Introduction to Wildfire Debris Removal Deadline
An update is expected Friday morning regarding the rebuilding efforts, nearly three months since the devastating Eaton Fire completely leveled parts of Altadena.
This comes three days before two very important deadlines for home and business owners.
Importance of Debris Removal for Rebuilding
In order for Altadena residents to start rebuilding, a priority is for all of the debris to be removed from burned homes and foundations. Monday is the deadline for residents to tell the county if they want the government to do the removal for them or not. March 31 is the deadline for them to submit the opt in or opt out form. Another big deadline that same day is for applications for FEMA disaster assistance.
Debris Removal Process
The Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of the debris removal process. If you opt in, they would clean out your property for free, which includes removing asbestos, trees, ash, soil, burned debris, cars and vehicles and the foundation of your home. If you opt out, you would have to fire private contractors – to do all of this for you and get a permit with the county.
Support for Residents
There are also two dedicated support lines to help with the decision. Residents can call 844-347-3332 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for opting-in and general questions. For help opting out, residents can call 888-479-7328 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The opt in, opt out program is only for homeowners but the county recommends that residents still submit their forms by the March 31 deadline. Anyone who has an industrial property, condo, town home, or mobile home park could potentially be included in the program.
Conclusion
The upcoming deadlines for debris removal and FEMA disaster assistance applications are crucial for the rebuilding process in Altadena after the devastating Eaton Fire. It is essential for residents to make informed decisions about opting in or out of the government’s debris removal program and to seek help through the dedicated support lines if needed.
FAQs
- Q: What is the deadline for submitting the opt in or opt out form for debris removal?
A: The deadline is March 31. - Q: What is included in the free debris removal service if I opt in?
A: The service includes removing asbestos, trees, ash, soil, burned debris, cars and vehicles, and the foundation of your home. - Q: How can I get help with opting in or out of the debris removal program?
A: You can call the dedicated support lines: 844-347-3332 for opting-in and general questions, and 888-479-7328 for help opting out. - Q: Is the opt in, opt out program only for homeowners?
A: Yes, but the county recommends that all residents submit their forms by the deadline, as some properties like industrial, condo, town home, or mobile home park could potentially be included.
