LAGUNA BEACH : Lot Owners Ordered to Clear Fire Debris by Nov. 1

Fire victims who have settled with their insurance companies but are not rebuilding homes must clear remaining debris from their lots by Nov. 1, according to the City Council.

City officials say it was necessary to set the deadline because many fire victims are now rebuilding in communities where lots have been left untended and could pose a safety hazard. The council ordered the action Tuesday night.

The October, 1993, firestorm damaged or destroyed more than 400 homes in and around Laguna Beach. City leaders say it is time to wipe away reminders of this city’s worst disaster. These include charred trees, empty swimming pools, chimneys and free-standing walls.

“It makes the place feel like a neighborhood again and not a place of catastrophe,” Councilman Wayne J. Baglin said.

Property owners will be advised by Aug. 1 that they have three months to clear their lots, excluding the foundations, or the city will do it for them and they will get the bill.

Fire victims who can prove they have still not settled with their insurance companies may be granted additional time to remove debris, depending upon whether it poses a significant safety risk.

The fires destroyed 286 homes within the city limits and 73% of those property owners have filed for new building permits. While 50 fire victims are now living in new homes, 76 have not filed rebuilding plans with the city.