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Fire debris removal deadline extended for LA County
A home destroyed in the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8. People whose lots need to be cleared now have until April 15 to opt into, or out of, the program.
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AFP via Getty Images
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Topline:
The deadline for L.A. fire victims who lost their homes to opt in to a government debris clean-up program has been extended to April 15.
What changed: The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended the deadline, which was March 31. Officials also expanded who is eligible for the disaster cleanup to include condos and multi-family units.
What happens if you opt out? At a news conference Friday in Altadena, L.A. County Public Works Chief Deputy Director Angela George-Moody reminded residents that those who choose not to sign up for government cleanup will be responsible for hiring private contractors. Those who choose to opt out need to submit a form and apply for a fire debris removal permit from the county. "Please take advantage of this assistance," she said. "You have to act now."
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Who is doing the government debris clearing? The program is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their contractors are not removing structures like pools, patios and driveways from properties, meaning some homeowners may need to hire a private contractor to finish the job.
Insurance questions: County officials said that insurance concerns were a key reason some homeowners have not signed up for the government debris removal, or have opted out. The program is free for property owners. However, if a property owner has insurance, the insurance company may have to reimburse the government for up to the amount that debris removal is covered by the owner's plan. L.A. County will be responsible for this process, which will take place once debris clearing is complete. The county's fire recovery website says that property owners can use their insurance money to do cleanup that is not covered by the government program, and the county will only try to recoup remaining insurance funds after all cleanup is complete and paid for.
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