Debris Removal

Consolidated Debris Removal Program

The State of California and Placer County have a comprehensive program in place to handle debris removal after the Governor has declared a State of Emergency due to a natural or manmade disaster. The Consolidated Debris Removal Program has two phases: removal of household hazardous waste and removal of other fire-related debris. Residents can view debris removal program progress on the Placer County interactive map. 

Phase I: Household Hazardous Waste Removal

In Phase I, the county and the state’s team of experts from the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) coordinate to inspect your property and remove any hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as: batteries, herbicide, pesticide, propane tanks, asbestos siding, paints and e-waste. Phase I is automatic and includes both residential and commercial properties destroyed by the fire. Phase I was completed during the week of October 3-7, 2022.

Phase II: Debris Removal and Property Clean-up

In Phase II, the local officials will coordinate a Debris Task Force and its Debris Management Team to conduct fire-related debris removal from impacted properties. 

Property owners whose homes or other structures were damaged or destroyed in the Mosquito Fire must sign up for Phase II Debris Removal. There are two options for property owners to choose from for debris removal.

Option 1:

The Government Debris Removal Program is available at no out-of-pocket expense to property owners who complete and sign the Right-of-Entry (ROE) form, which allows access to their private property for the removal of fire debris.  

Ash and debris removal will start on Monday, February 6, 2023. Debris crews will remove debris and ash, including metals, household contents, vehicles, concrete, and contaminated soil. Tree crews may remove hazardous trees on the property that may compromise the safety of debris crews working onsite. Property owners will be contacted 24-48 hours before this occurs.  The contractor, Tetra Tech, has provided a step-by-step guide to the process here. 

Option 2:

The Alternative Fire Debris Removal Program is available to property owners who choose not to enter the Government Debris Removal Program. In this alternative program, property owners can hire properly licensed and certified contractors and consultants to complete the cleanup at their own cost. Property owners who choose to hire a private contractor and consultant(s) must sign up for the Alternative Fire Debris Removal Program by completing an application and submitting a work plan to Placer County Environmental Health.

Alternative Fire Debris Removal Program