County to Begin Property Clean-up Process after Kincade Fire

The County of Sonoma is providing additional information as a two-step process starts to assist property owners in removing hazardous waste and fire debris in properties destroyed by the Kincade Fire. The Kincade Fire destroyed 374 structures, 174 of which are residences, and damaged an additional 60 structures, 34 of which are residences.

The first step in property clean-up is an emergency Household Hazardous Waste sweep of all properties, which will begin on Tuesday, November 12. This sweep will be conducted by the County at no cost to property owners. The crews, which will include specialized contractors, will inspect properties and remove any Household Hazardous Waste that will pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as pesticides, batteries, asbestos siding, and paints.

Following the Household Hazardous Waste sweep, property owners can begin step two by hiring a licensed and qualified contractor to remove fire debris. Property owners can download a Debris Removal Application form at SoCoEmergency.org/Recover and can contact Environmental Health for assistance in completing the form at (707) 565-6700 or ehdebrisremoval@sonoma-county.org. Additional information about Debris Removal Requirements and a Debris Removal Completion Certification information is also posted on this site. This information is helpful for both property owners and contractors.

On November 1, 2019, the Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Celeste Philip issued an order advising community members to refrain from entering the burn footprint without personal protective equipment.  On November 5, 2019, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors passed an emergency ordinance requiring authorization from the Department of Health Services, Environmental Health, prior to commencing debris removal work. Hazardous debris after a wildfire can expose residents to toxic materials, and improper transport and disposal of fire debris can create dangerous health impacts throughout the community.