New Interactive Map Helps Residents Track Corps of Engineers Phase 2 Cleanup Progress

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched an interactive Phase 2 Debris Removal Viewer, providing residents with real-time updates on the status of wildfire debris removal efforts in neighborhoods across Los Angeles County.

The viewer, now available at the top of the Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Wildfire Debris Removal Mission page, allows property owners to track the progress of cleanup operations at their parcels. Using a color-coded system, the tool displays:

  • Parcels submitted by the County of Los Angeles to the Corps of Engineers for Phase 2 debris removal;
  • Parcels assigned to contractors for active cleanup;
  • Parcels where the Corps of Engineers has completed work and returned the ROE package back to Los Angeles County.

“Transparency and timely information are critical as we work to safely and quickly remove wildfire debris,” said Col. Eric Swenson, commander of the USACE Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office. “This new viewer gives residents a clear picture of where their property stands in the Phase 2 process, reinforcing our commitment to keeping the community informed every step of the way.”

The Army Corps of Engineers is executing Phase 2 debris removal under the direction of FEMA and in coordination with the State of California and the County of Los Angeles. The operation involves clearing ash, burned structures, and — where requested by homeowners – foundations.

While debris removal is the first step to prepare lots for the rebuilding process, the removal of debris from properties does not mean a property is “build ready.”

As operations ramp up, residents should expect increased truck traffic in affected neighborhoods and along debris removal routes to local landfills. Officials encourage the public to plan accordingly and appreciate their patience as crews work to remove debris and mitigate health and safety risks for all residents of Los Angeles County.

Contractors for the Corps of Engineers will transport secured material directly from properties to landfills that are permitted by CalRecycle to accept that type of debris. The Army Corps of Engineers has worked with the California Department of Transportation and affected municipalities to select haul routes to minimize the impact for those who have reoccupied their homes and for unaffected communities.

The Army Corps of Engineers follows strict procedures to ensure public safety during private property debris removal. When removing fire ash and debris, the material is placed in the bed of a dump truck inside a heavy-duty plastic liner. This liner is tightly wrapped around the ash, after which a tarp is then lowered over the truck to ensure the ash remains contained during transit.

The Army Corps of Engineers also utilizes the “wet method” for debris removal, which involves applying water and mist to keep ash on the ground and prevent it from becoming airborne. This approach helps mitigate risks to the community, particularly for standing homes that have been reoccupied.

The Army Corps of Engineers anticipates that all eligible properties that enroll in the federal debris removal program by the March 31, 2025 deadline will be cleared by January 2026, with a majority expected to be completed well before that deadline.

Residents impacted by the wildfires are encouraged to submit Right-of-Entry forms to authorize debris removal at their properties. Forms may be submitted at recovery.lacounty.gov or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

For more information and to track cleanup progress, visit the USACE Los Angeles District Wildfire Debris Removal Mission page.