Caldor Fire Debris Removal

Fire-created hazardous debris cleanup is a complicated process involving several steps. Whether you select the Public (Consolidated Debris Removal Program) or the Private (Alternative Program) program, the cleanup steps are the same. The primary difference is how the programs are funded: the Public Program is managed and paid for by the State while the Private Program is managed and paid for by the property owner. The cost and added responsibility of the Private Program is not right for everyone. Be certain that you are prepared to handle the financial and oversight requirements of the Private Program because once selected, you will be ineligible for the free Public Program.

The Consolidated Debris Removal Program has two phases: removal of household hazardous waste and removal of other fire-related debris including hazard trees.

• Debris Removal Program Enrollment/Process Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 265KB)
• Public Consolidated Debris Removal Program(PDF, 1MB)
• Debris Removal Eligibility Chart(PDF, 196KB)
• Cal OES Dangerous Debris Fact Sheet(PDF, 632KB)
• Cal OES Consolidated Debris Removal Program Presentation(PDF, 5MB)
• Private Alternative Debris Removal Program(PDF, 1MB)

Phase I Debris Removal

Phase 1 Debris Removal consists of the survey, collection, and disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW) at properties affected by the Caldor Fire. Phase 1 Debris Removal was led by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and concluded the first week of October, 2021. Properties were staked with a laminated sign indicating the process was completed.

Phase II Debris Removal

In Phase II, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local officials coordinate with the State's Debris Task Force to conduct fire-related debris removal from your property if you have elected to participate in the State's Public program by completing and signing a Right-of-Entry (ROE) form(PDF, 1MB). If you select this public program, all hazardous debris will be cleaned and removed free of cost regardless of your insurance status.

The Private Alternative Fire Debris Removal Program is available to residents who choose not to participate in the Government Program. Under this program, property owners must select a certified contractor/team of contractors to perform an asbestos evaluation, perform a hazardous materials assessment, submit a detailed work plan which includes a site assessment, a hazardous waste contingency plan, an erosion control plan, a plan for debris removal, disposal and recycling, a soil scraping and sampling confirmation process, and a hazard tree removal plan. For more information, view the Alternative Program(PDF, 1MB). If you select this program, you will be responsible for 100% of the costs associated with the cleanup.

Fire-created hazardous debris cleanup is a complicated process involving several steps. Whether you select the Public (Consolidated Debris Removal Program) or the Private (Alternative Program) program, the cleanup steps are the same. The primary difference is how the programs are funded: the Public Program is managed and paid for by the State while the Private Program is managed and paid for by the property owner. The cost and added responsibility of the Private Program is not right for everyone. Be certain that you are prepared to handle the financial and oversight requirements of the Private Program because once selected, you will be ineligible for the free Public Program.

Public Program Right of Entry Form

The Right of Entry (ROE)(PDF, 1MB) form must be completed for individuals to receive assistance with the Public Program conducted by the State. It is the quickest way to begin and move forward with the recovery process.

The ROE grants State-contracted crews access to your property to clean up hazardous materials. It allows crews to inspect, cut, test, remove, clear and monitor wildfire-generated debris of whatever nature, including but not limited to, burned or partially burned structures, ash, concrete foundations, contaminated soil, vehicles, trailers, waste or other debris, and hazard trees from the property.

The ROE grants crews the right to determine which hazard trees, materials and items on the Property are eligible and will be removed as part of the State's Consolidated Debris Removal Program. Submission of the ROE authorizes the Government to remove wildfire-generated debris of whatever nature including but not limited to burned or partially burned structures, ash, concrete foundations, contaminated soil, vehicles, trailers, waste, hazard trees or other debris from the Property, as part of the Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program.

Private Program Form

The Private Alternative Program requires the property owner to submit a workplan before any work can begin. It includes identifying a contractor and their license information and a detailed workplan for the projects. For more information, view the Private Program form(PDF, 1MB).