Source: California Environmental Protection Agency
Fire Response and Recovery
Wildfires can create widespread threats to public health and the environment. Air quality can be affected by smoke, ash, toxins, and dust. Soil and water quality can be affected by uncontrolled hazardous materials and debris.
It is critical that response and recovery efforts quickly address any potential hazards. This will reduce impacts to surrounding communities.
Air Quality Issues
Wildfire smoke is a complex mixture of chemicals, gases, and fine particles. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from breathing fine particles.
Local officials may issue health warnings with specific instructions. Take steps to protect yourself and your family, such as avoiding smoky conditions and reducing outdoor work or exercise. Seek medical assistance if you have difficulty breathing or experience chest discomfort, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms in smoky conditions.
Fire Debris: Hazards and Cleanup
Debris from burned buildings and homes contains toxic substances because of the many synthetic and other hazardous materials present. Older buildings may contain asbestos and lead. Homeowners may have gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals stored in garages and sheds that may have burned in the fire. It is important not to expose yourself or your family to any of these materials.
Ash and Debris Information
Management options for expedited collection of hazardous wastes from burned areas (English, PDF) | (Spanish, PDF)
NESHAPS Information
It is important to help minimize the release of asbestos into the environment following a fire. A number of local, state, and federal regulations, including National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), provide safe handling and proper disposal instructions for fire ash and debris containing asbestos. For specific NESHAPs requirements or other local air quality regulations, please contact your air district or the Air Resources Board (ARB).
Carcass Removal
Guidance for disposal of animal carcasses associated with fires (PDF)
UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team information on care and management of fire-affected livestock and carcasses
Additional Fire Ash and Debris Information
For more information about hazardous material removal, contact the DTSC Emergency Response Duty Officer at (916) 255-6504.
Water Protection
Local officials may issue a Boil Water Order when drinking water is contaminated or if a fire has damaged waste water and sewage treatment systems. If a “boil water” order is issued, residents should not use their tap water for drinking, washing dishes, washing hands or bathing, for cooking, or brushing teeth without first boiling the water. More information is available at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Drinking Water Program. Fire assistance and cleanup information from the State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Boards.
Archived Wildfire Materials
Government Assistance
Rebuild Your Life – For consumers seeking information about what they need to do to recover from a disaster.
California Volunteers – Opportunities to assist in the relief efforts.
California Department of Insurance – Insurance issues and claims, call toll-free 1-800-927-HELP (4357).
California Contractor’s State License Board – Verifies contractor licenses, investigates complaints, and provides information about hiring a licensed contractor. Contact CSLB Disaster Hotline M-F from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1-800-962-1125, or 24-hour Automated Phone Response System 1-800-321 CSLB (2752). Licenses can also be checked online at www.cslb.ca.gov.
Franchise Tax Board – Guidance in obtaining tax relief for disaster casualty losses. Contact the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711, (TTY/TDD) for hearing or speech impaired: 1-800-822-6268.