If your home was damaged or destroyed in the recent L.A. wildfires, there’s an important decision you need to make—and fast. The clock is ticking to sign up for the government’s free debris removal program. The deadline? March 31.
Here’s a breakdown of your options, what the cleanup process involves, and why that “free” label might still come with a surprise bill down the line.
The Basics: What Is the Public Debris Removal Program?
If you opt into the county-run Phase 2 cleanup program, trained crews will come in and remove fire debris from your property—at no upfront cost to you. That includes burned rubble, charred vehicles, even hazardous trees.
But here’s the catch: If your homeowners insurance includes coverage for debris removal, the county will ask your insurer (or you) to reimburse them—but only up to your policy limit.
This program is open to anyone who lost property in the Eaton or Palisades fires.
What Does the Cleanup Include?
If you sign up, here’s what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will remove:
- Burned remnants (including chimneys and vehicles)
- 6 inches of soil from affected areas
- The foundation, if you choose to have it removed
- Hazardous trees (unless you ask to keep them)
What’s not included?
- Swimming pools
- Driveways
- Retaining or slope-stabilizing walls
So if you want those things gone too, you may need to hire a private contractor afterward.
How to Opt In
You’ll need to fill out a Right of Entry form by March 31. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your insurance policy (especially the debris removal section)
- A property sketch (even a hand-drawn one works)
- A decision on whether to keep or remove your foundation (L.A. County Public Works recommends removal)
If something’s missing from your form, don’t worry—county officials will contact you to help complete your file. (Pro tip: check your spam folder just in case.)
How’s the Cleanup Going So Far?
Honestly, it’s moving slow. As of now, only about 3% of cleanup work is complete. But that doesn’t mean you should wait. Roughly 65% of affected property owners have already opted in—while thousands are still undecided.
Want to check on your form or your property’s status? Use these two trackers:
What If You Opt Out?
You can hire your own private contractor—but there are a few things to know:
- They must be certified to handle hazardous waste.
- You’ll need a debris removal permit (free from the county).
- All cleanup must be done by June 30.
- You (or your insurance) cover 100% of the cost.
The city of L.A. has a list of qualified contractors, or you can search on the Contractors State License Board site (filter by “HAZ”).
About That “Free” Cleanup…
Yes, the public debris removal program is advertised as free—but only if you don’t have insurance covering cleanup. If your policy does include debris removal, the county will bill your insurance.
Now here’s the scary part: Past cleanup costs in California have gone as high as $600,000 per property. 
But don’t panic. Think of it like a hospital bill—it shows the full cost, but your insurer pays what’s covered, and you’re not on the hook for more than that.
So what should you do?
- Review your insurance policy (especially the debris removal section)
- Talk to your agent
- Save any insurance payout for cleanup costs—even if the bill doesn’t come for a while (in some cases, it’s taken years!)
And if you’re using your policy to pay for additional cleanup (like pool removal), save those receipts. The county will only ask for leftover insurance funds after you rebuild your home.
Bottom Line
- Deadline to opt in: March 31
- Cleanup deadline if you opt out: June 30
- If you have insurance, know your coverage
- Track your cleanup status online
Wildfire recovery is overwhelming—but you’re not alone. Take it one step at a time, stay informed, and don’t miss that March 31 deadline.
Need help or have questions? Email us at connect@varsityla.com, and we’ll help you figure it out.