• Emergency Cleanup Guidance for Wildfires and Disasters LA County Fire • Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke, Guidance by LA County Fire • Health Effects from Home and Building Ash Template, LA County Fire • How To Manage Propane Tanks and Cylinders Template, LA County Fire Sample Forms • Debris Removal Right of Entry Permit Template • Proclamation Of a Local Health Emergency. LA County Health Officer, Template Sample messaging and forms can be downloaded at: bit.ly/wildfire-guide . Immediate Response Objectives • The local agency responsible for hazardous materials/waste regulatory programs should monitor the wildfire spread to determine if • If a regulated facility with extremely hazardous materials onsite is in the path of a wildfire, local hazardous materials/waste regulatory programs should evaluate the possible emissions to warn responders and downwind community members. • As the wildfire involves more and more residences, local hazardous materials/waste programs should evaluate their eventual regulated facilities may be impacted. involvement with the Phase I removal operations and how they will interact and coordinate with state or federal agencies. • Funding mechanisms should be explored and hazardous waste removal options considered. • Hazardous materials teams should be available to address issues that arise during the wildfire. This may involve regulated facilities where a fire could have serious health implications. • Fire agencies should have all hazardous materials inventory and business plan information for facilities in the path of the wildfire. • Public information should be reviewed and/or developed regarding the public health threats posed by hazardous waste and debris piles. • Ensure messaging is available online and via print and in the primary languages spoken in the community.
Recovery Objectives • Local agencies must decide their Phase I roles and responsibilities in the removal of hazardous waste/debris and who will be the lead agency. • Local agencies must determine the extent and amount of state assistance that might be available for Phase I operations. • Local hazardous materials/waste programs should review public advisories on a number of topic areas (see messaging appendices below). • Local hazardous materials/waste programs and the Phase I lead agency should communicate how hazardous waste removal will be managed with the affected public. • Hold community meetings with all cooperating agencies to advise and answer questions. • Local hazardous materials/waste programs may be involved with contractor oversight, coordination with state or federal agencies, working out funding/contract issues, documentation of completion, posting sites to indicate hazardous materials/waste removal, uploading information into a GIS-based dashboard, locating base camps for managing hazardous wastes removed from home locations, and working with appropriate agencies for any necessary approvals. • Before Phase I activities are completed, educate the public on Phase II operations to remove ash/debris. This might involve establishment of disaster assistance centers to communicate necessary forms that require completion such as ROE forms (see example under solid waste) to allow contractors onto properties to remove ash/ debris, take soil samples, and return properties to condition where rebuilding can begin. • Establish processes for property owners who wish to clean-up their own properties to apply for and seek approval of cleanup plans that are consistent with government cleanup programs. • Designate due process and legal considerations for property owners that choose not to do anything within certain time frames to clean-up their property. • Ensure messaging is available online and via print and in the primary languages spoken in the community.
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