Cleanup and debris removal
2025 Los Angeles Fires

Cleanup and debris removal after wildfires is a 2-phase process. You can have it done at no cost to you.

Phase 1 Hazardous waste cleanup
Phase 2 Debris removal

When both phases are complete, your property is ready for rebuilding.

Phase 1

Hazardous waste cleanup

In Phase 1, the U.S. EPA cleaned up everyday products that were in your home and could be dangerous.

These included:

  • Batteries
  • Cleaners and solvents
  • Fertilizers and pesticides
  • Paints and oils
  • Propane tanks and other pressurized products

Phase 1 cleanup is now complete. It was automatic for all residential properties.

There was no cost to you for this cleanup.

Cleanup statuses explained

After the EPA assessed your property, they gave it a status.

They posted that status in a sign on your property.

You can also check this EPA map(external link) for the cleanup status of your property.

Phase 1 Complete

This status means the EPA has finished their cleanup work.

But your property may not be safe yet. There can still be

  • Hazardous waste that’s buried
  • Health hazards like ash and asbestos
OR

Deferred to Phase 2

This status means the EPA can’t safely clean your property until debris has been removed.

It will be cleaned in Phase 2.

Phase 2

Debris removal

If you opt in for free debris removal in Phase 2, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) removes structural debris.

This includes:

  • Damaged foundations
  • Destroyed vehicles
  • Trees that are a hazard
  • Contaminated soil
  • Asbestos
  • Ash

Read what to expect in Phase 2(external link).

See the progress of this work in USACE’s debris removal map(external link).

Where debris goes

Workers will dispose of debris in a way that protects public health and the environment.

Find out more at CalEPA’s Wildfire Debris in Landfills(external link).

Free removal deadline was April 15

The deadline to choose a debris removal option was April 15, 2025.The options were:

Opt in for free removal OR Opt out to arrange and pay for removal yourself

If you opted in

There are no out-of-pocket costs for this service. If you have insurance, your insurer will be billed.

During free debris removal, the USACE will remove trees that are hazardous. But you can ask them not to remove specific trees.

If you opted out

You’ll need to arrange for and pay for debris removal yourself.

You must:

  • Hire a licensed, specialized contractor
  • Get approval and a permit from LA County
  • Hire a certified consultant to check your property for asbestos
  • Make sure your contractor follows all government rules for safe debris removal

Learn more about the opt-out process(external link) and what to do next.

If you missed the deadline

If you missed the deadline to opt in or out, LA County will still remove the debris on your property. But you’ll need to pay the full removal costs.

If you want to arrange for private debris removal instead, you can try submitting an opt-out form(external link) to LA County after the deadline. But they may not accept opt-out forms after the deadline.

For questions about what happens if you missed the deadline, call the LA County Public Works Debris Removal Hotline at 844-347-3332 (TTY: 711).

If you need help

Questions about Phase 1 cleanup

Call the EPA at 833-798-7372 (TTY: 711)

Questions about Phase 2 debris removal

More about cleanup and debris removal

LA County Recovers(external link)