Local officials have reported favorable progress in clearing debris from the thousands of properties in the path of the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires earlier this year.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger commended the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for cleanup efforts following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre.
More than 1.1 million tons of debris have been cleared to date, according to Barger’s office.
“I wholeheartedly thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their dedication to safely and swiftly clearing debris from our communities,” Barger, who represents the 3rd District where the Eaton Fire struck, said in a statement Friday. “Their work is helping restore neighborhoods impacted by the Eaton Fire and creating a pathway for families and the community at large to begin rebuilding and healing. I’m impressed by the scale and speed of their efforts and appreciate our ongoing partnership.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Monday announced the USACE has cleared nearly 2,000 properties in Pacific Palisades of all fire debris that have also received final approval from the county.
“Rebuilding is underway — crews are working every day to remove debris in the Palisades and expedite the timeline to get families home,” Bass said in a statement. “Thanks to their work, the city is issuing new permits every week, rebuilding is underway across the Palisades, and our recovery effort is on track to be the fastest in modern California history.”
Bass said 54 rebuilding permits have been issued for 40 addresses so far, with hundreds of applications currently under review.
The first permit was issued 57 days after the Palisades Fire’s Jan. 7 start, which was more than twice as fast as permits issued following the devastating Camp and Woolsey fires in 2018.
USACE Col. Jeff Palazzini said nearly 900,000 tons of debris have been removed from Pacific Palisades, which is part of the city of Los Angeles. About 75% of properties in Pacific Palisades that opted into the government’s free removal program have been cleared.
“On behalf of the hundreds of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employees and contractors assisting with this operation, we are honored to be coordinating this historically fast and safe debris removal operation,” Palazzini said. “This is only possible with the continued support of our city, county, state and federal partners, and the engaged participation of the affected communities.”
In the Eaton Fire area, the Corps of Engineers has deployed 115 debris removal crews, clearing an average of 65 properties per day, according to Barger’s office. Properties cleared so far total 4,450 of the 5,665 county Right of Entry forms the corps has received, or 79%. The county has received final sign-off from the corps for 2,566 of those properties, about 45%.
The USACE and county personnel meet weekly in an effort to time debris removal work with road repair and utility restoration and manage the movement of over 2,600 debris truckloads each day, officials said.
Last week, several properties connected with local nonprofits and religious organizations were added for USACE cleanup, including the Lifeline Church, Pasadena Temple, Pasadena Church of Christ, Pasadena Waldorf School and The Bunny Museum, Barger’s office reported.
Work is also underway at Farnsworth Park and the Eaton County Nature Center, and debris removal at Charles White Park has also been completed.
“I’m thrilled the Corps’ expert debris removal support has been extended to these organizations and sites,” Barger said. “The Corps’ formidable commitment to supporting both residential and community-serving institutions is a lifeline that will never be forgotten.”
The Eaton and Palisades fires erupted amid hurricane-force winds and collectively burned over 27,000 acres, destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of properties and caused the deaths of 30 people, according to Cal Fire.
