Palisades Fire homeowners must choose debris removal by March 31

Homeowners affected by the Palisades Fire are nearing a deadline to decide on a government-sponsored debris removal program. City and county officials are urging residents to take action before March 31. They must file a Right of Entry form to participate. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is managing the program at no cost to eligible homeowners. So far, over 3,000 residents have opted in, while 564 have chosen to opt out. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stressed the importance of this decision. She warned that properties not addressed could be declared a nuisance, leading to costs for owners without FEMA help. Many properties in Pacific Palisades remain uncleared, with fewer lots now cleared than before. Mayor Bass highlighted the challenges homeowners face regarding debris disposal. She advised that opting in is easier and simpler for residents. The Army Corps will only remove debris from the burned areas. This means that additional structures, like concrete slabs or walls, may still be left on properties, complicating future rebuilding plans. Some residents, like Mike Furnari, have opted out, as they believe they can manage the cleaning themselves. Furnari plans to submit rebuilding permits soon, emphasizing his desire for control over the process. Mayor Bass also announced measures to streamline the rebuilding process for homes using fire-resistant materials, aiming to encourage safer construction in the aftermath of such disasters.