Thousands of homeowners have yet to tell the county how they're cleaning up their properties after the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Patch Staff
MALIBU, CA — Officials are urging thousands of homeowners impacted by January's wildfires to opt in to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' debris clearance program before the deadline next week.
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.
"This week is a critical point in our recovery from the devastating Palisades Fire," Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said at a news conference Monday. "No matter your decision, you must complete either opting in or opting out by March 31."
Officials say that all homeowners should file Right of Entry forms, allowing the Army Corps to complete debris removal.
Wide opt-ins would allow the Army Corps to clear debris much more quickly by clearing full sections or blocks of neighborhoods in coordinated operations, Horvath said.
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Those who are in the midst of negotiating cleanup particulars with their insurance companies should still complete Right of Entry forms, Horvath said.
"If you're negotiating with your insurance and you're unsure, opt in. You can change direction later. You can't opt in later," she said.
While it is still unclear whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency will include condo and recreational vehicle owners to qualify for certain benefits, they should still also submit their forms. County officials noted they are fighting for those owners to receive aid under the debris program.
More than 6,000 forms have been submitted, but another 3,400 homeowners have yet to respond.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart joined Horvath and joined her call for residents to take action immediately. He also said residents can get help at City Hall, and at the one-stop shop rebuilding center, just across the parking lot.
"When you're ready to start your rebuild, or just have questions about your rebuild, please come over. We will take care of you," Stewart said.
Army Corps Col. Brian Sawser noted that the ROE forms help the agency prepare for its work along the Pacific Coast Highway. For example, at La Costa Beach, all parcels were accounted for, allowing public and private crews to synchronize their efforts.
Sawser explained they anticipate clearing fire debris from La Costa by the end of March on the government side.
"We may have some of our friends on the private side still doing some work on this beach, but then we can move to the next beach, and the next stretch of PCH that needs to be worked on," Sawser said.
More information is available at the LA County Public Works fire debris hotline: 844-347-3332.
The Right of Entry and Opt-Out forms are available on the county's website.
City News Service contributed to this report.