The cleanup operation following the recent Los Angeles fires is on track to become the speediest of its kind in American history, with just 10 days left for affected residents to apply for crucial disaster assistance.
Cleanup Progress and Deadline
Los Angeles County residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires face a rapidly approaching deadline of March 31 to apply for essential disaster aid. As of the initial reporting date, 475 crews are working around the clock to clear ash, soot, and damaged structures. The scale of the operation is significant, with 1,300 parcels already cleared of debris, and 507 parcels returned to the county by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“We are not slowing down until the job is done. California is dedicated to restoring our communities swiftly and safely after these fires,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The rapid pace of this cleanup makes it even more imperative for survivors to seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and to complete a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form for no-cost debris removal.
State and federal agencies have demonstrated unprecedented efficiency, clearing ash and debris from the first 1,300 properties in just over 70 days. By comparison, the cleanup of 920 properties after the 2019 Woolsey and Hill fires took more than four months.
State Support for Survivors
Under the direction of Governor Newsom, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is collaborating closely with local, state, and federal partners to secure aid for survivors. Substantial financial assistance has already been distributed, including:
- $24.2 million in Displacement Assistance: A one-time payment to assist with immediate housing needs for survivors who are unable to return to their homes.
- $21 million in Housing Assistance: To help survivors cover the costs of temporary housing.
- $73.4 million in Other Needs Assistance: Financial aid for uninsured and underinsured property losses and other expenses related to the disaster.
- $1.88 billion in Small Business Administration Assistance: Low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits to repair or replace damaged property and recover from economic losses, restoring operations.
Participation in the No-Cost Debris Removal Program
Homeowners whose properties were affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires are encouraged to complete an ROE form. This form enables government contractors to remove dangerous debris from private properties at no cost. This legal document authorizes government agencies and contractors to conduct debris removal and necessary assessments.
For information, visit CA.gov/LAfires.
Eligibility
Phase 2 cleanup is available for eligible private residential properties that were destroyed in the fires. A destroyed structure of at least 120 square feet must have been on the parcel at the time of destruction to qualify for the free debris removal.
There are two main options for debris removal:
- Government-assisted debris removal: This is free of charge and managed by government agencies. Homeowners must sign an ROE form to participate.
- Private contractor cleanup: Homeowners who prefer to hire private contractors for debris removal are not required to sign the ROE, but this option will likely incur costs.
To participate in the cost-free government cleanup, the ROE form must be completed before the March 31, 2025, deadline. After submission, homeowners can track the progress via the county recovery and US Army Corps of Engineers pages. County staff may reach out if additional documentation is needed.
Insurance and Debris Removal
Residents can opt-in to the government-sponsored debris removal program at no direct cost or manage the cleanup independently by opting out by March 31, 2025.
Whether insured, uninsured, or underinsured, the program provides free debris removal.
- Property owners with insurance: The government agencies will pay all upfront costs. Property owners with insurance coverage for debris removal must inform the County of their coverage on the Right of Entry form. The County will collect insurance proceeds, ensuring any proceeds specifically for debris removal are assigned to the government. Only unused portions of debris-related insurance proceeds will be collected by the County.
- Property owners without insurance: If you don’t have any debris removal insurance benefits, you are still eligible for debris removal from the Army Corps of Engineers and you will not receive a bill for these services.
Disaster Assistance Resources
FEMA Individual Assistance
Homeowners and renters who sustained damage may be eligible for grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.
- Apply:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Via the FEMA app
- By calling 800-621-3362 (multilingual assistance available)
SBA Disaster Loans
Low-interest disaster loans from the SBA are available for businesses of all sizes, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofits to repair or replace damaged property and cover economic losses.
- Apply:
- Online at SBA.gov/Funding-Programs/Disaster-Assistance
- By calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955
Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires.
