Barger Secures Clarifications on Tree Removals Amid Eaton Fire Debris Cleanup

A partially burnt tree is blossoming on Maiden Ln in Altadena (Photo – W.K.)

In a recent community briefing, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger secured critical clarifications from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding tree removal as part of the ongoing Eaton Fire debris cleanup.

By News Desk

During the weekly Monday afternoon session, Col. Sonny Avichal, the USACE commander overseeing field operations for the cleanup, confirmed that 16 crews are currently working in the affected area, with more crews expected to join soon. He also emphasized that only hazardous trees posing a significant risk to public safety are being considered for removal, in accordance with FEMA directives.

Avichal noted that the USACE employs certified arborists to assess trees based on various criteria, including canopy and root damage, fall zones, and the likelihood of the tree’s death within five years. “We recognize the value trees have in the Altadena community and that we must take a balanced approach that errs on the side of preserving trees as much as possible,” Avichal said.

Diagram showing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ markings of hazardous trees in Eaton Fire burn area (Photo – USACE)

Private Properties

For private properties, the USACE clarified that before any debris removal begins, field teams and contractors will conduct thorough walkthroughs with property owners. These consultations will allow homeowners to discuss any trees on their property, and property owner consent will be required for any tree removal. Importantly, the USACE confirmed that stumps will not be removed as part of the cleanup effort.

The above diagram shared during the briefing illustrates how hazardous trees will be marked. Trees deemed an immediate or imminent hazard will be identified with a barcode and three blue dots. However, Avichal assured the community that “Not all marked trees will be removed. Trees will only be removed with property owners’ consent.”

Property owners who wish to preserve their trees can indicate this preference on their Right of Entry forms and discuss specific trees during the in-person walkthrough before debris removal begins.

Concerns on social media

Barger, who has consistently advocated for tree preservation in Altadena, reaffirmed her commitment to safeguarding the area’s tree canopy. “I was assured that property owners would be given at least five days’ advance notice before debris removal begins, along with the opportunity to understand whether a tree on their property has been deemed unsafe or requires removal.”

Addressing recent concerns circulating on social media regarding tree removals, Barger reiterated her firm stance on tree preservation. “I have reiterated my expectations to the Corps that these decisions must be made carefully, with thorough communication to property owners to prevent any removals without engagement and support,” Barger stated. “Trees are a defining feature of Altadena’s character, and I fully support every effort to preserve them. Every possible action must be taken to protect these precious  community assets.”