Golden State Today

As Los Angeles faces the aftermath of devastating fires, Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized debris removal teams to commence cleanup efforts as soon as safety conditions allow. This action is part of an executive order aimed at accelerating recovery by clearing debris swiftly.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), has tasked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with removing hazardous waste from affected areas. Governor Newsom emphasized, "California is working closely with the federal government to get debris removal teams quickly into neighborhoods devastated by fire. This is the first step to rebuilding and recovery — and we’re clearing any obstacle to ensure this happens as soon as it’s safe for teams to move in."

Debris removal will address household hazardous waste such as paint, ammunition, pesticides, propane tanks, and batteries from both conventional and electric vehicles. The state is adapting its cleanup processes for newer technologies like lithium-ion batteries found in Tesla vehicles. Drawing on experience from the 2023 Maui Fire, EPA has developed expertise in handling these batteries safely.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with ash and debris due to potential toxicity and hidden hazards.

Governor Newsom recently proposed $2.5 billion in funding for emergency response efforts and recovery initiatives in Los Angeles. This funding aims to support cleanup operations, enhance wildfire preparedness, and reopen schools affected by the fires.

Over the weekend, two executive orders were signed by Governor Newsom: one aimed at expediting rebuilding efforts by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and another focusing on swift debris clearance while preparing for potential mudslides and flooding.

California's response includes mobilizing over 15,000 personnel comprising firefighters, guard servicemembers, highway patrol officers, and transportation teams. The state also deployed more than 1,900 pieces of firefighting equipment including engines, aircrafts, dozers, and water tenders.

Following a state of emergency declaration last week by Governor Newsom due to ongoing fires across California communities like Hurst Eaton Palisades Fires; President Biden approved his request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration providing additional federal support toward these efforts.

Californians can access resources via CA.gov/LAfires or apply for disaster assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov or FEMA's helpline at 800-621-3362; assistance is available in multiple languages accommodating various communication services such as video relay service (VRS).