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5h ago

Debris Removal Nears Finish as Rebuilding Begins in Palisades and Eaton Fire Areas

Recovery efforts are pivoting from debris removal to reconstruction permitting, with utility modernization under a $140 million federal aid package preparing fire zones for rebuilding.

Thousands of structures sit in ruins in Altadena, California, on Jan. 19, 2025. The Eaton fire, fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, ripped through beginning on the evening of Jan. 7. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register/TNS)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Eric Swenson stands at the site of four consecutive cleared lots on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Altadena on Altadena Dr. Swenson completed his project just ahead of the 6 month anniversary. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
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A new home under construction on Monterosa Drive in Altadena on Friday, June 13, 2025. Los Angeles County leaders are announcing new steps to help those affected by the January wildfires, including lowering construction costs, cutting taxes for property owners, speeding up the rebuilding process and protecting communities from future fire danger as Los Angeles enters a new phase of community rebuilding. (Photo by Dean Musgrove, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Overview

  • Federal crews have cleared 96% of private lots in the Eaton burn zone and 89% in the Pacific Palisades, approaching debris removal completion ahead of an August deadline.
  • FEMA has approved $140 million in assistance for affected residents, including $45 million earmarked for housing support.
  • Local authorities have issued dozens of expedited building permits by waiving select codes and fees to accelerate home reconstruction.
  • Investigations continue into the fires’ origins, examining ember-driven reignition at Skull Rock and possible induction energization of decommissioned Tower 208 in Eaton Canyon.
  • Plans are underway to bury power lines and upgrade water and utility systems to bolster future wildfire resilience in the hardest-hit communities.