilding process.
Is It Safe Yet? – Should I Be Concerned About Hazardous Waste?
According to the Los Angeles Times, cleanup crews found asbestos in more than 40% of the Palisades fire area, and over 60% in Altadena. Additionally, residents are worried about other toxic compounds, as soil testing after the fires showed significant levels of lead. FEMA announced it will not perform soil testing on lots that have been cleared.
Affected residents can take steps to mitigate danger around hazardous waste:
- Wear protective gear: long sleeve shirts and pants, gloves, masks, and goggles can help protect you if you need to be on your property before it is cleared
- Debris removal precautions: Do not attempt to clean debris yourself — utilize the Army operations or a private contractor
- Look for the signs the EPA will post on your door after hazardous waste has been cleared
- Consider recommendations from the EPA on how to reduce hazardous materials in your home, and check out some ways you can reduce your carbon footprint
What’s Next After the Debris is Cleared?
Now that the deadline to choose government or private cleanup has passed, residents have a better idea of the scope of the work yet to do. Homeowners looking to rebuild can apply for building permits, which is the next step after the cleanup. Some building permits have been approved by the Department of Public Works but are pending completed debris removal or approval from other departments such as the fire department.
In addition to waiting for approval for building permits, homeowners are also dealing with insurance payouts (or lack thereof). Just like the garage didn’t fill itself overnight, people are working to replace what was lost bit by bit. All these pieces are part of the larger picture of rebuilding, which at times might feel like it is moving at a glacial pace.
Every day more and more lots are cleared. Much of the work could be completed as early as June. For the first time since the fires, real signs of rebuilding are taking root. This pace is very promising for those who lost their homes and are ready to rebuild.
Disclaimer: The content shared in our blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
