Eaton Fire Victims Debris Cleanup: What You Need to Know

If your property was affected by the Eaton or Palisades fires, important deadlines are approaching—and it's critical to understand your options for debris removal. 

Los Angeles County property owners have until April 15 to opt into the government-managed debris removal program run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This program is available at no upfront cost to homeowners and is designed to streamline the cleanup process so families can begin to rebuild. 

At our firm, we're representing families and property owners impacted by the fires. We understand the challenges you're facing and want to make sure you have the information you need to make the best choice for your situation. 

The April 15 Deadline: Why Opting In Matters 

According to L.A. County officials, over 70% of eligible property owners have already submitted paperwork to join the Army Corps program. Another group—over 1,000 homeowners—have chosen to opt out and hire private contractors. But thousands of property owners have yet to decide. 

Here's the key takeaway: opting in is not binding. If you change your mind later, you can still withdraw and choose a private option. But once the April 15 deadline passes, you can no longer join the Army Corps program. 

As Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart put it, “If I wasn't sure, I'd opt in and buy yourself some time.” 

What the Army Corps Will—and Won't—Remove 

The Army Corps and its contractors will work with you to assess your property before clearing begins. Generally, they remove everything within the "ash footprint"—the area where burned debris settled after the fire. 

This includes: 

They will not remove: 

If you'd like the foundation removed—which is often recommended due to heat damage or outdated codes—you can request it during your property walk-through. 

Cost: What You Need to Know 

There is no out-of-pocket cost for the government program. However, you are required to provide your insurance information when opting in. 

The county will later seek reimbursement only from funds specifically designated for debris removal in your insurance policy. If the cleanup ends up costing more than what your policy covers, you will not be billed for the difference. 

Why Some Homeowners Choose Private Contractors 

Private debris removal may offer more control and flexibility—particularly for homeowners with higher insurance coverage limits. Some property owners prefer this route to: 

However, costs are rising quickly due to disposal fees for hazardous debris. And for many, private cleanup simply isn't affordable within their policy limits. 

Which Option Is Faster? 

Cleanup is already underway for both Army Corps and private contractor jobs. The Army Corps expects to complete 3,000 properties by the end of May. Their scheduling prioritizes clusters of properties, so working together with your neighbors can help speed things up. 

Multifamily Homes and Condos: Are You Eligible? 

Recent updates have expanded eligibility for the Army Corps cleanup to include condos, townhomes, and duplexes—as long as at least one unit is owner-occupied and all unit owners and the HOA submit right-of-entry forms. 

Rental-only properties are generally not eligible, but apartment owners may apply on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility depends on whether the debris poses a threat to public safety or the local economy. 

Don't Miss the Deadline 

If your property was affected by the fires and you're unsure about your eligibility or next steps, submit a right-of-entry form now. This keeps your options open without locking you into the Army Corps program. 

At Kingsley Szamet, we're here to support fire victims in navigating their legal rights, insurance claims, and recovery. If you have questions about your specific situation or need legal guidance, don't hesitate to reach out. 

We're in this with you.