January 21st, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today approved an emergency motion to mitigate dangerous debris flows and expedite cleanup efforts in fire-affected areas. The measures, led by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and Board Chair Kathryn Barger, will safeguard public safety, protect the environment, and support recovery efforts as the region braces for forecasted rain.

This action follows yesterday’s Executive Order from Governor Gavin Newsom granting Los Angeles County the necessary tools to prepare the region for potential landslides, mudslides, and flooding—a request made by Supervisor Horvath and Chair Barger. 

“This motion directs swift action to prevent dangerous debris flows and protect our water and air quality in fire-impacted areas,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “With the support of Governor Newsom and his recent Executive Order responding to my request with Chair Barger, and our partnerships with federal and state agencies, we are clearing hazardous debris, stabilizing flood-prone areas, and safeguarding critical infrastructure on behalf of County communities as well as the cities of Los Angeles and Malibu. Together, we’re taking urgent, coordinated steps to protect public safety and ensure a sustainable recovery for our communities.” 

Key components of the motion include: 

• Temporary Debris Flow Mitigation Measures: Installation of flood control infrastructure and sediment removal in fire-impacted areas to reduce risks to public safety and property.
• Hazardous Materials Cleanup: Removal of toxic debris and pollutants from burn zones to protect waterways, beaches, and drinking water supplies.
• Coordination Across Jurisdictions: Collaborative efforts with federal, state, and local partners, supported by Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-13-25, to streamline permitting and accelerate emergency actions.

The County has convened nine working groups with state, federal, and municipal partners to address immediate hazards and ensure resources are allocated efficiently. Phase one of debris removal, led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is already underway, focusing on the remediation of hazardous waste from properties in wildfire-impacted areas.

Read the full motion here.

For all information on the active emergency, visit lacounty.gov/emergency. For recovery information that continues to be expanded each day, visit recovery.lacounty.gov. 

For the latest emergency information and County resources delivered to your inbox each day, sign up for the Third District newsletter at lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov.

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