Publication
Guide to the LA Fire Debris Removal Process
By Selene Houlis, Ava Freund, and Joshua Schneiderman
The debris removal process for the LA fires is currently underway. The process is split into two phases, each managed by a different government agency. Phase One is managed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Phase Two may be managed by either the United States Army Corps of Engineers (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) or the property owner.
Phase One
In Phase One of the debris removal process, the EPA removed hazardous materials from properties impacted by the fires. Products like paint, cleaners and solvents, oils, batteries, pesticides, asbestos, and items thought to have asbestos were removed. The EPA also inspected pressurized fuel cylinders like propane tanks.
The EPA began assessing burned properties on January 16, 2025, and began removing hazardous materials on January 28, 2025. Phase One was completed on February 27, 2025.
Phase Two
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is executing Phase Two of the federally funded debris cleanup effort on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Property owners must decide whether to opt-in to the free cleanup by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or pay a specialized, approved contractor to remove the remaining fire debris. Los Angeles County encourages property owners to opt-in to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleanup to aid in the efficiency of cleanup.
To opt-in, property owners must submit a Right of Entry to authorize the U.S. Amy Corps of Engineers to complete:
- Property Assessment: Identify site hazards, hazardous trees, environmental resources, and asbestos-containing materials.
- Asbestos Removal: Safely remove asbestos-containing materials if required.
- Tree Removal: Remove fire or wind-damaged trees assessed as hazardous and other trees that impact public areas or debris removal access. Property owners may submit a waiver to retain specific trees.
- Ash and Soil Removal: Remove surface ash, including up to six inches of incidental soil.
- Burned Debris Removal: Remove burned home remains, furniture, personal belongings, appliances, and patio furniture.
- Structural Demolition: Demolish clearly destroyed structures.
- Vehicle Removal: Remove damaged and destroyed vehicles, vessels, and other titled property.
- Erosion Control: Install erosion control measures such as straw wattles, compost socks, and hydromulch.
- Environmental Monitoring: Conduct tribal, archaeological, and biological monitoring for environmental and historical preservation.
- Potential Foundation Removal: Residents decide whether they would like their property’s foundation removed or left it in place.
Residents may opt-in to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleanup by submitting a Right of Entry form, or opt-out by submitting an opt-out form. The deadline to opt-in or opt-out is March 31, 2025.
Relief efforts for the Los Angeles fires continue to evolve. Households affected by the fires may want to consider staying informed as financial relief program requirements may change and new relief programs may become available.
Snell & Wilmer will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
About Snell & Wilmer
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 17 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto and San Diego, California; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit swlaw.com.
