As Los Angeles County residents contend with the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, the deadline for applying for disaster aid and no-cost debris removal is rapidly approaching. Governor Gavin Newsom, according to a state press release, emphasized the commitment of California to a rapid, safe restoration of impacted communities, stating, "We are not slowing down until the job is done."

The cleanup operation, backed by 475 crews working tirelessly, has cleared 1,300 parcels of debris in an impressive 70 days, a stark contrast to the four months taken to clear fewer properties after 2019's Woolsey and Hill fires. For those residents looking to secure assistance from FEMA or SBA, or to authorize government-conducted debris removal through an ROE form, March 31 marks the cutoff. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) coordinates closely with federal and local partners to provide these services, per the aforementioned announcement.

Aid allocated so far includes $24.2 million in Displacement Assistance, $21 million in Housing Assistance, and $73.4 million in Other Needs Assistance, which supports a spectrum of disaster-related costs, from housing to medical expenses. The U.S. Small Business Administration is also offering $1.88 billion in low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses navigating the fires' economic impacts.

Eligible property owners, those with structures over 120 square feet destroyed by the fires, have choices to consider: government-assisted debris removal at no cost or private contractor services. The process is detailed on the state’s LA fires recovery page, alongside links to the necessary ROE form, and information for both insured and uninsured residents. All upfront costs of debris removal will be covered by government agencies, nonetheless, the County will collect insurance proceeds specifically allocated for this purpose from those who choose the sponsored program and have applicable coverage.

Filing claims and applying for assistance can be done online through FEMA's DisasterAssistance portal or by calling their hotline. Similarly, SBA disaster loans can be requested through their website or customer service center. With the March deadline just around the corner, residents are urged to promptly submit their applications and track the recovery process, including air quality updates, on the dedicated state website.