Mountain Fire
Debris Removal
Step 1: Mountain Fire Debris Removal Program
** We are currently in Phase 1 of the Debris Removal Program**
A Public Health Emergency for Ventura County was declared November 7, 2024, to protect public health and the environment from toxic ash and debris remaining on properties affected by the wildfire.
To expedite recovery activities and ensure safe hazardous waste and fire debris removal and disposal, the county will coordinate with multiple agencies to remove hazardous waste and fire debris from structures and properties damaged by the wildfire using a consolidated debris removal program.
There are two phases to Mountain Fire Debris Removal program:
Phase 1: Household hazardous waste (HHW) removal
Phase 2: Debris and ash removal.
Learn more about the overall process of Wildfire Debris Removal here.
Phase 1 – Household Hazardous Waste
* Currently Underway*
Learn more about Phase 1 of the Debris Removal Program from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control
Teams from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the County’s Environmental Health Division will begin inspecting properties fully or partially destroyed by the fire. Teams will remove any accessible and visible household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health and the environment such as batteries, identifiable asbestos, pesticides, cleaning products, and paints. There is no cost to affected residents for this service provided in Phase 1 and residents do not need to file a request to participate.
DTSC estimates that the majority of this phase will take approximately 4 weeks as the assessment and removal of household hazardous waste can vary significantly from property to property
Click below to track the progress of progress of Phase 1 and the DTSC and Environmental Health crews. Select “Mountain” on the top right corner for the Mountain Fire map.
Residents can expect to see a sign posted on the property following the completion of Phase 1. This sign does NOT mean the site is clear of toxic ash and debris. Phase 1 is required before Phase 2 of debris removal can start or demolition and building permits can be issued.
Phase Two: Debris Removal and Property Clean-up
Phase 2 of the debris removal program involves more comprehensive clean up of all hazardous materials on each affected property including structural debris and ash removal, hazard tree removal, erosion control, and soil testing to confirm the site is suitable for rebuilding. The County of Ventura continues to await confirmation of whether Phase 2 will be facilitated by the State of California or the County. Once there is confirmation of which entity will facilitate the debris removal program, the information will be shared widely and posted along with other recovery information on the Ventura County Recovers web site at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
Once our debris removal program facilitation is established and has begun, this page will be updated with more information.
Additional Resources
- Mountain Fire Debris Removal Frequently Asked Questions ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Recovery Guide to Wildfire Debris Removal ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Requirements for Exemption from Local Program for Minor Burn Debris Removal and Cleanup ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Returning to Your Home or Business After a Fire ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Checking Your Private Well After a Fire ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Building Fire Ash – Health Information ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Safe Clean Up of Ash ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Guidelines for Swimming Pools Impacted by Fire, Smoke, and Ash ENGLISH | ESPANOL
Contact the Ventura County Environmental Health Division
Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Phone: (805) 654-2432 – Environmental Health Message Line
Office Location
Ventura County Environmental Health Division
Hall of Administration
800 S. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA 93009-1730
