On August 24, the Solano County Health Officer proclaimed a local health emergency due to the hazardous health conditions created from the LNU Lightning Complex fire’s destruction of multiple structures in unincorporated Solano County. Structures damaged or destroyed from a fire may contain hazardous waste and materials that can threaten public health and the environment. It is therefore very important that this debris be properly identified and disposed of in an appropriate manner.

To expedite recovery activities and ensure the safe removal of hazardous waste and fire debris from properties in the affected burn perimeter, Solano County Office of Emergency Services has been coordinating disaster assistance funding with state and federal agencies. During this recovery phase, Solano County Environmental Health is implementing the State’s two-phase DISASTER DEBRIS REMOVAL PROGRAM. Phase 1 involves the removal of household hazardous waste, which includes things like BBQ propane tanks, electronics, paint, fertilizers, and asbestos containing materials. Phase 2 is the removal of all other remaining ash and debris. Both phases must be completed before occupancy in a temporary emergency dwelling can be permitted on the property and rebuilding can begin.

Phase 1: Household Hazardous Waste Removal
On September 4, the State approved funding for Phase 1 cleanup on properties affected by the LNU Lightning Complex fire at no cost to property owners. That approval allowed the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) Emergency Response Program to begin assessing and removing household hazardous waste, electronic waste and easily identifiable asbestos on September 9. Solano County is pleased to announce that Phase 1 is now nearing completion. Please contact Solano County Environmental Health at (707) 784-6765 by October 16 if your property is within the LNU burn perimeter and needs a Phase 1 assessment.

Phase 2: Fire Ash and Debris Removal
Phase 2 includes the removal of all structure debris, asbestos identified but not removed during Phase 1, trees that present a safety hazard, and some soil to ensure the site is clean and safe for rebuilding. The remaining fire debris and ash may contain hazardous substances like heavy metals and asbestos fibers. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn to handle this debris. Before this work can commence, property owners must inform Solano County Environmental Health if they will proceed with Phase 2 cleanup using the Private Option or Public Option.