After a wildfire burns through a community, it leaves behind hazardous materials, including charred structural debris, that can pose serious risks to the environment and public health. Debris removal helps eliminate these hazards and accelerates the rebuilding process, allowing homeowners to rebuild their homes more quickly.
For homeowners whose properties were affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, completing a Right of Entry (ROE) form is an essential step in the cleanup and recovery process.
Completing the ROE enables government contractors to enter private properties and remove dangerous debris at no cost to the homeowner. This legal document grants government agencies and contractors permission to conduct debris removal and perform necessary assessments.
Who is Eligible?
Phase 2 cleanup is offered to eligible private residential properties that were destroyed in the fires. A destroyed structure of at least 120 square feet must be on the parcel in order to qualify for free debris removal by the Army Corps of Engineers.
When removing fire-damaged materials, there are two main options:
- Government-assisted debris removal: This is free of charge and managed by government agencies.
- Private contractor cleanup: Homeowners who prefer to hire private contractors for debris removal are not required to sign the ROE, but this option will generally incur costs for the homeowner.
If you are eligible and want to participate in the cost-free government cleanup service, you must complete the ROE form before the March 31, 2025 deadline.
How to Apply
There are steps eligible property owners must take to participate in the government-run debris removal program.
- Obtain the ROE form from the county recovery site.
- Complete the form: Ensure you have accurate property details and owner information.
- Submit the form and documentation: Submit the completed form before the March 31, 2025 deadline. Be sure to include all necessary documentation:
- Government Issued ID (Driver’s license, Passport, or Real ID) for ALL property owners.
- Power of Attorney, Trust or Corporate Document on behalf of all owners on the deed (If you are an Authorized Agent).
- Insurance Policy
- Declaration pages
- Debris Removal coverage section/page
- Statement of Losses (if an adjuster has visited the property)
- Sketch of property identifying the locations of all hazards (This can be a simple, hand-drawn sketch and must identify what debris should be removed and what non-debris should stay).
- After submitting, you can track your submission through the county recovery and US Army Corps of Engineers pages. County staff may contact you if additional documentation is needed to process your form. Once approved, officials will begin the cleanup process.
Once the debris removal is complete, the property will undergo a final inspection before being returned to the homeowner to start rebuilding.
For more information and additional resources, visit CA.gov/LAFires.