Corps of Engineers Begins Phase 2 of Debris Removal in Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery

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For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2025

Contact:
LA Recovery Field Office, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
socalwildfires@usace.army.mil

Corps of Engineers Begins Phase 2 of Debris Removal in Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially begun Phase 2 of wildfire debris removal in Los Angeles County, marking a critical step in the region’s recovery efforts. The first sites to undergo clearing are two schools in the Pasadena Unified School District, where crews will remove hazardous debris to ensure a safe path forward for rebuilding.

The Army Corps of Engineers is leading this effort in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in coordination with state and local partners. The work involves clearing fire-damaged properties of hazardous ash and debris while adhering to strict environmental and safety protocols.

FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton emphasized the importance of this phase: “Debris removal is a critical step toward rebuilding these communities. FEMA remains committed to supporting local communities in their recovery every step of the way.”

The Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office Commander, Col. Eric Swenson, underscored the Corps’ commitment to the mission: “Beginning Phase 2 means we’re making tangible progress toward recovery. Our teams are working with urgency and care to remove hazardous debris while ensuring the safety of the community, workers, and the environment.”

Both parts of the two-part debris removal process are happening concurrently, with the Army Corps of Engineers moving in to begin Phase 2 removals as soon as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finishes its Phase 1 clean-up of household hazardous materials. For properties the EPA deems unsafe to enter, they mark them “deferred” and pass them to USACE who will conduct “make safer” operations followed by Phase I and then Phase 2 debris removal.  For more details on the process, please visit Debris Removal – LA County Recovers.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized the shared commitment to recovery: “This is a welcome milestone. It shows that we are working together on an accelerated timetable to restore our facilities and communities as swiftly and safely as possible. We need to keep this momentum going so that residents can tangibly see, hear, and feel rebuilding progress is underway.”

Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D., expressed appreciation for the effort: “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. This debris removal effort will allow us to begin the recovery process with confidence, and we are grateful for the support from USACE, FEMA, and our local partners.”

Loma Alta and Edison are the sites where Phase 2 debris removal is underway. These PUSD facilities are used as charter schools.

Phase 2 debris removal operations will expand in the coming weeks to include residential properties slated for clearing across Los Angeles County. To provide media access to this critical recovery mission, the Corps of Engineers will host a media availability once operations are in full swing. Interested media should email socalwildfires@usace.army.mil to be added to the distribution list for event details.

B-roll footage and high-resolutions photos of debris removal operations from the first Phase 2 debris removal sites are available for media use at the following link https://www.dvidshub.net/video/951185/us-army-corps-engineers-usace-arrives-begin-phase-2-personal-property-debris-removal-ppdr.

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Feb. 3, 2025

News, Information and Resources for the Public

todays updates

Access Passes for Palisades Residents and the Reopening of PCH

Pacific Palisades’ residents and authorized contractors seeking to return to affected neighborhoods must obtain an access pass at the UCLA Disaster Recovery Center parking structure or the West LA Civic Center. Passes can be obtained daily from 10 AM to 5 PM at both locations.

  • UCLA Disaster Recovery Center Parking Structure – 10850 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, 90064
  • West LA Civic Center – 1645 Corinth Ave, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, 90025

Additionally, as of today, all of Pacific Coast Highway is open, with one lane open in each direction between Carbon Beach Terrace and Temescal Canyon Road. There is a reduced speed limit of 25 MPH. Expect heavy congestion as this is an active construction zone with flashing red signals and no parking. Click here or below to watch a video reviewing lane restrictions in effect on PCH between Malibu and Los Angeles.

PCH Reopen


FEMA Relief 

Residents seeking financial help after the devastation of the wildfires can request FEMA assistance hereThe deadline to apply is March 10, 2025. Other resources include:

 

  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Los Angeles County residents who lost work or self-employment as a direct result of the fires may apply through FEMA for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits. This includes workers and self-employed individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. To learn more and apply, click here.

 

 

  • Appealing a FEMA decisionThose who have already applied to FEMA may have received a denial letter. Be advised that FEMA’s first determination may not be the final decision. Residents have the right to appeal any FEMA decision or award amount. To learn more about options and what to do next, click here.

 


Right of Entry Form Submissions Continue

Residents must choose whether to opt-in or opt-out of the free nonhazardous debris removal program. Those with questions can call the Fire Debris Hotline, or get help completing the form at (844) 347-3332. In-person assistance is also available at the Disaster Recovery Centers open 9 AM to 8 PM. The deadline to submit the Right of Entry form is March 31, 2025.

 

ROE Feb. 3
Find an Assistance Center
Hotline Help With Animals

FAQs bannerRead our latest FAQs on the different parts of the fire debris removal process including:

 

Also, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has established a Debris Call Center to help answer questions regarding Private Property Debris Removal (Phase 2). The hotline phone number is (877) 214-9117. See below for more information.

USACOE

community meetingsMonday, Feb. 3 at 4 PM

Altadena Recovery Community Meeting with LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger

Supervisor Barger will discuss the latest information on recovery resources for the Altadena community.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 9:30 AM

LA County Arts and Culture Forum: Wildfire Response and Resources Virtual Webinar

Working with local, state, and federal agency partners, staff from the Department of Arts & Culture will share wildfire emergency resources, relief funds, and information for artists, creative workers, arts organizations, and creative small businesses.

 

Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6 PM

Virtual Town Hall with LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath

Supervisor Horvath will host a virtual town hall on debris removal for residents affected by the Palisades fires.

 


 

Disaster Recovery Center Locations Feb 1 

Photos & Videos

  • For the latest fire response and recovery photos from LA County, please visit our Flickr page.
  • For the latest videos on fire response and recovery, please visit our YouTube page.
click here for a full list of recovery resources

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