LAKEPORT >> Recovery from the Rocky Fire was the topic of discussion during a special meeting of the Lake County Board of Supervisors Tuesday afternoon.
The first action discussed regarded the cleanup and removal of debris resulting from the fire, which began on July 29 and quickly grew to nearly 70,000 acres. According to Cal Fire, 43 homes and dozens of other structures were destroyed by Rocky.
Lake County Administrative Officer Matt Perry said that funds from the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) are expected to be granted to the county in the next few days, which can be used for the effort.
“Clean up would be performed by specialized contractors managed by the State Cal Recycle agency, county environmental health and building and safety divisions on behalf of property owners,” Perry explained.
The primary reason for the use of specialized contractors is attributed to the potential presence of hazardous waste such as asbestos, heavy metals and plastic.
“It’s not only onsite,” Perry said. “There is the possibility of somebody putting it in the back of a truck and driving it down the highway.”
Although using contractors has a higher cost than having property owners conduct the cleanup, it ensures that the fire debris will be completed in a timely and secure manner with the highest level of assurance for public health and safety and environmental compliance.
Sean Smith from the state office of emergency services assured the board that CDAA funding will be granted, as the state provided the same funding for disaster relief in the wake of the December Winter Storm.
The cost of debris removal is estimated to be between $4 million and $5 million, according to Smith.
Lake County Social Services Director Carol Huchingson presented the board with a temporary shelter plan for those displaced by the fire.
Monday marked the first day of operation for a local assistance shelter, with four homeowners and one renter coming forward.
“Three of the owners reported having homeowners insurance,” Huchingson said. “Most were seeking help with debris removal and clean up, two needed help finding housing and food.”
The renter is seeking a new place to rent but, “because they worked for a neighbor in the burn area they also lost their job, making it difficult to find a new place to rental.”
Gathering data to determine the needs of those affected by the fire will be the first preliminary step, followed by the establishment of a long-term recovery committee. The committee will meet and decide the role of each agency participating in the relief effort. A second committee will also be established to determine how funding will be distributed.
Finally, Huchingson plans to reach out to the private sector for assistance – primarily real estate agents to help find new housing for those displaced.
“Lake County has no shelter set up,” Huchingson said. “Our neighboring counties do, but they are only for their residents.”
The board approved all actions presented to them with a 5-0 vote. Funding is expected to be approved by the state before the board’s meeting on Aug. 18.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
