Debris and ash from residential and other structural fires may contain toxic substances due to the presence of synthetic and hazardous materials. Many building materials contain asbestos, and older buildings often contain lead. Household hazardous waste such as gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals may have been stored in homes, garages, or sheds that may have burned in the fire. These materials can become concentrated in ash and soil following a fire. It is important not to expose yourself, your family or others to any of these materials. Exposures can occur by sifting through and/or moving ash and debris, causing ash to become airborne and inhaled or ingested.
Household waste such as spoiled food from your refrigerator and freezer needs to be disposed of properly. The County is setting up dumpsters at various locations in evacuation areas for this type of waste. No other type of waste, but food waste will be accepted at these locations. Waste drop off locations will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
- Eagle Peak Middle School – 8601 West Road, Redwood Valley, CA
- Potter Valley Rodeo Grounds – 10747 Main Street, Potter Valley, CA
Mendocino County is working to secure assistance from State agencies that will ensure proper handling and disposal of debris and ash from the fire. In the meantime, in order to protect your health and the health of your neighbors and your community, property owners are strongly recommended to not begin cleanup activities at this time. In addition our local landfill is not currently prepared to accept fire debris.
Mendocino County is also working with state agencies to safely collect and dispose of household hazardous waste products from burned buildings.
Because ash and debris generated in the fire may be considered hazardous waste, do not transport ash or debris to landfills and transfer stations at this time. It is recommended that debris and ash from burned structures remain undisturbed until further instructions are issued. This recommendation is in place to protect the health of anyone who may come into contact with the waste, including solid waste facility employees, solid waste haulers, and the public.
For more information or for locations, please contact the Emergency Operation Center at (707) 467-6428.
