How to register for debris removal after the California wildfires if you lost your home

If you were affected by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires and your home was damaged or destroyed, you still have time to get help with debris removal and collection.

It is very important that you visit the Los Angeles County recovery website to apply for this assistance.

According to official information, the government is coordinating the cleanup in two phases. Phase 1 was launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on January 27. It was free for residents and did not require homeowners to register.

However, to complete the cleanup, we are now in Phase 2. Currently, homeowners can participate in a government program coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or work with an authorized private company, which they can pay out of pocket and through their insurance company.

It is very important for residents to know that if they choose the government option, they must complete a consent form, granting the Corps of Engineers permission to enter their property. Those who opt for the private option must complete a consent form and apply for a debris removal permit. This permit requires paying for the permit and requires residents with insurance to file insurance claims for the work so the government can seek reimbursement.

Another important fact to note is that the form indicates that state and federal laws prohibit “duplication of benefits”—that is, the possibility of receiving financial coverage for debris removal, both through the government and insurance.

Some residents were concerned that filing an insurance claim for debris removal could affect their other benefits for the recovery process.

Homeowners who are unsure whether their property qualifies as damaged or destroyed may choose to first determine their eligibility.

Affected homeowners can submit the forms in person at any of their county’s Disaster Recovery Centers or mail or email them to the county Department of Public Works.

You still have time, as the deadline to submit the inclusion and exclusion forms is March 31.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply for a private debris removal permit, you can do so without a deadline.

You must visit the Los Angeles County website in the Permits and Inspections section.

Land clearance work is carried out when Phase 1 clearance is completed for each property and if the entire neighborhood has signed up, allowing the Corps to work in groups of homes and minimizing the need to constantly move heavy equipment.

Residents should be aware that they can begin the building permit application process with their respective city or county before the debris has been completely removed.

It is important to note that, following the wildfires, some relief funds and services were activated and are available to residents.

Remember that thanks to former President Joe Biden’s major disaster declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has funds available for short-term rentals, short-term emergency shelter, and home repairs and replacements. Residents can apply for these funds online on the FEMA website.

Another benefit to this is the Internal Revenue Service, which delayed the 2025 tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County residents to October 15 and announced that the federal declaration should allow affected residents to deduct damages and property destruction from their taxes, in accordance with the Federal Disaster Relief Act.

Further support is that approximately 270 banks, credit unions, and state-chartered mortgage lenders have already committed to providing mortgage relief, although at this point it is important for residents to check the terms with their mortgage companies.

Finally, remember that the Small Business Administration is also offering disaster assistance loans for victims of the California wildfires.

So now you know, if you were affected by the fires, you can still access some support. Visit the Los Angeles County website for more details.