By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Property owners in Pacific Palisades are now able to complete a form regarding the second phase of debris removal following the Palisades fire, with the form to opt in or out of the county-run program becoming available beginning Tuesday, January 28.
During a Palisades Fire Debris Removal Town Hall, which took place in person at Santa Monica College and online on Sunday, January 26, several area officials spoke about the process, noting that it would take place in two phases.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents Pacific Palisades, promised “quick, coordinated action” when it comes to rebuilding: “We cannot let government get in the way … we, in fact, must clear the way.”
The first phase—Household Hazardous Waste Removal—is managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under executive orders and is now underway. It involves “assessing and safely removing hazardous materials,” including paints, cleaners, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, batteries and more from impacted parcels.
Assessments began on January 16, with removal beginning the week of January 27. Speaking on behalf of the EPA, Tara Fitzgerald reported during the town hall that it was estimated to take months to clear hazardous waste from the approximately 15,000 structures necessary between the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Residents can check the status of their homes and verify if the first phase is complete by visiting epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires or calling 1-833-798-7372.
Phase two—Comprehensive Debris Removal Program—can begin at a parcel when phase one is complete. Residents have two options for phase two: opting-in to the county’s debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson at no cost, or opting-out of the county-run program and hiring a private contractor.
“I move at the speed of trust,” Swenson said during the town hall. “I want you to trust the Army Corps of Engineers.”
Swenson noted that the process, while “not complicated,” is “a bit complex,” promising that residents will hear it “straight” from him: “I’m a transparent leader and I’m going to tell you the truth. You may not always like what I have to say, but it’s coming from the heart.”
The second phase includes clearing remaining structural debris, foundations that are deemed unsafe to rebuild on (a decision made by the property owner, which is suggested to be made after a site visit with an assessor), hazardous trees, damaged or destroyed vehicles, and up to six inches of soil within the ash footprint.
To opt-in to the county-run program, residents need to verify ownership of the property and complete a right-of-entry application (which will be revoked at the completion of the project) at recovery.lacounty.gov or by calling 844-347-3332. They can also be completed at a Disaster Recovery Center, with the Westside location open at UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Opting out of the second phase of the debris removal program can also be completed at recovery.lacounty.gov. Property owners have until March 31 to submit their decision.
Congressmember Brad Sherman stated during the town hall that for those who opt-out and hire private, residents following the Lake fire paid, on average, $170,000 for the work: “You will be responsible for any costs of the removal that exceed your insurance settlement amount for debris removal,” according to the county website.
Those who opt out will be required to hire a private contractor who must meet “strict certification guidelines for hazardous material removal,” according to the county. “Once a property owner opts out, they cannot later opt in. Private contractors will file one permit managed by the county to ensure safety.”
Phase one and two will be underway at the same time across fire-impacted areas, but for each parcel, phase one must be complete before phase two can begin.
Officials encouraged homeowners to opt in or out as soon as possible, as the work will be prioritized to be distributed and completed in areas that have multiple parcels signed up. It will not be first come, first serve, officials described, but rather, if several homes in a neighborhood are signed up, they will be able to complete the work, as it makes the most sense for ingress/egress along haul routes.
Officials confirmed that during phase one, personal belongings—unless they post a direct hazard—would not be removed. The EPA confirmed it would report valuable items to agencies like Los Angeles Police Department to ensure they are returned to property owners.
With all zones of Pacific Palisades opened to residents only as of Monday, January 27, contractors are allowed in the fire area to conduct assessment work, according to LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin.
Contractors will be required to provide identification and proof that they have been hired by specific residents within the impacted areas,” Espin wrote. “Contractors must report to the check-in area (Lot 3 at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway) to be granted access and will be provided a pass to enter.”
Throughout the course of the town hall, officials responded to questions written on cards, as well as those spoken from the audience in person and in the chat online—with several residents venting frustrations about aspects of the process, including it being split into two phases and the lack of clear timeline.
Mayor Karen Bass will host a virtual community meeting on January 28 at 5 p.m. regarding debris removal and the right of entry form.
The full Palisades Fire Debris Removal Town Hall is available online.
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