What you need to know: The fastest large-scale debris removal in modern state history began today in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, in roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire. 

LOS ANGELES - Governor Gavin Newsom today joined federal and local partners to begin work on structural debris removal from the Los Angeles firestorms, building on the US EPA’s work already underway to initially remove household hazardous waste.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) began private property debris removal Tuesday morning in Altadena and Tuesday afternoon in Pacific Palisades, closely coordinating efforts with local officials. The Governor also highlighted the completion of debris removal from an Altadena K-8 school, the site of this morning’s announcement. 

“The new phase of debris removal that’s starting today marks a foundational step in helping Angelenos build back stronger. I’m grateful to the state and federal workers who are clearing debris at record-pace so firestorm survivors can begin the rebuilding process as quickly and safely as possible.” - Governor Gavin Newsom

The removal process that began today comes only 35 days after the fires ignited - roughly half the time it took to start similar operations after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.
 
Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has expedited the cleanup process by cutting red tape and eliminating bureaucratic barriers, allowing highly trained crews to enter impacted communities sooner and help survivors rebuild their lives faster. 

See all of the Governor’s actions

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, in partnership with six locally affected jurisdictions, has worked around the clock to collect Right-of-Entry (ROE) forms from residents, develop haul routes, and coordinate safe transport of fire ash and debris.
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is rapidly completing the removal of household hazardous materials at record speed, clearing the way for this next phase of cleanup.
 
Last month, Governor Newsom announced that FEMA, working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), had tasked the EPA with safely removing and disposing of hazardous materials from homes and structures impacted by the fires. This crucial first step - one of the most complex phases of wildfire cleanup - paved the way for the structural debris removal now underway.

As these operations continue, residents should anticipate an increased presence of debris removal teams in their communities and plan accordingly. The agencies involved appreciate the public’s support and patience as crews work to eliminate health and safety risks from impacted properties.

Track LA’s recovery progress

Since the fires began, Governor Newsom has led an aggressive, coordinated, whole-of-government response to support impacted communities. Prior to the fires breaking out, the state had already deployed thousands of firefighters and personnel, with more than 16,000 boots on the ground at the peak of response efforts. In the days that followed, the state has launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts to ensure Los Angeles communities receive the support they need.

Fire survivors can sign up for the federal debris removal program by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or online at ca.gov/LAFires

Connect to recovery services