What does it mean if they declare a federal disaster?

If you’re in a hurry and just want to get the process over with, we get it! Many will go this route.  However, if insurance coverage or money is an issue, then you could benefit by waiting to see if the fire that destroyed your property will be declared a federal disaster.  We anticipate the larger fires currently burning (i.e. Caldor Fire, Dixie Fire) will be declared federal disasters – which will likely trigger California to issue an emergency waiver for landfills, which will ultimately accept fire debris and waste from a forest fire. This has already happened for the Dixie Fire and closest landfills to that fire (check with your local landfills or contact our office and we’ll help point you in the right direction)!

Learn more here!

We have offices and personnel in the areas of Arcata, McKinleyville, Eureka, Chico, and Redding, California that can help you with fire debris characterization and debris removal. 

Redding: (888) 351-8189

Arcata/Eureka (North Coast): (707) 388-3008

Where Do I take My Fire Debris Waste?

You need to determine where the closest landfill is located, then you need to contact that landfill to see what the waste profiling requirements are for that landfill.  Each landfill has their own unique process for profiling waste, and while there are some standards across the state for what’s classified as “hazardous waste” there is some wiggle room landfills have to accept fire debris from natural disasters. Learn more here!

Contact us today to discuss fire debris characterization and ash removal for your home or business in the areas of Arcata, McKinleyville, Eureka, Chico, and Redding, California. 

Redding: (888) 351-8189

Arcata/Eureka (North Coast): (707) 388-3008

The Entire Cleanup & Re-Building Process after Losing a Home in a Wildfire

As a homeowner, you probably want to know – what now? This guide is based upon our firm’s experience with the Carr and Camp Fires. We’re sadly well versed in this process from a personal and professional level. The guide is intentionally brief and to the point with links to other sources of information we’ve previously prepared. It also assumes each area will be declared a federal disaster area.

 Read the full step by step guide on how to cleanup and rebuild after a wildfire here!

How to Clean up & Rebuild After a Wildfire in 4 Steps

 

 As a homeowner, you probably want to know – what now?

 Step 1: CalRecycle and the CA Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) teams will identify and remove household hazardous waste from each property (i.e. chemicals, and propane tanks).

 Step 2: CalRecycle, CalOES, and the respective County Environmental Health Department will collectively prepare a state-sponsored debris removal program which specifies what work must be conducted and lays out what is expected to be submitted in site specific workplans for each property. 

Step 3: Workplans are prepared that explain what and how the debris will be removed.

Step 4: A completion report will be prepared that summarizes the work completed, provides receipts for waste disposal and the County Environmental Health Department will review and approve the report if all conditions are met. 

 Read the full step by step guide on how to cleanup and rebuild after a wildfire here!

Fire Disaster Response from Start to Finish!

Recently lost your home in a fire in California?

Are you overwhelmed with the process?

Not sure where to start when it comes to debris removal?

Guzi-West offers a streamlined, customized approach to each property and can perform all major stages of work in house! From asbestos testing to your work plan submittal to the application process to hazardous waste removal, soil grading, and confirmation soil sampling to your final report – Guzi-West has you covered!

For more information about fire disaster response, visit our website! 

Picking up the Pieces After a Fire? Guzi-West is Here to Help!

The process of clearing a property after a wildfire can be incredibly confusing, and often just the act of finding companies to meet all your needs proves difficult. Assuming the fire is declared a federal/state disaster, then property owners must make a decision on whether to opt into the debris removal program run and overseen by the government agencies OR opt out and utilize their insurance/funds to pay for the costs of debris removal.  

Find out everything you need to know about fire disaster response at Guzi-West here!

Contact Guzi-West’s Fire Disaster Response Team Today to Help!

We offer a streamlined, customized approach to each property and can perform all major stages of work in house! Guzi-West has a staff of lead inspectors and geologists with experience evaluating sites after a fire for asbestos and lead; preparing site specific work plans; sampling and laboratory analysis; site health and safety plans; overseeing and monitoring the removal and appropriate disposal of contaminated soils. 

Call (888) 351-8189 today to speak to one of our experts!