The LA County Post-Fire Cleanup
The cleanup process after the 2025 fires involves strict protocols. These are, given political pressure, likely very fluid.
Phase One: Initial Assessment and Safety
Property owners cannot begin cleanup on their own. The Los Angeles County Fire - Health Hazmat Division must first inspect the site. This mandatory inspection identifies hazardous materials including asbestos, heavy metals, household chemicals, and now increasingly, damaged electric vehicle batteries. Strong winds can spread these toxins, making professional assessment essential before any work begins.
Phase Two: Hazardous Material Removal
Only specialized crews authorized by the County can remove hazardous materials. This includes:
- Asbestos-containing materials (common in pre-1980s buildings)
- Heavy metals from household items and electronics
- Chemical products and batteries
- Contaminated soil
Property owners must sign access agreements allowing these teams onto their property.
Phase Three: General Debris Removal
After hazardous materials are cleared, general debris removal can begin. This process requires:
- County Fire Department inspection
- Proper sorting of materials
- Transport to approved facilities
- Soil testing and possible additional removal
- Final clearance testing
Understanding these requirements helps explain why the County prohibits private cleanup efforts - the risks of toxic exposure and contamination are too high. The research suggests cleanup timelines of up to nine months for complete debris removal.
See Camp Fire Clean Up: Link
Research Link
Footnote:
The massive cleanup operation following the Palisades and Eaton fires involves removing debris from over 11,600 burned homes before any rebuilding can begin. While President Trump suggested the cleanup could be done in days and some residents were told it might take 18 months, the reality lies somewhere in between, with officials expecting completion in less than a year.
The process involves two main phases. The first phase, handled by the EPA, focuses on removing hazardous materials like paints, cleaners, and batteries. Originally planned for three months, this phase has been compressed to one month under pressure from federal and local officials. Some properties, particularly those with specialized equipment or art supplies, may take longer to clear.
The second phase, overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, involves removing structural debris, foundations, recyclable metals, hazardous trees, and contaminated soil. This can take anywhere from two to ten days per property. Residents can choose between using private contractors or the Army Corps' free service, but must submit Right of Entry forms by March 31. Officials strongly encourage neighborhoods to coordinate their approach, as having multiple contractors working simultaneously in the same area could create logistical chaos.
The debris will be processed at two main locations: hazardous waste from the Palisades fire will go to a site near Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, while Eaton Canyon debris will be temporarily stored at Lario Park in the San Gabriel Valley. While local residents near these storage sites have expressed concerns, officials emphasize that the cleanup must balance speed with safety. Residents seeking more information can contact the EPA's wildfire hotline or visit local Disaster Recovery Centers.