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.

2007 Southern California Wild Fires

• Quick Facts
• Air Quality Issues
• Debris Hazards and Cleanup Issues
• Water Protection
• Government Assistance
• Angora Fire Recovery

Quick Facts (From OES updated 10/25/07)

• Dead: 7
• Reported Injuries: 113
• 8,884 firefighters from all agencies on the fire lines.
• 18 fires in 7 counties.
• Total Acres Burned to Date: 516,468 and a total of approx 700 square miles.
• Structures destroyed 2,772
• Structures damaged 436
• 321,000 mandatory evacuees in Southern California
• Local assistance center information for the San Diego area is available at www.sdcountyrecovery.com

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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.

• 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
• Free breathing masks available to SoCal residents (FEMA Press Release, 11/1/07)
• Health risks of wild fires for children - acute phase (PDF)
• Asbestos May Be Present in Debris from Burned Homes and Businesses (Southern California Air Quality Management District).
• 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.

• 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)

• Press Release: Cal/EPA Helping Counties and Cities Recover Clean-up Funds from FEMA after Southern California Fires (PDF)

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:

• Los Angeles County Sanitation District (800) 238-0172
• Orange County Integrated Waste (714) 834-6752
• Riverside County – City of Temecula (909) 694-6480
• San Bern Co. Fire Dept Household Hazardous Waste Program (800) OILY-CAT
• San Diego Co. Hazardous Materials Program (877) 713-2784
• Santa Barbara Co. Dept of Pub Works (805) 963-0583
• Ventura Co. Env. & Energy Res Dept (805) 289-3109

On October 26, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-13-07 which took several actions to assist in the recovery from the disaster. For complete details of the Executive Order, please see the following website: http://gov.ca.gov/executive-order/7927/

Other debris and hazardous materials guidance:

• SoCal Wildfires. Determination of Suspension of Requirements for Construction, and Debris and Timber Removal (PDF)
• SoCal Wildfires. Application for Determination Regarding Suspension of State Statues, Rules, Regulations, and Requirements Related to the Southern California Wildfires (PDF)
• 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)
• Wildfire-damaged structure demolition/renovation activities reducing potential exposures to Asbestos containing materials (PDF)
• Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board prescribed requirements for disposal of wildfire solid wastes (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.
• 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/.

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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:

• Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. fire assistance and cleanup information.
• San Diego Regional Water Control Board. Regional Resources.

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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/
• San Bernardino County. Recovery efforts for residents
• City of San Diego. Recovery Efforts http://www.sandiego.gov/newsflash/firealert.shtml
• San Diego County. Fire Storm 2007 Recovery Local Assistance Centers, www.sdcountyrecovery.com
• San Diego County. Environmental Health and Recovery Information, www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/firestorm-2007.html
• 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. See the department's 2007 Fire Emergency Response page for more information.
• 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.
• 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.
• Federal Government Coordination. California Fires--Government Information and Assistance (also en español) provides a comprehensive information on assistance including FEMA assistance, finding family and friends, etc.
• Department of Consumer Affairs developed  www.RebuildYourLife.ca.gov as a resource for consumers seeking information about what they need to do to recover from a disaster. The site provides information for both during and after the disaster.

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Angora Fire Recovery

Debris removal efforts have been completed as of October 19, 2007. Information for home owners may be found at the El Dorado County’s site.

• Notification of Emergency Work (PDF)
• Application or Waiver of Statutes Rule or Regulations (PDF)
• Construction, Debris and Timber Removal Waivers (PDF)
• Waiver Approval for El Dorado County Environmental Management Department (PDF)
• Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board Angora Fire information
• Right-of-entry permit (PDF) required by the appropriate County, City, or State agency to proceed with cleanup on privately owned properties.