CalRecycle Crews Complete Thomas Wildfire Cleanup in California

Crews managed by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) have completed debris removal operations at 672 Ventura County, Calif., properties destroyed by the Thomas Fire. Since January, crews have removed more than 263,000 tons of ash, debris and contaminated soil from properties for which owners chose to participate in the state-funded cleanup program.

“The wildfires California experienced last winter were among the most destructive in state history, so cleanup efforts demanded an unprecedented response,” said CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline in a statement. “CalRecycle is incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made alongside neighbors and local leaders in the City of Ventura and Ventura County to help get these communities in a position to rebuild.”

Following December’s Thomas Fire in Southern California, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) tasked CalRecycle with overseeing debris removal work in the City of Ventura and Ventura County. On January 19, CalRecycle contractor crews began removing debris from participating properties. Crews completed debris removal at the final property on June 6.

Final soil testing, the installation of erosion control measures and final property inspections are on track to be complete in the coming weeks. Upon final inspections, property owners receive a certificate from their county that verifies their lot is clean and eligible to receive a building permit.