Golden State Today

There are only four days left for residents and businesses to apply for debris removal assistance following the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles. Nearly 500 specialized crews are working to clear ash, soot, and debris from affected areas. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of timely registration: “We are throwing everything we have at this cleanup to get people back in their homes quickly. The fast pace of this recovery makes it even more important to sign up today.”

Property owners must submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form by April 15 to have debris removed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). More than 1,700 parcels have already been processed and returned to county control. Remaining properties await further processes such as erosion control, tree clearance, and final inspections.

The federally funded debris removal program is available to residents of single-family and owner-occupied multi-family units at no direct cost, provided they align with program restrictions to avoid duplicating funding. Property owners opting out of the USACE program must cover all related costs and permit requirements independently.

Recently, FEMA expanded eligibility to include owner-occupied condominiums, multi-family units, and certain commercial properties at Governor Newsom's request. Typically, the responsibility of debris removal from commercial properties rests on the property owners, but eligibility for federal assistance will be assessed individually based on distinct criteria. Commercial properties will be evaluated for threats to public safety, barriers to independent debris removal, insurance status, and economic impacts.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Los Angeles provide support for wildfire survivors needing assistance. Residents can apply for disaster assistance at UCLA Research Park West and the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center, both open Monday through Saturday. These centers are equipped to serve individuals with disabilities and other access needs.

For more information on wildfire recovery, visit https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/.