The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers celebrated a significant milestone last month, initiating debris removal at the final opt-in private property
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, alongside federal, state, and local partners, celebrated a significant milestone on Aug. 26, initiating debris removal at the final opt-in private property in the Pacific Palisades Fire recovery area.
A recent post by the US Army displayed several officials’ reflections on the effort.
Lt. Col. David Weart, commander of the USACE Recovery Field Office, lauded the interagency teamwork and the dedication of crews navigating steep slopes, strong winds, and rugged terrain. Since February, USACE and contractors cleared thousands of properties across the Palisades and Eaton fire zones, removing over 2.5 million tons of debris from nearly 10,000 residential sites—the fastest debris removal mission in USACE history, completed with an exemplary safety record.
Brig. Gen. John Lloyd, commander of USACE’s South Pacific Division, highlighted the emotional and technical significance of the effort. “This area is known for its stunning landscapes and tight-knit communities,” Lloyd said, according to the Army post. “It has been our privilege to support recovery with expertise and compassion.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park recalled the January devastation, describing “chimneys rising like gravestones through the ash.” She praised USACE for not only their technical skill but also their compassion, from sifting through debris for personal items to providing emotional support at community meetings, according to the Army post.
For Noland West, a retired Army officer whose home was the final property cleared, the milestone was bittersweet. “I lost my house, my brother’s house, everything,” West said, expressing gratitude to USACE. “You’ve done a marvelous job.”
Lloyd emphasized that each cleared lot represents a fresh start. “While we cannot replace homes, we can help communities begin anew,” he said, marking a hopeful step forward for Pacific Palisades residents.
