In the coming weeks, property owners in the fire affected areas will begin to see multiple government agencies working together to remove debris and hazardous materials from burned properties.

As part of the multi-agency response to the fires, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the early stages of work to remove asbestos-contaminated debris at fire-damaged properties. EPA teams have started work in the area to develop a plan for removal operations that will likely begin next week. Asbestos removal can take anywhere from several hours to a few days depending on the size of the property. 

Questions about the EPA’s asbestos removal activities can be directed to EPA Public Information Officer Rusty Harris-Bishop at harris-bishop.rusty@epa.gov or at (415) 694-8840.

As originally planned, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District (USACE) will be performing general debris cleanup for individuals in the affected area who have returned their Right of Entry (ROE) forms. USACE staff will clean all other debris except asbestos.

USACE has established a Debris Removal Information Line for property owners affected by the fire. The number for the USACE Debris Removal Information Line is (877) 875-7681 and will be staffed from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily. Property owners can also contact USACE via email at USACESupportToMendocino@usace.army.mil.