In a significant step towards recovery from the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County in early January, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has commenced debris removal efforts in the affected areas of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. This cleanup operation, which began on Tuesday, is a crucial part of a long-term rebuilding initiative for the thousands of residents and business owners impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
The wildfires resulted in the destruction of over 9,400 structures in Altadena and more than 6,800 in Pacific Palisades. The scale of the cleanup is monumental, with plans to remove approximately 4.5 million tons of debris—far surpassing the amount cleared after the recent fires in Maui. The operation will involve thousands of contractors from both the Army Corps and private firms working together to manage this extensive task.
California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies to expedite the cleanup process, noting that debris clearance began just 35 days after the fires, a timeline significantly quicker than the response following the 2018 Woolsey fire, which destroyed over 1,600 homes.
“This is unprecedented in California history,” Newsom stated during a press conference in Altadena, where he was joined by Maj. Gen. Jason Kelly of the U.S. Army Corps and other officials. Standing amidst the remnants of burned neighborhoods, he acknowledged the emotional toll on residents, including Margot Stueber, whose home was among the first to be cleared. Stueber expressed her relief, calling it her “first happy day” since the fire.
Before the Army Corps can begin clearing properties, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting preliminary assessments to identify and safely remove hazardous materials such as paint and propane tanks. This phase of cleanup is expected to be completed by February 28, and property owners will not incur costs for this mandatory service.
The debris removal process is divided into two phases. Phase one, handled by the EPA, focuses on hazardous waste, while phase two, which involves the Army Corps, will tackle general debris. So far, over 7,300 property owners have signed the necessary paperwork to allow the Corps to clear their land, a record number according to FEMA officials.
Residents have the option to manage debris removal independently, but most have opted for the government-assisted cleanup, which is provided at no cost. Newsom emphasized the importance of community organization, encouraging residents to work together to streamline the process by submitting opt-in forms for entire blocks rather than individual homes.
As the cleanup progresses, the Army Corps plans to transport debris to approved landfills and specialized facilities for recycling and disposal. This includes the removal of contaminated soil to ensure the safety of the environment.
With the debris removal underway, officials are optimistic that rebuilding efforts can commence even as cleanup continues in surrounding areas. The resilience of the affected communities is evident, as they begin to envision a future beyond the devastation wrought by the fires.