Los Angeles County initiated debris removal efforts for properties destroyed by January's Eaton Fire by submitting its first batch of validated Right-of-Entry forms to the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The action enables federal crews to clear toxic rubble from fire-ravaged Altadena neighborhoods -- a process officials say is essential for public safety and community recovery.
"This is a critical step forward in our mission to rebuild and restore Altadena," said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. "The debris left in the fire's wake is not just a visual reminder of the devastation -- it poses real health and safety risks to our community. By clearing these sites, we are paving the way for families to rebuild and reclaim their homes."
The Los Angeles County Public Works Department delivered 1,409 validated Right-of-Entry forms Thursday after verifying property ownership details (to prevent fraud), flagging 12% of submissions for discrepancies.
Approved requests trigger a three- to five-day notification window before crews begin debris removal at each site. Officials emphasized the collaboration between County staff, the Altadena Town Council and federal partners to expedite the process.
Validation protocols require cross-checking ownership records with County tax data and resolving discrepancies directly with residents.
"Specialized Environmental Protection Agency teams have removed 274 electric vehicle batteries from debris sites, addressing fire and toxin risks," Barger noted.
Officials urge remaining property owners to submit Right-of-Entry forms promptly through recovery.lacounty.gov or in-person assistance centers.
Residents opting for private cleanup face average costs of up to $127,000 -- a burden disproportionately affecting uninsured elderly homeowners, per University of California, Los Angeles studies.
The submission deadline is March 31.
"Our focus remains on accelerating recovery while prioritizing safety, efficiency and transparency," Barger said, praising the "resilience of Altadena residents who are determined to rebuild."
The United States Army Corps of Engineers will handle debris removal under federal environmental standards, aided by a $483 million federal funding package.
Unsubmitted Right-of-Entry forms risk delaying cleanup timelines, officials warned, noting unresolved properties could hinder broader neighborhood recovery. Federal crews aim to clear 75% of debris by June 30 under accelerated timelines mandated by Trump-era Executive Order 13982.
"This is just the beginning -- more work lies ahead, but today we move forward with determination and hope," Barger concluded.