For Immediate Release: June 4, 2025

(Malibu, CA) – June 4, 2025 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has made significant progress on wildfire debris removal in Malibu. Alongside the reopening of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), USACE has successfully cleared 221 beachfront properties, nearly completing the work in that area.

“We are grateful to the USACE for their hard work and dedication, and to our residents for their continued patience during this process,” said Mayor Marianne Riggins. “This milestone represents the strength of our community partnerships and allows us to begin the next phases for rebuilding.”

As of Friday, May 23, approximately 420 properties have been cleared in Malibu. Across neighborhoods, USACE has made the following progress:

  • Big Rock neighborhood: 80% opt-in properties cleared, 68% received LA County sign-off to begin rebuilding
  • Las Flores Canyon: 73% opt-in properties cleared, 38% received LA County sign-off to begin rebuilding
  • Pacific Coast Highway: 221 parcels opt-in properties cleared, 100% received LA County sign-off to begin rebuilding

LA County’s sign-off affirms that all debris, including fire debris and other hazardous materials, has been removed from the property. As part of this process, professionals are also implementing measures to prevent soil erosion and protect the surrounding environment.

Owners of destroyed structures had the opportunity to participate in a government-sponsored program to have their properties cleared of fire debris by the Army Corps of Engineers. Property owners of destroyed structures who opted-out of the government-sponsored program with USACE are required to submit permit applications for private cleanup.

The deadline for opt-out and nonrespondent properties to have all fire debris removed from their property is Monday, June 30. If debris removal is not fully completed by the deadline, the City will evaluate available options, including potential enforcement actions or court proceedings.

 

“The City has been proactively contacting non-responsive and opt-out property owners to notify them of the approaching deadline and provide guidance in obtaining permits for private cleanup. Our primary goal is for all property owners to complete debris removal voluntarily and in compliance with the June 30 deadline,” said Environmental Sustainability Director/Building Official Yolanda Bundy.

For more information about the debris removal process, visit MalibuRebuilds.org/Debris-Removal.