LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Wildfire debris removal by CalRecycle will begin soon.
The state-coordinated program is available to property owners affected by the Pawnee, Ranch and River fires.
This program offers the opportunity for owners to prepare their property for rebuilding with no up front, out-of-pocket cost.
Participants are only responsible to file an insurance claim for the work performed by the state program, and retain and submit any insurance funds received for the program’s debris removal services at a later date.
Keeping and profiting from insurance money received for work performed by a public program is a “duplication of benefits,” a form of insurance fraud.
Those who wish to participate in the debris removal program must submit a right of entry, or ROE, form to the California Office of Emergency Services’ Debris Removal Operations Center or Lake County Environmental Health by Friday, September 28.
Pawnee, Ranch and River fire survivors with concerns or questions regarding the State’s program are encouraged to visit CalOES’ Debris Removal Operations Center , which is located at 898 Lakeport Blvd, next to Lake Family Resource Center and across from O’Meara Bros., in Lakeport.
The Debris Removal Operations Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 22, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Property owners can get all of their questions answered by trained personnel and complete and submit their ROE.
The Debris Removal Operations Center will be closed Saturday, Sept. 15.
Wildfire debris is hazardous to public health. If a property owner elects not to participate in the state’s program, they are still responsible to ensure that the debris is removed in a safe and timely manner, and the property is cleaned to a degree consistent with the standards of the government program.
Some private contractors offer debris removal services. If a property owner elects to use a private contractor, they still must reach out to Lake County Environmental Health, at 707-263-1164.
In some cases, private contractors require that the property owner bear significant out-of-pocket costs, so it is highly recommended that property owners work with Lake County Environmental Health to develop an actionable plan for debris removal in advance of the Sept. 28 ROE deadline.
Failure to remove wildfire debris that presents a threat to public health in a timely manner may result in the property being subject to abatement, which is typically the most costly option for a property owner.
Whatever their concerns, Pawnee, Ranch and River fire survivors are advised and encouraged to be proactive in this matter, and reach out to the Debris Removal Operations Center or Lake County Environmental Health with any questions.
The ROE can be viewed and printed online:
http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Assets/Departments/Health/EH+docs/Mendocino+Complex/Mendocino+Complex+Right+of+Entry.pdf.
CalOES’ Debris Removal Operations Center can be reached at 669-284-4501.
Lake County Environmental Health is located at 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport, and can be reached at 707-263-1164.
Pawnee, Ranch and River fire survivors in need of support understanding their options can also reach out to Lake County’s Recovery Coordinator Nathan Spangler at 916-521-7108.
Pawnee, Ranch and River fire debris removal set to begin; rights of entry forms due Sept. 29
- Lake County News reports
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