Can a Private Contractor Cleanup Fire Debris?

Fire Debris Clean-up Professional

Fire Debris Clean-up Professional

Dealing with fire debris clean up can feel like an added task when dealing with a property that has been lost due to a fire. Chances are, as a property owner, you are looking to have the clean-up process completed correctly and efficiently. Fire debris clean-up needs to be done by a licensed professional, as hazardous materials must be disposed of safely, like a fire debris clean-up professional from licensed companies such as  Nielsen Environmental  would advise.

Once the household hazardous waste is removed, can I hire my own contractor to remove the remaining debris?

A centralized debris removal contract has not been approved or arranged yet. Until a decision is made by the State, it is strongly advised that property owners standby. Once a property owner initiates clean-up of HHW or any ash or fire debris of any structures on the property, the property is automatically ineligible for any centralized or subsidized clean-up, or funding that may be available.

The property owner can choose to use their own contractor or, if available, a government debris removal program (which has not been confirmed as available). If a private contractor is used, the property owners are still required to remediate the property and remove the burn debris at their own expense in accordance with the County’s Debris Removal Requirements. The work must be completed by a qualified contractor in a manner that ensures the protection of public health and safety. The property owners will not be reimbursed with public funds (if they become available) for removal of any debris.

Fire Debris Removal by a Private Contractor

The order of actions needed to remove debris using a private contractor is:

  1.     Property owner will hire a debris removal contractor.
  2.     Property owner will submit a Debris Removal Application to EHS.
  3.     The contractor will submit a Debris Removal Plan to EHS. The Debris Removal Plan will  need to contain protocols for handling and disposal of debris, and ash, including any   remaining HHW or asbestos, and the method for soils tested after clean-up is complete.
  4.    Once the application and plan are approved by EHS, the debris removal can proceed.
  5.     Once complete, documentation from the solid waste facility where the debris was taken and the post-soil sampling results must be provided to EHS to confirm debris removal has been completed and contaminants from the burned structures have been removed.
  6. EHS will issue a Debris Removal Clearance once documentation confirms debris removal was conducted properly and according to the plan. Debris Removal Clearance from Environmental Health Services will be required prior to rebuilding

Contact a local licensed fire debris company in Los Angeles, CA for more information.