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Fire Cleanup on Hold: L.A. County Requires Inspection Before Debris Can Be Removed

Muntu Davis, the Health Officer for Los Angeles County, placed a stop to the disposal of fire debris that was caused by the destructive wildfires that occurred recently. He cited the presence of possibly harmful compounds as the reason for this decision.

“To ensure public health and safety, the Health Officer has issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris at fire-damaged and burned properties located in Critical Fire Areas, including the areas of the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Creek, Hurst, and Lidia Fires, among others, until a hazardous materials inspection is completed by an approved government agency,” the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department stated.

In accordance with the order that was made on Wednesday, the procedure would be carried out in divided stages.

Removal of hazardous waste is the first phase. An assessment of the hazardous materials present in all burned properties will be carried out by the County Fire Health and Hazardous Materials Certified Unified Program Agency, in collaboration with representatives from the state and the federal government.

According to the results of this evaluation, the process of cleaning up fire debris that is necessary for the specific parcel or region will be determined.

Fire Cleanup on Hold: L.A. County Requires Inspection Before Debris Can Be Removed

Fire debris removal is the second phase. Property owners will have the opportunity to participate in a program that will be run by the state and federal governments to clean up, remove, and dispose of material that has been caused by fires.

This program will allow property owners to have their premises appropriately cleared of hazardous fire debris.

The owners of the property have the option of hiring contractors to clean up the land after the assessment has been completed; however, they are required to obtain approval and adhere to the applicable rules regarding the cleanup and disposal of hazardous material and debris from fires.

In the order, it was mentioned that the debris, ash, and dirt that are left over after fires in residential and structural buildings may contain asbestos, heavy metals, and other hazardous compounds, and that the disposal process may expose individuals to these and other toxic substances.

“Improper handling or disposal of fire debris can increase these risks, spreading hazardous substances throughout the community and endangering workers, residents, and the environment,” according to the health department.

According to the news release, the order is only applicable to the cleanup or removal of fire debris from residential locations; it does not apply to the removal of personal property.

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