State Launches Biggest Wildfire Cleanup Job in History
Hazmat teams have begun the first phase of cleanup following the Camp Fire in Butte County, California, which involves removing asbestos, propane tanks, and other hazardous waste from burn areas and will take about four months to complete. The second phase will involve hauling away more than 8 million tons of ash, contaminated soil, concrete, and metal. That phase is expected to begin in January and will take about a year, according to Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Director Mark Ghilarducci. The removal of more than 18,000 burned-down structures, including nearly 14,000 residences and more than 500 commercial buildings, is the biggest wildfire cleanup job the state has ever undertaken.