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Phase 2 of Palisades and Eaton Fire Cleanup has begun, marking key milestones in helping homeowners begin the rebuilding process.
Among the most intense hit areas is Elliot Middle School, which suffered extensive damage and is currently unavailable. Several other schools between Eton and Palisade have also undergone debris removal led by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Although the focus is often on residential facilities, schools and other community buildings also benefit from these cleanup efforts. One of the many affected homeowners is a Margot Stever who lost his home in Eton Fire.
“On the first day, I’m really happy today,” the stever said. “I cried straight for four weeks.”
Looking at the Army Corps of Engineers and the Clean Up crew, working on what was her home on West Palm Street in Altadena gave the stevers a sense of security.
“But now I’m ready to let this go, so now it’s a happy day,” she said. “Well then, I look forward to the rebuilding.”
Stueber lived at home for 17 years, creating precious memories with his pets and loved ones.
“You can’t incorporate this one day or the next,” she shared. “This takes time. It’s a recovery process.”
The phase 2 debris removal process involves the removal of hazardous materials, including chimneys, ash, wood and up to 6 inches of contaminated soil.
“The right to that entry is to all property owners,” explained Corey Coger, an expert on the subject of debris. “For example, the school district has given us the right to do this work with their property. We will carry out meticulous debris removal to ensure that existing buildings survive.”
Homeowners must submit their rights to entry to continue with the work. So far, out of the 8,000 applications submitted, approximately 100 have been processed.
The delay was due to the county’s efforts to verify property ownership. This is a challenge given that many titles and actions were lost in the fire.
“People who sign up for an Immigration Program or Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) will not have out-of-pocket fees,” Koger said. “If there are any applicable insurance benefits, they will be returned to the county. However, homeowners are not allowed to review their insurance policies and save payments as the money may be collected by the county. It’s important.”
The Army Corps of Engineers estimates it will take two to three days to safely remove debris before homeowners begin rebuilding.
“Altadena is a great place,” the stever said. “If I can do that, I can start, and others will. This is really for all of us.”
She maintains hope and already imagines the future.
“Two years later, I will be 70. I want to have a birthday party in my new home.”
Homeowners can opt out of Army-led cleanup, but they will need to hire a licensed contractor to remove the wreckage.
About 315 homeowners have so far opted out, according to the governor’s office. Anyone interested in the Army Corps program must sign up until March 31st.
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