CalRecycle Completes Wildfire Debris Removal in Northern California: Fire-Affected Properties Cleared in Butte, Nevada, and Yuba Counties

Office of Public Affairs
For Immediate Release: January 3, 2018
News Release #2018-01
Media Contact: Lance Klug

SACRAMENTO–Crews managed by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery have completed the removal of wildfire debris on properties in Butte, Nevada, and Yuba counties following October’s devastating wildfires in Northern California. Since November 16, crews removed more than 63,000 tons of ash, debris, and contaminated soil from 250 properties in which owners chose to participate in the CalRecycle-managed cleanup.

“The completion of debris removal in Butte, Nevada, and Yuba counties marks an important milestone in Northern California’s wildfire recovery efforts,” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “Thanks to the tireless work of our debris removal crews, 2018 can be a year of rebuilding and new hope for these communities.”

Burned truckButte County fire debris cleanup
A property in Yuba County prior to debris removal (left) and a Butte County property following the removal of ash, debris, and contaminated soil (right).

Waste TypeTonnage Removed
Metals2,939
Debris, Ash & Soil46,538
Concrete13,124
Vegetation713
Total Tons63,314

Next Steps

Final soil testing, the installation of erosion control measures, and final property inspections are on track to be complete early this year. Property owners will receive a certificate from their respective counties that verifies their lot is clean and eligible to receive a building permit.

Butte CountyNevada CountyYuba County CalRecycle Total
Private Cleanup1342138
Debris Removal Complete3735178250
Soil Samplng Complete1221112145
Erosion Control Complete806977
Final Inspection Complete2041439

CalRecycle is working in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and other state and local partners as part of the Consolidated Debris Removal Program. The joint effort was developed after the string of October 2017 wildfires destroyed homes in Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Sonoma, and Yuba counties. CalRecycle was tasked with leading cleanup operations in Butte, Nevada, and Yuba counties.

For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov


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CalRecycle's mission is to protect California's environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery, and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.