Los Angeles County’s New Health Order for Fire Debris Removal

The fireplace with bachelder tiles (Photo – Felita Kealing)

L.A. County Health Department announced an updated Health Officer Order aimed at safeguarding public health during the removal of fire debris from properties in the Palisades and Eaton burn areas.

By News Desk

Property owners who opted out of the government-run debris removal programs (Phase 1 or Phase 2), along with the contractors, must now follow strict dust control measures to prevent harmful pollution and ensure the safety of both workers and local residents.

The new regulations require property owners and contractors to use best management practices for dust control during the removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris. These measures are designed to minimize dust exposure and protect the wellbeing of all involved in the cleanup process, as well as those living in surrounding areas.

Key provisions of the updated order include:

General Dust Control Measures

• All areas of ash and debris must be pre-watered with a fine spray nozzle to prevent dust splashing before removal.
• Water and/or an approved dust palliative must be applied at each site to minimize dust nuisances.

Fire Debris Transportation

• Any fire debris that remains at the site by the end of each workday must be consolidated, sufficiently wetted, or covered to prevent dust or contaminants from migrating offsite.

End-of-Day Debris Management

• Any fire debris not removed or disposed of by the end of each workday must be consolidated, sufficiently wetted, and/or covered to prevent offsite migration of dust or contaminants.

Watering Dry Soil Areas

• Dry and disturbed soil surfaces must be watered to minimize dust emissions.

Trackout Prevention and Cleanup

• Property owners or contractors must ensure that dirt, dust, or debris are not tracked out onto public or private roads.
• If trackout occurs, cleanup must happen immediately, with the area wet before or during cleanup using manual sweeping or rotary brushes. The use of blowers or dry brushes is strictly prohibited.

Public Health emphasized the importance of these dust control measures for maintaining community health. Property owners and contractors are urged to comply with these requirements to ensure the safe and responsible removal of fire debris.