Disaster Preparedness
Wildfire Debris Removal
The County of Ventura has launched a website dedicated to helping survivors of wildfires in their recovery called Ventura County Recovers (www.VenturaCountyRecovers.org). It is a comprehensive source of information for all matters relating to fire recovery. Please register on Ventura County Recovers to receive updates. Information and updates will be posted here and on VenturaCountyRecovers as it becomes available. You can also call our Woolsey fire information hotline 805–654-2432 or contact us by email at EHDWoolsey-HillFire@ventura.org.
The County is coordinating with city, state, and federal agencies to facilitate the removal of wildfire debris. Entry into the State Program requires the property owner to submit a Right-of-Entry application and insurance information before work can be done. Additional information on fire debris and ash removal, as well as the State Program forms, can be found on the Ventura County Recovers Debris Removal webpage.
Private Fire and Ash Debris Removal for Woolsey & Hill Fires Affected Properties (Local Program)
County of Ventura Ordinance No. 4534 was adopted on December 4, 2018, to address the potential threats to public health and the environment created by improper handling and disposal of fire debris and ash. Property owners who do not qualify for or who chose not to participate in the State Consolidated Debris Removal Program must hire a qualified private contractor to remove fire debris and clean up their properties. Prior to the commencement of work, a Local Fire Debris Removal application and workplan must be approved by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division for properties within unincorporated Ventura County. Private debris removal is done at the homeowner’s expense and must follow standards adopted by the County of Ventura, which mirror the state standards being used by CalOES and CalRecycle for the State Program. Work must be performed by qualified personnel.
There are two Local Program applications, one for partially burned structures and one for structures deemed a total loss (>50% damage). Forms may be submitted by email at EHDWoolsey-HillFire@ventura.org.
Documentation of adequate clean-up and proper disposal will be required for fully burned structures. It is strongly encouraged that property owners review all requirements thoroughly before planning or pursuing their own debris removal. Property owners will not be allowed to build on their property until there is a certification of completion of the property cleanup. Please click on the link below for the Clean-Up Certification form and checklist of additional items to be submitted with the Certification form:
Thomas Fire Insurance Assistance
As our community continues to recover from the December 2017 Thomas Fire, it remains a County priority to help those affected to rebuild their lives. The County has contracted with a private company, Tetra Tech, to obtain information and assist Thomas fire victims regarding the portion of your insurance, if any, that was allocated specifically for debris removal. Letters were sent to all affected property owners in November 2018 requesting additional information, and copies of these letters are available at the links below. If you would like to discuss the State program or wish to submit the documentation, please contact Tetra Tech at 805-626-3143. Click here for a copy of this letter.
Disaster / Emergency Information
Click on the following links for information on disaster and emergency preparedness:
- Ready.VenturaCounty – Ventura County Office of Emergency Services (Ventura County Sheriff)
- Ready, Set, Go! – Ventura County Fire Department
- Be Prepared California – California Department of Public Health
- FEMA Homepage – Federal Emergency Management Agency
Water Supply
Unless your water purveyor has issued a notice stating otherwise, it is safe to drink and use tap water. If you receive a boil water notice, do not drink the water without boiling it first. Check out the following links for instructions on how to make your water safe to drink.
- How To Store Water
- How To Purify Water
- Cómo Purificar el Agua
- Checking Your Water Well After A Fire
- Sanitizing a Reverse Osmosis Filtration System
Food facility operators need to take special precautions before engaging in food operations or offering to the public. Please review the following guidance documents:
Wastewater and Sewage
Food Safety
Wildfire Recovery
- Wildfire Recovery – California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)
- Protecting Public Health from Home and Building Fire Ash
- Returning to Your Home or Business After a Fire
- Guidelines for Swimming Pools Impacted by Fire, Smoke, and Ash
Earthquakes
Flooding
Contact Us
Woolsey Fire Information hotline
EHDWoolsey-HillFire@ventura.org
(805) 654-2432
Tetra Tech
Thomas Fire Insurance Assistance
(805) 626-3143
