Meeting Summary
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At a glance
CEO Report and Fire Status Update
- The Thomas Fire is fully contained, with all evacuation warnings lifted and roadblocks being disbanded.
- The Office of Emergency Management is transitioning from activation level three to level two to focus on recovery and debris flow planning.
- Staff requested the installation of Murphy beds in OEM offices to support future emergency operations.
Ratification of Local Health Emergency Declaration and Resolution
- The Board adopted a resolution requiring hazardous materials inspections before any fire debris removal to identify household hazardous waste.
- Staff clarified that debris removal is voluntary, and county staff will not enter private property without homeowner consent.
- The Board directed staff to correct the board letter summary to accurately reflect the voluntary nature of the cleanup process.
Recovery Assistance Meeting Announcement
- A drop-in recovery assistance center is scheduled for December 22 at the Carpinteria Community Church.
- The event will feature participation from county, state, and federal agencies to assist residents and businesses with rebuilding.
Full summary
Agenda Item: CEO Report and Fire Status Update
- The Chief Executive Officer provided a report on the status of the Thomas Fire and the county’s emergency response. The Fire Chief reported that the fire is contained, with the perimeter withstanding recent wind events. All evacuation warnings have been lifted, and roadblocks are being disbanded. The remaining portion of the fire within federal land is being managed by a Type 1 Incident Command Team. The Director of Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reported that 28,000 people were evacuated, over 1,600 pets were sheltered, and over 7,000 people contacted the emergency call center. The OEM Director noted that the county is transitioning from activation level three to level two to focus on recovery, including cleanup, economic assistance, and debris flow contingency planning. The OEM Director also requested the installation of Murphy beds in OEM offices to support future emergency operations. Board members expressed appreciation for the staff’s efforts and noted that the county’s response was viewed positively by the public and state legislators.
Agenda Item: Ratification of Local Health Emergency Declaration and Resolution
- The Board considered a resolution to ratify the declaration of a local health emergency related to the Thomas Fire, specifically addressing the removal of household hazardous materials. The Public Health Director presented the resolution, noting that a corrected version had been submitted to fix date errors (changing January dates to December dates). The resolution orders that no removal of fire debris shall occur without a hazardous materials inspection conducted by the County, the US EPA, or the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
- Staff clarified the scope of the order:
- Mandatory Inspection: A hazardous materials inspection is required before debris removal to identify and segregate household hazardous waste (e.g., paints, pesticides).
- Voluntary Cleanup: The actual removal of fire debris and ash is voluntary. Property owners may opt out of the county’s cleanup program and arrange their own removal, provided they comply with hazardous waste regulations.
- Property Access: County staff will not enter private property without permission unless necessary to protect public health. In most cases, inspections will be conducted with the homeowner’s consent. If a homeowner refuses access and hazardous materials remain, the county may pursue an order to abate the hazard or seek legal access, though staff anticipated most homeowners would welcome assistance.
- Implementation: The Environmental Health Department plans to deploy three teams of two inspectors starting after January 1st. These teams will identify, segregate, and stockpile hazardous waste for pickup by a county contractor or a contractor chosen by the homeowner. The county is procuring necessary equipment, including radiation monitors and mercury meters.
- Board members discussed the mechanics of the process, asking for clarification on who performs the physical labor of moving hazardous items (county staff or homeowners) and the timeline for inspections. Staff indicated that county staff would identify and move hazardous waste into stockpiling areas, while contractors would handle transport and disposal. One Board member raised a concern that the board letter summary misrepresented the order by implying mandatory entry without permission, and requested that the summary be corrected to accurately reflect the voluntary nature of the cleanup and the requirement for consent. The Board agreed to adopt the resolution as written but directed staff to correct the board letter summary to avoid public confusion.
Motion and Vote
- A motion was made to adopt the resolution and authorize the Public Health Director to request assistance from the state. The motion was seconded. The Board voted to pass the resolution. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
Agenda Item: Recovery Assistance Meeting Announcement
- Staff announced the organization of a local recovery assistance meeting to help residents and businesses rebuild. The drop-in center will be held on Friday, December 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 111 Valesito Road in Carpinteria (Carpinteria Community Church). Agencies participating include County departments (Sheriff, Fire, Clerk-Recorder, Assessor, Public Health, Mental Health), state and federal agencies (State Contractors License Board, State Department of Insurance, GO Business, Postal Service, Southern California Edison, California Office of Emergency Services), and local insurance agents.
Adjournment
- The Chair adjourned the meeting and announced the next special meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3, at 9 a.m.