Editor’s Note: At the time of publishing this story, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially begun Phase 2 of wildfire debris removal in Los Angeles County.
PASADENA, Calif. — Maj. Gen. Kim Colloton, deputy chief of engineers and deputy commanding general with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, visited the USACE Los Angeles District Jan. 15 in Los Angeles.
During her visit, Colloton met with LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella at the Rose Bowl where first responders are stationed as they continue to fight the Eaton Wildfire.
“It was good to see people from the district and to be able to meet up with LA County,” said Colloton. “I think it’s really important understanding that they have huge responsibility in responding and recovery efforts.”
As Colloton toured the area, she discussed the status of the fires and their effects with Pestrella and first responders, including the possible incoming atmospheric rivers, which could cause flooding. They also discussed USACE’s part in wildfire response in the form of a debris removal mission.
At the end of the tour, Colloton also visited Altadena, witnessing first-hand the devastating effects of the fire.
“I think LA is a very resilient and a very special city for our country,” said Colloton. “I got a lot out of it just talking to city leadership — to county leadership — and knowing we're here with them the long haul.”
For more information on USACE’s debris mission, visit https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Management/Los-Angeles-County-Wildfire-Debris-Removal-Mission/.