Southern California Fires: The Challenge of Clearing the Debris
Three weeks have passed since wildfires swept through Los Angeles County. Families whose homes were destroyed are now being allowed to visit their properties to recover what they can.
The next major step is clearing the debris, a process already under scrutiny. Once the sites are cleared, rebuilding can begin. Here’s what happens during the cleanup of a burned home.
PHASE 1: Hazardous Waste Removal
To minimize risks to both cleanup crews and the public, visible hazardous waste and bulk asbestos (only what can be seen; further testing happens in Phase 2) are removed from burned properties by either:
California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Even after Phase 1, properties remain unsafe. Dangerous substances like lead, mercury, arsenic, and asbestos may still be hidden under debris or mixed into the ash and soil.
Examples of household hazardous waste:
Auto and household batteries
Pesticides and chemicals
Paints and thinners
Aerosol cans
Asbestos siding, pipe insulation, and floor tiles
E-waste, including televisions and computer screens
Phase 1 is done automatically at no cost.
Site assessment schedules: Due to the high number of properties requiring assessment, specific appointments cannot be scheduled for individual homeowners.
PHASE 2: Full Debris Cleanup
Step 1: Cleanup Options
Property owners must choose one of the following methods for debris removal:
Enroll in a government-managed and funded cleanup program or
Hire a private contractor for debris removal
The government program is state-managed and requires submitting a right-of-entry form to the county. This program has no out-of-pocket costs for property owners.
Step 2: Site Assessment
Teams evaluate each property to develop a safe debris removal plan.
Step 3: Asbestos Testing and Removal
Specialists test for and remove any asbestos not eliminated during Phase 1.
Step 4: Debris Removal
Government-managed crews clear ash, debris, and contaminated soil after notifying property owners 24 to 48 hours in advance. To protect public safety:
Crews tape off the affected area, restricting entry to workers in full protective gear.
Debris is categorized and sent to appropriate facilities for disposal or recycling.
Debris breakdown:
Metal: 2%
Concrete: 15%
Contaminated soil: 15%
Ash and debris: 68%
Timeline: A typical property can be cleared within two days, provided there are no obstacles like locked gates, difficult terrain, or weather-related delays.
Step 5: Soil Testing
Soil samples are tested for contaminants such as lead and mercury. If contamination levels remain high, an additional 3 to 6 inches of soil is removed and retested. The goal is to ensure safety for residents, protect groundwater, and maintain air quality.
Step 6: Hazardous Tree Removal
Any trees at risk of falling onto public property or endangering cleanup crews are identified and removed.
Step 7: Erosion Control
Crews apply mulch to burned areas to limit soil erosion and protect watersheds. Any remaining ash is covered with seedless hydro-mulch, a wood-based application that prevents unwanted growth.
Step 8: Final Walk-Through
State supervisors inspect each property to confirm that all work meets safety standards. Contractors receive payment only after state inspection. Certification by the county is required before applying for a building permit.
STORING HAZARDOUS DEBRIS
The EPA has established two collection sites for hazardous materials from the Palisades and Eaton fires. However, this decision has faced opposition from communities near the San Gabriel Valley site.
Applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance
Filing for FEMA assistance can be overwhelming in the aftermath of a disaster. Here’s what you’ll need to provide when applying.
Required Information:
Your phone number and address (including ZIP code) of the damaged property
Contact details after the disaster, including an alternate phone number or email
Your Social Security number
Insurance information, including settlement details if available
Description of the damage and personal property losses
Annual household income (for potential referrals)
Bank account information (for direct deposit assistance)
Documents to Verify Identity:
Social Security number, state driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration card
Ownership and Vital Records:
Los Angeles County residents affected by the fires can request property and vital records at no cost.
Vital records: (888) 985-9913
Property records: (800) 201-8999, option 3
Proof of Occupancy:
FEMA usually verifies occupancy and ownership through public records. If further documentation is required, you may need to provide:
Lease or rental agreement
Utility bill, bank statement, or vehicle registration mailed to the address
A statement from a public official, tribal council member, or homeless outreach advocate confirming your residency and dates of occupancy
Income Verification:
Pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns
Bank Account Information:
Bank statement
Property Damage Documentation:
Description of damage
Photos of affected property
Receipts for expenses caused by the disaster
Replacing Lost Documents
For information on replacing vital documents lost in the wildfires, visit Replacing Lost Documents after Los Angeles County Wildfires.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
Online: DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option)
FEMA App: Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play
Phone: Call 800-621-3362 (if using a relay service, provide FEMA with your assigned number)
In-Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find the nearest center, use the DRC Locator.
By understanding these steps, residents can navigate the cleanup process and begin rebuilding their lives.
