To broaden wildfire cleanup work in Los Angeles County, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make commercial and multifamily residential properties eligible for debris removal.
In a letter to FEMA from the Nancy Ward, director of the state Office of Emergency Services, she requested eligibility for small businesses and residential apartments, condominiums and mobile homes in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers debris removal program.
Debris removal from private commercial properties typically is the responsibility of property owners and is usually not eligible for government disaster assistance.
“Our state stands with Los Angeles residents and businesses,” Newsom said in a statement. “We are dedicated to restoring all parts of our communities swiftly and safely after these fires and are grateful to our federal partners for their continued support.”
If FEMA approves Ward’s request, it would expand the cleanup effort’s scope to several types of facilities that currently are not eligible for debris removal, such as nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, businesses and multifamily housing structures.
FEMA deadline nears
The governor’s office joined local and federal officials in urging fire-impacted landowners to file right-of-entry forms as the March 31 deadline approaches for the federal debris removal program. The deadline also applies to applications for disaster aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
On Monday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath urged residents to sign up for free debris removal.
“This week is a critical point in our recovery from the devastating Palisades Fire,” Horvath told reporters. “No matter your decision, you must complete either opting in or opting out by March 31.”
County officials said all homeowners in the Palisades and Eaton Fire burn areas should file ROE forms, even if they opt out of the program.
Homeowners who decide not to participate in the program may hire private contractors paid by homeowners or paid with insurance funds.
Horvath urged residents to opt into the program, which she said could allow the USACE to remove debris more quickly by clearing more complete sections or groups of neighborhoods in coordinated operations.
“If you’re negotiating with your insurance and you’re unsure, opt in. You can change direction later. You can’t opt in later,” said Horvath, who represents the Pacific Palisades, Malibu and other areas damaged in the Palisades Fire.
Homeowners who are moving forward with private contractors should still file forms and opt out, Horvath said.
“Let us know, and work with the county to get properly permitted,” she added.
County officials are seeking program eligibility for condo and recreational vehicle owners, who they also urged to submit ROE forms.
More than 6,000 ROEs have been submitted, but another 3,400 homeowners have not yet responded, officials said.
Horvath also reminded small businesses about the SBA loan deadline.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart also called for residents to take action immediately. Help with the forms is available at City Hall and the local one-stop-shop rebuilding center.
“When you’re ready to start your rebuild, or just have questions about your rebuild, please come over. We will take care of you,” Stewart said.
USACE Col. Brian Sawser said ROE forms help the agency prepare for its work along Pacific Coast Highway.
As an example, Sawser said all parcels at La Costa Beach were accounted for. That allowed public and private crews to synchronize their efforts. He anticipated debris clearance from the FEMA-USACE side of the beach would conclude the end of March.
“We may have some of our friends on the private side still doing some work on this beach, but then we can move to the next beach, and the next stretch of PCH that needs to be worked on,” Sawyer said.
Submitted ROE forms are trackable online. The Army Corps of Engineers has established a Debris Call Center — 213-308-8305 available 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., to field questions on debris removal from private properties.
The LA County Public Works fire debris hotline, 844-347-3332, also offers help to residents with questions.
CA.gov/LAfires monitors LA’s recovery from the January wildfires that destroyed tens of thousands of homes and caused 29 deaths.
