The Los Angeles Post

Governor Newsom signs executive order to jumpstart firestorm cleanup of damaged and destroyed homes

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What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties. This is a key step to getting people back to their properties safely and rebuilding.

LOS ANGELES  January 15, 2025— Expediting clean up from properties that have been devastated by the firestorms in Los Angeles, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to start that important work as soon as is safe. The Governor signed the executive order on the ground in Altadena – a community that sustained huge devastation from the Eaton Fire. A copy of the executive order is available here.

Building on yesterday’s announcement and his previous executive order to direct fast action to clear debris, highly-trained teams from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will soon begin removing explosive and highly toxic materials. FEMA has allocated $100 million to U.S. EPA to begin this work.

“Cleanup crews are moving into neighborhoods devastated by this firestorm. California is working swiftly to ensure survivors from these devastating firestorms can begin their road to recovery. We appreciate the fast-acting work of teams on the ground to begin this first phase of recovery – all while first responders are continuing to battle ongoing flames in the area.”  Governor Gavin Newsom

The executive order issued by Governor Newsom:

  • Allows highly-specialized hazmat teams to move in to remove explosive and highly toxic materials, immediately after receiving safety clearance from emergency officials 

Removing dangerous contaminants 

In particular, debris removal teams will clean up household hazardous waste, including pesticides, propane tanks, and batteries in both conventional and electric vehicles. This is the first — and the most complex — phase of debris removal, which clears the way for the next phase focusing on remaining structural debris.

Residents awaiting cleanup of their property should avoid contact with ash and debris, which remains toxic and deadly.

Clearing the way for quicker recovery

On Monday, Governor Newsom proposed California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. The funding will support recovery and cleanup, additional wildfire preparedness, and reopening schools shuttered by the fires.

Over the weekend, the Governor signed two executive orders to boost recovery efforts – one to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger by cutting red tape, and the other to direct fast action on clearing debris and preparing for mudslides and flooding. In addition, on Tuesday, Governor Newsom signed two additional executive orders to help displaced children get back to school and ensure families aren’t taken advantage of by predatory real estate speculators.

State’s all-in response

California has mobilized more than 16,000+ personnel including firefighters, guard servicemembers, highway patrol officers and transportation teams to support the ongoing firefight.

In addition, these response efforts include more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment, including 1,480+ engines, 80+ aircraft, 210+ dozers and 220+ water tenders to aid in putting out the fires.

Last week, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency and he subsequently issued multiple executive orders to support communities affected by the ongoing fires. On Wednesday, President Biden quickly approved Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts. The state also received continued federal assistance to combat the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires.

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By calling 800-621-3362
  • By using the FEMA smart phone application
  • Assistance is available in over 40 languages
  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.