Important Debris Removal Deadlines
Right of Entry Deadine – April 15, 2025
The deadline to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form was April 15, 2025.
Fire Debris Removal Permit – June 1, 2025
- All property owners who opted out or failed to submit an ROE must obtain a Fire Debris Removal (FDR) permit and hire a licensed contractor by June 1.
- If a permit is not obtained by this date, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance.
Complete Debris Removal – June 30, 2025
- Fire debris must be removed by June 30.
- If cleanup is not completed by this date, the property may be declared a Public Nuisance.
Private Property Debris Removal Information
Los Angeles County is dedicated to restoring our communities swiftly and safely after the recent wildfires. The debris removal process is divided into two main phases, each managed by different agencies. Residents have the option to participate in the government-run program or manage the cleanup independently by opting out.
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.
Phase 1 Hazardous Waste Removal
The EPA’s phase 1 hazardous material removal work was completed as of February 27, 2025.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has been assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to survey, remove, and dispose of hazardous materials from properties impacted by the fires. This work is free to residents and is already underway with assistance from the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and local agencies.
As the first stage of cleanup, USEPA will remove potentially dangerous everyday products like:
- Paint
- Cleaners and solvents
- Oils
- Batteries
- Pesticides
USEPA field teams will remove asbestos and inspect pressurized fuel cylinders (like propane tanks). They will also remove items thought to have asbestos if they are easy to identify, but the property will not be fully cleared until Phase 2 (debris removal).
If you have specific questions about Phase 1 Hazardous Material Removal, please email EPALAWildfiresInfo@epa.gov.
For general questions about fire debris removal, please contact the Removal Hotline at (844) FIRE DEBRIS / (844) 347-3332, available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 6 PM. You can also visit pw.lacounty.gov/epd/debris-removal/ for more information.
Phase 2: Debris Removal by US Army Corps of Engineers
Phase 2 of fire debris removal is being coordinated and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. A Right of Entry form is required if you want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do work at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Those opting out should also submit the form to avoid delaying work in their communities.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has established a Debris Call Center to help answer questions regarding Private Property Debris Removal. Hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM; call 213-308-8305 for assistance.
