Other Emergency Programs:

• ARB
• CIWMB
• DPR
• DTSC
• OEHHA
• OES
• FEMA

Fire Response and Recovery: Cal/EPA Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness

Whenever there is a fire, there are concerns about exposure to smoke and potential contaminants. At issue are impacted water quality, environmental degradation, and debris management.

Below are a series of recommendations and links from Cal/EPA and its partners addressing various public health and environmental concerns related to fires.

Air Quality Issues

Pay attention to local air quality reports and watch for any health warnings from your local health officers with specific warnings. Avoid strenuous outdoor work or exercise. If using air conditioning in your car or home, turn on the “recycle” or “recirculate” mode. Seek medical assistance if you experience an inability to breathe normally, a recurrent cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. Even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms in smoky conditions.

• Learn how to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke and the proper use of face masks (PDF)
• Smoke Impact. How to protect your family from the health effects of smoke and other information. Provided by the California Air Pollution Control Officer's Association.
• Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for Public Health Officials
• Health risks of wild fires for children - acute phase (PDF)
• Current air conditions for California are available at Air Now
• Please see the Air Resources Board home page for additional information.

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Fire Debris: Hazards and Cleanup

Public Health Statement: The California Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) recommends anyone cleaning up ash from around homes or sifting through a site wear a well-fitted paper mask or bandana to protect their nose and mouth. Keep skin covered by wearing long sleeves, full length pants, and gloves. Special protections such as respirators are recommended if spending long periods of time sifting through a site. Please seek advice from your physician regarding use of respirators or face masks if you have pre-existing heart and lung conditions. More information is available by calling HSS at (916) 449-5700.

Debris from burned buildings and homes may contain toxic substances because of the many synthetic and other materials present. Older buildings in particular may contain asbestos and lead. Homeowners may also have gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals formerly stored in garages and sheds, etc. It is important not to expose yourself or your family to these materials. For more information, contact:

• Guidance for handling ash during cleanup: Safe Cleanup of Fire Ash (PDF).
• Assessment of Burn Debris - 2007 Wildfires San Bernardino and San Diego Counties, California:

  Ash Report - Text Only (PDF, 932 KB)
  Tables for Ash Report (PDF, 215 KB)
  Figures for Ash Report (PDF, 10 MB)
  Appendix A -- Sampling and Analysis Plan (PDF, 389 KB)
  Appendix B -- Photograph Log (PDF, 5 MB)
  Appendix C -- Laboratory Analytical Certificates and Data Validation (PDF, 2 MB)
  Appendix D -- Statistical Analysis Report (PDF, 1 MB)
  Complete Ash Report (PDF, 20 MB)
  Addendum to Assessment of Burn Debris (PDF, 456 KB)

• Handling ash, debris, and other hazardous materials from burned structures (English, PDF | Spanish, PDF)
• Management Options for Expedited Collection of Hazardous Wastes from Burned Areas (English, PDF | Spanish, PDF)
• Asbestos May Be Present in Debris from Burned Homes and Businesses (Southern California Air Quality Management District).
• Wildfire-damaged structure demolition/renovation activities reducing potential exposures to Asbestos containing materials (PDF)
• Guidance for disposal of animal carcasses associated with fires (PDF)
• Visit the UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team for more information on care and management of fire-affected livestock and carcasses.

For specific guidance on debris management for local jurisdictions, counties, and private contractors is available through the California Integrated Waste Management Board at www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Disaster/.

For more information about hazardous material removal, contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control at (916) 255-6504.

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Water Protection

Your local health department or water system may issue a Boil Water Order when the drinking water is contaminated as a result of the fire. If a "boil water" order is issued, residents should not use their tap water for drinking, washing dishes and utensils, hand washing or cooking or oral hygiene, without first bringing the water to a boil. Fires may have also damaged waste water and sewage treatment systems. More information is available at at the California Department of Public Health Drinking Water Program.

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Government Assistance

• Rebuild Your Life. A resource for consumers who are seeking information about what they need to do to recover from a disaster. http://www.rebuildyourlife.ca.gov/
• Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES). Fire Season 2007.
• California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides information on health risks associated with the wildfires.
• California Volunteers. This website provides information on opportunities to assist in the relief efforts related to the fires.
• Insurance and rebuilding information. The California Department of Insurance can provide assistance on insurance issues and claims. Call toll-free 1-800-927-HELP (4357) or visit www.insurance.ca.gov.
• California Contractor's State License Board. Investigating building contractors or filing complaints. The Contractors State License Board verifies a contractor’s license, investigates complaints, and provides information about hiring a licensed contractor. Contact CSLB Disaster Hotline M-F from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1-800-962-1125, or 24-hour Automated Phone Response System 1-800-321 CSLB (2752). Licenses can also be checked online at www.cslb.ca.gov. See the CSLB's Disaster Help Center.
• Franchise Tax Board. FTB provides guidance in obtaining tax relief for disaster casualty losses. Contact the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711, (TTY/TDD) for hearing or speech impaired: 1-800-822-6268. FTB has information specifically for those affected by the fires.