The debris removal operation is progressing ahead of expectations, expediting the timeline for residents and business owners to rebuild
LOS ANGELES – Three months after the start of the unprecedented wildfires that devastated Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass highlighted actions taken in coordination with County, State, and federal partners to expedite every aspect of the disaster recovery effort, now considered the fastest in modern California history. As of this morning, more than 260 properties have had debris completely cleared and have received final sign off – a required step for permits to be issued. Nearly 1,000 properties in the Palisades have already been initially cleared of debris by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The debris removal process began just 35 days after the fires ignited — roughly half the time it took after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.
“The Palisades community has shown incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable loss,” said Mayor Karen Bass. "We’ll continue working around the clock to expedite every aspect of our recovery effort."
On Friday, Mayor Bass announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had cleared debris from the three schools in Los Angeles that were partially destroyed by the Palisades Fire – Palisades Charter High School, Palisades Charter Elementary, and Marquez Charter Elementary. All three schools were cleared ahead of expectations. She also announced that the City secured private funding to replace the historic Pacific Palisades playground, which has been at the heart of the community for more than three decades.
Recovery progress and actions taken to date:
Fastest Hazardous Materials Clearing in EPA History: Thanks to President Trump and the Trump administration, Phase 1 of the debris removal finished in 28 days – months ahead of expectations – and removed more than 300 tons of hazardous materials, such as exploded lithium ion batteries, from the Palisades. In comparison, Phase 1 of the debris removal process for the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California took more than twice as long to complete.
Debris Removal Moving at Historic Pace: Phase 2 of the debris removal process is well underway and began just 35 days after the fires ignited — roughly half the time it took after the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.
Utilities Restored at Record Rate: In just two months, water and power were safely restored for standing homes in the Palisades. In comparison, safe drinking water wasn’t restored until 18 months after the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California.
Emergency Executive Orders to Return and Rebuild: Mayor Bass used her executive power to cut through red tape, relocate impacted schools and childcare facilities, provide tax relief for small businesses, expedite the rebuilding of homes and businesses in ways that better protect against future wildfires, and more.
Reinforced Burn Areas Prone To Slides: The City shored up burn areas ahead of wet weather this season by urgently installing more than 10,000 feet of concrete barriers and laying down more than 6,500 sandbags.
Provided Relief and Protections to Fire Survivors:
Opened a Disaster Recovery Center to centralize critical resources from 70 city, county, state, and federal agencies. More than 9,500 households and counting have been helped so far.
Opened the One-Stop Rebuilding Center to help streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses.
Worked with the Governor’s Office to ensure homeowners can access as-built plans and allow the City to automatically re-issue permits for homes built in recent years.
Opened four new Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers to help residents with job placement, financial assistance, youth opportunities, and more.
Signed new City ordinances to:
Deliver tax relief for local businesses that were destroyed or severely economically impacted by the wildfires.
Prohibit residential evictions for tenants housing people or pets displaced by the wildfires for the next year.
Prohibit price gouging for essential housing, lodging, and consumer goods and services, including contractor services for debris removal and rebuilding, during a declared state of emergency.
Brought Helpful Information Directly to the Palisades Community: The Office of Mayor Bass hosts virtual community briefings every week, each attended by hundreds of Angelenos, to share information on recovery and rebuilding.
Federal and State Support: Mayor Bass led a Council delegation to Sacramento to advocate for support to rebuild. The delegation met with Governor Gavin Newsom, California State Senate President Pro Tempore Senator Mike McGuire, California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and other state leaders.
Learn more at recovery.lacity.gov.