County Cracks Down On Fire-Impacted Properties Still Littered With Debris

LOS ANGELES, CA — Officials plan to crack down on property owners impacted by January's wildfires who have failed to move forward in clearing their lots of debris.

Property owners impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires were given the choice to opt in have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers clear their properties of debris or opt out and hire contractors to do the work.

Some 10% of property owners opted out of the Army Corps process. Most of them are in the process of having the work done — but others are not, according to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

About 100 property owners have not responded, officials estimate, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

"As neighbors move to quickly recover from the fires, they must have confidence that these 'non-responsive' properties will be cleared quickly of this remaining fire ash and debris to avoid the health impacts of uncontained fire ash and debris to themselves and the community at large. Therefore, speedy abatement of this public health nuisance is essential," reads a motion approved by the board Tuesday.

Under that legislation approved by the board, properties that have not been cleared of debris by June 30 will be declared a public nuisance and health hazard. That would allow the county to take measures to clear the properties and bill the property owners for the cost, according to officials.

Those who do not pay the bill could be subject to a lien on their property.