Fire Debris Removal Deadlines and Training Announced

The County of Sonoma has established deadlines for property owners to clear Kincade Fire debris following completion of the county sponsored Household Hazardous Waste sweep. Property owners must submit a debris removal application form and site work plan by January 31, 2020. All components of debris removal, including soil testing, must be completed by May 15, 2020.

“Proper disposal of debris following a fire is a critical step, not only so that rebuilding can begin, but also to protect the health and safety of the property owner, community and the environment,” stated Board of Supervisors Chair David Rabbitt. “The County is available to help and support owners of the 372 destroyed structures with every step of the fire debris removal process.” 

A Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) sweep is currently underway at no cost to property owners, and is expected to be finished by November 30, 2019. A Property Clean-up Status map, showing completed hazardous waste inspections and removal, is now available at https://socoemergency.org/home/emergency/maps/.

Unlike the government-sponsored debris removal program available after the 2017 Sonoma Complex Fires, property owners with destroyed structures from the Kincade Fire must have a debris removal application and work plan approved by Environmental Health. Property owners may complete the debris removal process on their own with oversight from licensed professionals, or may hire a licensed contractor to perform the work. Property owners are asked to submit a Debris Removal Application form and work plan identifying how debris will be removed by January 31, 2020. These forms and other helpful information including Debris Removal Requirements and Property Clean-up Frequently Asked Questions can be found at SoCoEmergency.org/Recover. Property owners can contact Environmental Health for information and assistance Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 625 5^th Street in Santa Rosa, by phone at (707) 565-6700 or by email at ehdebrisremoval@sonoma-county.org. 

Submitted Debris Removal Applications and site work plans will be reviewed and approved on an ongoing basis. County staff will review materials for strict adherence to debris management requirements that ensure safety to workers, the public, and the environment. The deadline to complete all fire debris removal and submit all completion paperwork to Environmental Health is May 15, 2020.

Sonoma County Environmental Health and CalRecycle will hold a Debris Removal Training for contractors, waste haulers, and property owners on Wednesday, November 20^th from 3:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. at the 625 5^thStreet offices. Please attend to learn more about the debris removal process.  

For more Kincade Fire recovery information, visit: SoCoEmergency.org/Recover