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What is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Private Property Debris Removal Program?

  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Private Property Debris Removal Program provides debris removal at no cost for eligible homeowners.
  • If you have insurance, the government will ask the insurance providers – not you – for cost reimbursement up to the limits of your specific coverage. 
  • If you are uninsured or your insurance coverage does not include debris removal, this program will cover these expenses for you.

If you previously opted out, you may still be eligible to re-enroll.

  • If you opted out of the program but you HAVE NOT begun moving any debris from its original location on your property, then please opt back into the program.

Recovery happens faster when more people participate in this program. 

  • Cleanup efforts are most efficient when multiple properties are cleared together, rather than crews having to move between scattered locations.
  • Higher participation makes the process move faster, and rebuilding can begin sooner.
  • Enrolling and getting your neighbors to enroll helps get your street cleared faster.

Hiring a private contractor can be expensive, and you assume all liability.

  • Hiring multiple contractors and trying to navigate complex processes on your own may result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
  • The Army Corps manages all permitting, final disposal and ensures compliance with all safety and environmental regulations – removing your liability concerns as the homeowner.

Debris Removal

County Site for Phase 2 Debris Removal
recovery.lacounty.gov
Right of Entry & Opt-Out Forms
recovery.lacounty.gov

For help answering questions regarding debris removal. 

Call 213-308-8305

Available daily 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM; visit the Army Corps’ Los Angeles County Wildfire Debris Removal Mission page for more information.

For all other questions about fire debris removal.

Call (844) FIRE DEBRIS / (844) 347-3332

Available Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM – or visit one of the Disaster Recovery Centers.

Disaster Recovery Centers

Both the County Department of Public Works and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers have representatives available for in-person help at the Disaster Recovery Centers, open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Westside Location

(City/County/State/Federal)

UCLA Research Park
10850 Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Eastside Location

(County/State/Federal Only)

Altadena Disaster Recovery Center
540 W Woodbury Rd.
Altadena, CA 91001

City workers cleaning debris

Insurance and Debris Removal

LA County has advised that whether you are insured, uninsured, or underinsured, the USACE Phase 2 debris removal program comes at no direct cost to eligible homeowners. More information about insurance and debris removal is available here.

For more information on insurance claims, coverage, or understanding your policy, please visit the California Department of Insurance’s Wildfire Resources site, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or call the Insurance Consumer Hotline at (800) 927-4357.

City worker in protective gear cleaning debris

Asbestos and Hazardous Waste Removal Contractors

Property owners who opted out will not be allowed to build on their property until cleanup and removal of all hazardous waste has been completed by contractors certified by the Contractors State License Board for asbestos and hazardous substance removal in accordance with applicable standards.

Hazardous waste must be identified, segregated, and disposed of at a certified Household Hazardous Waste or Recycling Facility. The City's Department of Public Works Bureau of Contract Administration has compiled a partial list of certified contractors who can dispose of asbestos and hazardous material contractors for your reference. 

Hazardous Tree Removal Waiver

The City’s Urban Forestry Division has created a storymap with a thorough guide to tree marking and signage, as well as options for retaining, replacing, or removing trees based on their status and location.

Property owners who choose to retain damaged trees must accept full responsibility for any risks and release government agencies from liability. More information and the Hazardous Tree Removal Waiver form can be found here.

Palisades Recovery Dashboard

The Emergency Management Department has created a Palisades Recovery Dashboard to serve as a central hub for tracking debris removal and staying informed throughout the recovery process using real-time information. You can follow key milestones like Right of Entry (ROE) submissions, parcel clean-up, and final inspections. Search by address or filter by community area to view the latest data, updated regularly by the EPA, Los Angeles County, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.