UPDATED with latest: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today it has officially begun its “Phase 2” wildfire-debris removal effort, beginning with two Pasadena Unified School District campuses that were destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
The announcement marked a key milestone in the wildfire recovery effort, which began with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency engaging in Phase 1 of the process — removing household hazardous materials from destroyed and damaged structures.
While that Phase 1 process is continuing, Phase 2 debris removal will move forward at properties that have been cleared by the EPA. “Beginning Phase 2 means we’re making tangible progress toward recovery,” Col.
Eric Swenson, the Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Field Office commander, said in a statement. “Our teams are working with urgency and care to remove hazardous debris while ensuring the safety of the community, workers and the environment.” Phase 2 involves clearing fire-damaged properties of hazardous ash and debris.
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