LOS ANGELES — Property owners impacted by the LA wildfires will have a little more time to opt in to a free U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fire debris-removal program, officials announced Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency extended the deadline until April 15 after calls from local authorities urging residents to submit their documents before the original Monday deadline
  • Residents impacted by the fires must file the forms to either opt in or out of the USACE free debris-removal program
  • Residents who opt out of the program will have to hire private contractors to conduct the removal work, at their own expense
  • The debris-removal program had been limited to residential homes, but FEMA notified the state Friday that it was being expanded to include owner-occupied condominiums, multi-family residential properties and select commercial properties which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to the governor's office

The deadline for residents to file "Right of Entry" forms allowing the federal agency to access their properties and clear fire debris was approaching on Monday, prompting urgent calls from local authorities urging residents to submit the documents. But on Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency extended the deadline until April 15.

"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."

Residents impacted by the fires must file the forms to either opt in or out of the USACE free debris-removal program. Residents who opt out of the program will have to hire private contractors to conduct the removal work, at their own expense.

Barger noted at a news conference Friday morning that all properties must be cleared of debris, so residents who don't take advantage of the free program will still be required to have the rubble removed.

Information on how to complete the forms is available online. The forms can be completed online, or 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.

The debris-removal program had been limited to residential homes, but FEMA notified the state Friday that it was being expanded to include owner- occupied condominiums, multi-family residential properties and select commercial properties which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to the governor's office.

Commercial properties will be evaluated on criteria including whether they present an immediate threat to public health and safety, if the commercial property owner faces barriers to completing the debris-removal process and the economic impact of the debris removal on the owner and community.

"Our federal partners continue to deliver for California," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "Together, we are going to rebuild Los Angeles in record time while supporting all those who have been impacted."