ONE WEEK REMAINS TO OPT IN/OUT FOR DEBRIS REMOVAL IN PALISADES AND EATON BURN AREAS
LOS ANGELES, CA –Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath joined with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and LA County Public Works to urge Palisades and Eaton wildfire-impacted residents to complete their Right of Entry (ROE) forms for debris removal. Property owners who lost structures larger than 120 square feet can “opt-in” to the government-sponsored program at no direct cost or “opt-out” to manage the cleanup independently. Either way, a choice must be made by March 31, 2025. Right of Entry and Opt-Out forms are available at recovery.lacounty.gov.
“Los Angeles County is calling on every property owner to partner with us to accelerate wildfire recovery by completing Right of Entry forms by March 31,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “There’s only one week left, and we need everyone to make their choice—whether that is opting into our program or choosing to go private. Whatever you decide, please do so in the next seven days. I am especially concerned about our coastal properties. If you own a home or know someone who does along PCH, please complete the form so we can urgently clean up the beach and reopen PCH. Los Angeles County will continue working alongside you every step of the way to help rebuild your homes and our communities.”
“Fire debris removal is a critical step in the recovery and rebuilding process — no one can begin rebuilding until it’s complete. To get started, property owners must submit a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form by the March 31 deadline, whether you are opting for the government-funded debris removal program or a private contractor, residents need to make a decision,” said Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. “We know this is a difficult time, but you do not have to go through it alone. County specialists are available at Malibu City Hall and our new Malibu Rebuild Center is open to guide you through the entire rebuild process. Please don’t delay, we want to ensure that no one is left behind.”
“In working to remove debris from the Palisades Fire communities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is rapidly increasing the number of crews to reduce the time needed to complete its mission. This is an optimization challenge. Fewer constraints and fewer unknowns greatly assist the Corps in moving faster. The greatest unknown right now is whether the remaining 1,300 or so undeclared properties in the Palisades Fire impact area will OPT IN or OPT OUT of the Corps’ Private Property Debris Removal program,” said Col. Brian D. Sawser, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pacific Palisades Emergency Field Office. “There are hundreds of trucks moving in and out of the impact area daily, sharing limited space on residential roads with utility repair and debris removal. Synchronizing these hundreds, and soon thousands, of daily movements requires clarity on how each property will be cleared of debris. I encourage all remaining residents impacted by the fire to make their declaration before the March 31st deadline.”
Clearing wildfire debris is the initial step of community recovery, and there are resources available to help homeowners clean up safely and thoroughly. Opting-in to the program before March 31 enables USACE to remove fire debris. Property owners also have some discretion over the removal of hazard trees and foundations.
Opting-in to the government sponsored program comes at no direct cost to homeowners. The County will seek reimbursement directly from insurance companies for any remaining benefits covered by policies only after homeowners have settled their claims.
Residents who own condos and RVs should also submit ROE forms ahead of the March 31 deadline.
Owners who do not choose a debris removal option by the deadline will be responsible for hiring qualified contractors, obtaining necessary permits and clearing debris in compliance with local regulations by June 30, 2025.
For assistance, homeowners can call the LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline at 844-347-3332, email PalisadesFire@dpw.lacounty.gov
Nonprofit organizations and houses of worship may still be able to participate in the government-sponsored debris remove program. Organizations that did not submit a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) form by March 9 should still complete the process for consideration by CalOES. The form is here and instructions are here. If you have specific questions regarding your eligibility for the RPA, or help filing out the form, email disasterecovery@caloes.ca.gov.
For organizations that provide essential non-critical social services you will also need to apply for a low interest disaster loan from the US Small Business Administration by March 31st. You do not need to wait for a determination from SBA to submit the RPA. Information on the SBA loan can be found at this link.
FEMA ASSISTANCE DEADLINE ALSO MARCH 31
Individuals who are unsure whether they qualify for FEMA assistance, are still waiting for their insurance claim settlements, or who do not have current needs outside of their coverage but might at a later date should still apply for FEMA Individual Assistance by the March 31 deadline.
Filing an application ensures that if your insurance claim is denied, you are underinsured, or your insurance claim does not cover your losses, you may still be eligible to receive FEMA assistance.
How To Apply for FEMA Individual
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- On the FEMA App.
- By calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, give FEMA your number for that service. Assistance is available in multiple languages. Lines are open Sunday–Saturday, from 4 a.m.- 10 p.m. Pacific Time.
- At a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate a DRC near you, visit the DRC Locator.
To receive updates on debris removal and other County resources, sign up for the Third District newsletter at lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov
