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Fire Response and Recovery: Cal/EPA Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness

Whenever there is a fire, there are concerns about exposure to smoke and potential contaminants. At issue are impacted water quality, environmental degradation, and debris management.

Below are a series of recommendations and links from Cal/EPA and its partners addressing various public health and environmental concerns related to fires.

Smoke Plume Southern California Fires October 20072007 Southern California Wild Fires

Quick Facts (From OES updated 10/25/07)

  • Dead: 7
  • Reported Injuries: 113
  • 8,884 firefighters from all agencies on the fire lines.
  • 18 fires in 7 counties.
  • Total Acres Burned to Date: 516,468 and a total of approx 700 square miles.
  • Structures destroyed 2,772
  • Structures damaged 436
  • 321,000 mandatory evacuees in Southern California
  • Local assistance center information for the San Diego area is available at www.sdcountyrecovery.com

Air Quality Issues

Pay attention to local air quality reports and watch for any health warnings from your local health officers with specific warnings. Avoid strenuous outdoor work or exercise. If using air conditioning in your car or home, turn on the “recycle” or “recirculate” mode. Seek medical assistance if you experience an inability to breathe normally, a recurrent cough with or without mucus, chest discomfort, wheezing and shortness of breath. Even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms in smoky conditions.

Fire Debris: Hazards and Cleanup

Public Health Statement: The California Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) recommends anyone cleaning up ash from around homes or sifting through a site wear a well-fitted paper mask or bandana to protect their nose and mouth. Keep skin covered by wearing long sleeves, full length pants, and gloves. Special protections such as respirators are recommended if spending long periods of time sifting through a site. Please seek advice from your physician regarding use of respirators or face masks if you have pre-existing heart and lung conditions. More information is available by calling HSS at (916) 449-5700.

Debris from burned buildings and homes may contain toxic substances because of the many synthetic and other materials present. Older buildings in particular may contain asbestos and lead. Homeowners may also have gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals formerly stored in garages and sheds, etc. It is important not to expose yourself or your family to these materials. For more information, contact:

  • Los Angeles County Sanitation District (800) 238-0172
  • Orange County Integrated Waste (714) 834-6752
  • Riverside County – City of Temecula (909) 694-6480
  • San Bern Co. Fire Dept Household Hazardous Waste Program (800) OILY-CAT
  • San Diego Co. Hazardous Materials Program (877) 713-2784
  • Santa Barbara Co. Dept of Pub Works (805) 963-0583
  • Ventura Co. Env. & Energy Res Dept (805) 289-3109

On October 26, 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger issued Executive Order S-13-07 which took several actions to assist in the recovery from the disaster. For complete details of the Executive Order, please see the following website: http://gov.ca.gov/executive-order/7927/

Other debris and hazardous materials guidance:

Water Protection

Your local health department or water system may issue a Boil Water Order when the drinking water is contaminated as a result of the fire. If a "boil water" order is issued, residents should not use their tap water for drinking, washing dishes and utensils, hand washing or cooking or oral hygiene, without first bringing the water to a boil.

Fires may have also damaged waste water and sewage treatment systems. More information is available at:

Government Assistance

Angora Fire Recovery

Debris removal efforts have been completed as of October 19, 2007. Information for home owners may be found at the El Dorado County’s site.

Last updated: October 28, 2007
California Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.calepa.ca.gov
General Public Contact, cepacomm@calepa.ca.gov (916) 323-2514
Technical Contact, webmaster@calepa.ca.gov