A two-step process for removing hazardous materials from properties destroyed by the Kincade Fire was announced Friday by Sonoma County.
The first step, an emergency household hazardous waste sweep of all properties, will begin on Tuesday. The removal of materials posing a health threat — such as pesticides, batteries, asbestos siding, and paints — will be done by the county at no cost to property owners.
Property owners will then be able to begin the second step of hiring a licensed and qualified contractor to remove debris.
A debris removal application form can be downloaded at SoCoEmergency.org/Recover and assistance with the form is available by calling (707) 565-6700 or ehdebrisremoval@sonoma-county.org.
Information on debris removal requirements and completion certification are available online along with the form.
The county health officer issued an order advising property owners to wear personal protective before entering the footprint of a burn site. An emergency ordinance passed by county supervisors on Tuesday requiring authorization by the Department of Health Services, Environmental Health, before debris removal can begin to limit exposure to toxic materials.
Of 374 structures destroyed in the Kincade Fire, 174 were residences, while 34 of 60 structures damaged are residences.
