Clear Hazardous Material
Ash, debris, and fire damage on homes that have been red or yellow tagged may contain hazardous materials that can threaten public health. With the declaration of a Local Health Emergency, the removal of debris is prohibited until an inspection of the debris is conducted by specially trained Federal, State, or local hazardous materials teams.
Hazardous Material Inspection and Removal (Phase I)In Phase I, local government, state and federal agencies organize teams of experts from the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and County Fire Department to inspect impacted properties and remove any household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment.
Property owners cannot opt-out of the household hazardous waste assessment and removal activities that are conducted automatically at no cost to the property owner. Officials will post a yellow clearance placard on your property to indicate it is safe from hazardous materials. This service is for both residential and commercial properties.
Clear Fire Debris
Fire Debris Removal Operations (Phase II)
In Phase II, Federal, State, and local officials coordinate fire-related debris removal, including the building's foundation, from the property. There are two options available to residents. Option 1 is FREE for residents who opt-in and qualify for the Government-Sponsored Fire Debris and Hazard Tree Removal program. Option 2 is for residents who elect not to participate or do not qualify for the Government-Sponsored Fire Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program (Option 1).
For questions, contact the Debris Removal Hotline at (626) 979-5370.
For additional fire-related resources, visit lacounty.gov/recovery.
Option 1: Residents who opt-in and qualify for the Government-Sponsored Fire Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program (Recommended)
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) in coordination with Los Angeles County Public Works, will provide private property debris removal services to residents who elect government-assisted debris removal.
- There is no cost to the property owner for this work, but they must opt-in to the program to participate.
- Residents who opt-in to this program will be required to provide consent to access property through a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form that will be administered by the County or local jurisdiction.
Step 1: Download and complete the Right of Entry for Debris Removal Form
Step 2: Return your Right of Entry form in-person, e-mail, mail, or fax by January 15, 2021.
Submittal MethodsOption 2: Residents who opt-out or do not qualify for the Fire Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program
Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in the Government-Sponsored Program. This will be a much more streamlined process and no-fee will be administered. However, residents may choose to remove non-hazardous debris from their properties in the following ways:
- Self-clearance and self-hauling directly to a permitted landfill or other permitted solid waste facility.
- Self-clearance and use of roll-off bins or dumpster by authorized waste haulers to remove debris for disposal.
- Contracting for clearance and hauling. Residents are advised to select a contractor based on their individual needs.
In some cases, a demolition permit will be required to remove standing structures.
Step 1: Download and complete the Local Fire Debris Removal Program Application Form or the Partially Burned or Damaged Structures Form, as applicable.
Step 2: Submit the form via email to bobcatfire@pw.lacounty.gov or lakefire@pw.lacounty.gov by January 31, 2021. Submittal Methods
Step 3: All debris removal work must be completed by March 15, 2021.
Step 4: Download and fill out the Debris Clean-Up Completion Certification Form once work is completed and submit via email to bobcatfire@pw.lacounty.gov or lakefire@pw.lacounty.gov
For additional information, refer to Frequently Asked Questions
| Method for Submittal | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Drop off Please call ahead: (661) 524-2390 |
Building and Safety – Antelope Valley Office, 355 A East Avenue K-6 Lancaster, CA 93535 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| bobcatfire@pw.lacounty.gov or lakefire@pw.lacounty.gov *Please limit file size to 150 megabytes (MB) and contact our hotline at (626) 979-5370 if you do not receive confirmation within 2 business days |
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| Los Angeles County Public Works Environmental Programs Division Bobcat Fire and Lake Fire Debris Removal
Team P.O. Box 1460 Alhambra, CA 91802-1460 |
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| Fax | (626) 458-3569 |