Cleaning up the ash from our homes, yards, businesses and streets will eventually help clean our air and our community, but it must be done safely. Smoke and ash can be harmful to your health and the health of those around you. The greatest risk is from fine particles that are not visible. The information below is for residents and businesses who are cleaning up ash, not those cleaning up burned structures. If your lost your home or business to the fire, you need to take additional precautions. See links below for other resources.
When you determine it is safe to clean up, PROTECT YOURSELF and remember these three C’s: CONTROL – CONTAIN – CAPTURE
PROTECT YOURSELF
Avoid cleaning up ash until conditions improve and it’s safe to be outdoors. Decisions about when to clean should be based on the level of fine particles and the air. Check your local air quality information at Today’s Air Quality.
If you have symptoms that may be related to exposure to smoke or soot, stop cleaning and consult your doctor. Symptoms include repeated coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, headaches and nausea or unusual fatigue or lightheadedness.
CONTROL
Try to control the amount of ash particles that get re-suspended into the air.
Leaf blowers re-suspend harmful fine particles into the air and create more health concerns.
CONTAIN
Use appropriate cleaning methods for the task at hand.
Take care to conserve water. You may allow water to drain into landscaping as ash will not hurt plants or grass.
CAPTURE
Ash has a high pH and, in large amounts, can be harmful for people, the environment and aquatic life.
Divert water away from storm drains or try to filter the wash water with gravel bags, filter fabric, fiber rolls, etc., in front of storm drains. Scoop up captured ash and debris and dispose of appropriately.
Additional Resources
Asbestos Precautions
California Environmental Protection Agency
California Wildfires Statewide Recovery Information
California Air Resources Board
California Department of Public Health
- Reduce Exposure to Ash When Returning Home after a Fire
- Reduzca la exposición a cenizas al regresar a casa después de un incendio
Center for Disease Control
California Landscape Contractors Association, San Diego Chapter
