Rebuilding

Here's one that wasn't on my to-do list, but makes a lot of safety sense. Is there any reason to have the county inspect and pass judgment to clear the haulers on houses older than 1984 for asbestos contamination? Are there permits required to clear the ashes from burned properties? If there is, anyone know who to contact to get this done - Environmental Health, Building and Safety. Got numbers?

Yes,
I will put the number to call out here in the morning. I called county yesterday, all persons on the assessors list will be mail the info, but can also call in to get put on the list. The county will provide the containers free of charge. If the house was built before 1984 they will need to inspect and this is where they did not have all the answers about what would be required as of yeterday. I am waiting for the call for all the details and then will post a link if they give one.

We had our lot cleared 2 months after the Old Fire. A permit was required and the haulers had to take it to an approved dump site in Victorville (you can't just haul it to Heap's Peak--although I'm sure some try to get away with it). It's assumed, rightly or wrongly, that there is at least some sort of toxic waste released when your house burns from appliances, electronic goods and other things in addition to the possibility of asbestos.

It was good we had the permit because the County came around later and tried to tell us we didn't clear the lot well enough and tried to charge us for their doing it. We had to point out that we had a permit that they had issued the year before and nothing was said about it then (I doubt they even bothered to inspect it at the time). They had to agree and dropped the charges.

Here is the number 909-386-8701 tell them what you want and they will transfer you, I talked to Marie. Also, look at the green valley post, there is more info about county working with your insurance company. Not sure how true it is but it will give you the info for you to find out. Good luck.

This is a link to the FAQ on the Solid Waste Management site:

County of San Bernardino
Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Management Division
Fire Disaster Information
Debris Removal Program Information: 909.386.8743

http://www.sbcounty.gov/wsd/FireDisaster/October2007Fire/...

In part...

About Fire Debris
All properties affected by the fires will be reviewed for hazardous materials. Debris from structures built prior to 1984 will be subject to asbestos inspection. If the inspection finds asbestos, the asbestos will have to be removed before the debris can be transported and disposed at a County disposal site. Asbestos inspection and removal must be done by a licensed asbestos contractor. Proof of inspection-removal will be required before the debris will be accepted at the disposal site. The cost for these services varies depending on many factors including the amount and type of debris to be inspected, location, and amount needing removal.

Also, I spoke with someone from Solid Waste Management who said that as of Monday {the 19th} they will have an office set up in Running Springs to assist residents with their questions. ROTW should have additional information on that soon...

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Also - here is a link to an article from the County of SB website:
http://www.rimoftheworld.net/columns/news/debris

It covers most of what you already know - debris can be hazardous and that they're establishing a program to remove the debris. "...To assist affected property owners with debris removal, the County is rolling out its Fire Debris Removal Program, and suggests affected property owners consider participating in the program.... For more information, please call (909) 386-8743."

Perfect. Thanks folks. I've got three trees to clear and metal debris that can be cleared so I'll wait until after Monday and try to get on the ashes list. I did call this morning early to the Fire Debris Removal Program at 386-8743 and left my information, but have yet to hear back from them. We'll all be pros when we start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

The County came by at one point and put a red X on property that had asbestos or hazardous material. They had separate bins for that. It was not a big problem when we cleaned up. It will take them a while to get in gear and I imagine you will have volunteers showing up to help you. That takes time to be put in place also. We had a demo permit which also allowed for us to get temp power.

I can't remember it being a big problem either Coral. What I do remember being a problem was the junk that fell into Hook Creek, but even that didn't seem to get much attention.