Palisades Fire Cleanup Deadline Extended, More Properties Now Eligible

LOS ANGELES, CA — Property owners impacted by January's wildfires now have more time to opt in to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' program, which was also expanded this week to cover some multi-family and commercial properties.

Those who own properties impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires have two options for the current phase of debris removal — they can hire private contractors to clear their properties, or they can opt to have the Army Corps do it for free.

The deadline to opt in to the Army Corps cleanup with a right-of-entry form was March 31, but on Friday the Federal Emergency Management Agency extended the deadline until April 15.

Additionally, FEMA notified the state on Friday that the program — which previously only covered single-family homes — was being expanded to include owner-occupied condos, multi-family properties and some commercial properties, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to the governor's office.

"I am thankful to FEMA for extending the deadline for residents to submit their ROE forms so they have more breathing room to fully understand their options and make an informed decision about debris removal," county Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement. "I am also glad FEMA has extended the opportunity to multi-family units to access this important resource. We are on the road to recovery, and these updates will ensure more of our residents get the help they need and deserve."

Information about how to complete the forms is available online. They can also be completed at a Disaster Recovery Center located at the UCLA Research Park West, 10850 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, or in Altadena at 540 W. Woodbury Road.

Earlier this week, officials urged everyone to complete the forms, even those who are unsure if they want to hire a contractor.