Mountain Fire
Debris Removal
Step 1: Mountain Fire Debris Removal Program
** Phase 1 started on Tuesday, November 19, 2024**
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
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 1 Inspection Markings from Department of Toxic Substances Control
Phase Two: Debris Removal and Property Clean-up
Two options are available to property owners who had structures destroyed by the fire:
Option 1: County-led Consolidated Debris Removal Program
Option 2: Private Debris Removal Program (Local Program)
Option 1: County-led Consolidated Debris Removal Program
During Phase 2, residential properties with destroyed structure(s) from the wildfires are being offered a clean-up and debris removal service conducted by specialized work crews, contracted, and managed by federal and state waste specialists. Under limited circumstances, some commercial properties may be eligible as well. This program is being paid for with state and federal funds. To avoid duplication of benefits, if the property owners have a specified amount for debris removal in their insurance policy, they will need to provide that specified amount to the County for reimbursement of some of the costs of the clean-up. However, a property owner may participate in the program even if the property is not insured. Owners must sign up for this program by completing a Right-of Entry form (ROE), to allow access to their property to complete the debris removal work.
Ventura County Environmental Health must receive this ROE Permit on or before January 13, 2025.
Is your property/debris eligible for the County-led Debris Removal Program?
View the Eligibility Table below to see if your property is eligible for the County-led Debris Removal Program. If your property is not eligible, you will need to participate in Option 2: Private Debris Removal Program (Local Program)
Option 2: Private Debris Removal Program (Local Program)
If property owners choose not to participate in the County-led Consolidated Debris Removal Program described above (or if properties are ineligible), they may do so at their own expense with work performed by qualified contractors.
Property owners in the county unincorporated areas will submit a Ventura County Local Debris Removal Program Application and work plan to the County for approval before January 13, 2025, and at least two weeks prior to commencing debris removal.
After implementation of the approved work plan, the owner must submit a certification showing that all work has been completed as specified. The work must be completed pursuant to standards set forth by the County and State by March 15, 2025. These standards are established to ensure protection of public health and are the same standards applicable to the Consolidated Debris Removal Program. Documentation of adequate clean-up and proper disposal will be required. 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 and removal of all hazardous waste has been completed in accordance with applicable standards approved by the County.
A summary of the Private Debris Removal Program Protocols, Requirements, and more and located in the forms below.
Ventura County Environmental Health must receive this Private Debris Removal Program Standard Work Plan Template before January 13, 2025, and at least two weeks prior to commencing debris removal.
If your property or structure is partially damaged and is ineligible for the County-led debris removal program, please complete the application below.
Please submit all forms to the Ventura County Environmental Health Division either in-person, by mail, or by email.
It is recommended that forms be submitted in person to ensure that all forms are completed.
Office Location
- Ventura County Environmental Health Division
Hall of Administration
800 S. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA 93009-1730, or
- Email: EHDMountainFire@ventura.org
Advisory: Properties that are not enrolled in the County-led Consolidated Debris Removal Program (Option 1) or properties that do not complete debris removal through the Private Debris Removal Program (Option 2) by March 15, 2025, are considered a Public Nuisance. These properties will have the wildfire debris inspected by the County and will be subject to the County taking remedial action that may include, but not be limited to, hazard removal and/or relocation, cleanup, site evaluation, soil testing, and/or chemical analysis. All County expenses incurred for such inspection and mitigation, including but not limited to, contract work, staff time, and administration, are subject to full cost recovery from the owner with a lien recorded on the property.
Additional Resources
- Mountain Fire Debris Removal Frequently Asked Questions ENGLISH | ESPANOL
- Right of Entry and Debris Removal Phase 2 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
Counter Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Mountain Fire Message Line – Monitored Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
(805) 654-2432
Email: EHDMountainFire@ventura.org
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) and Pumper Truck Inspection
(805) 477-7136
