The executive order issued by Governor Newsom:

• Allows highly-specialized hazmat teams to move in to remove explosive and highly toxic materials, immediately after receiving safety clearance from emergency officials 

Removing dangerous contaminants 

In particular, debris removal teams will clean up household hazardous waste, including pesticides, propane tanks, and batteries in both conventional and electric vehicles. This is the first — and the most complex — phase of debris removal, which clears the way for the next phase focusing on remaining structural debris. 

Residents awaiting cleanup of their property should avoid contact with ash and debris, which remains toxic and deadly.

Clearing the way for quicker recovery

On Monday, Governor Newsom proposed California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. The funding will support recovery and cleanup, additional wildfire preparedness, and reopening schools shuttered by the fires.

Over the weekend, the Governor signed two executive orders to boost recovery efforts – one to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger by cutting red tape, and the other to direct fast action on clearing debris and preparing for mudslides and flooding. In addition, on Tuesday, Governor Newsom signed two additional executive orders to help displaced children get back to school and ensure families aren’t taken advantage of by predatory real estate speculators.  

State’s all-in response

California has mobilized more than 16,000+ personnel including firefighters, guard servicemembers, highway patrol officers and transportation teams to support the ongoing firefight.

In addition, these response efforts include more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment, including 1,480+ engines, 80+ aircraft, 210+ dozers and 220+ water tenders to aid in putting out the fires.

Last week, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency and he subsequently issued multiple executive orders to support communities affected by the ongoing fires. On Wednesday, President Biden quickly approved Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts. The state also received continued federal assistance to combat the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires. 

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.  

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By calling 800-621-3362
• By using the FEMA smart phone application
• Assistance is available in over 40 languages
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.