Tuolumne County, CA – Tuolumne County Public Works (TCPW) updates its 2025 TCU September Lightning Complex Fire debris removal work targeting burned-out vehicles.
With the county-led Phase I Household Hazardous Waste Removal complete, Phase II, the Debris Removal Program, has begun. The program, which is financed by the county and the state Office of Emergency Services, offers free debris removal to property owners. Tetra Tech, the assessment and monitoring contractor, began parcel assessments last week (Nov. 12, 2025). So far, the staff has completed 19 parcel assessments through Monday, November 17th.
TCPW reported that 42 properties have opted into the program, and these evaluations have been completed:
- Total Site Assessments Completed to Date: 19
- Total Asbestos Assessments Completed to Date: 19
- Total Biological Assessments Completed to Date: 16
Partnering with the Department of Motor Vehicles, public works officials began vehicle assessments on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, with the first task involving identifying burned vehicles. Hoping to streamline the process, the DMV is using a new app developed for the Palisades and Eaton Fires.
Public Works officials added that asbestos removal could start next week, with debris removal taking place after Thanksgiving, weather permitting.
For those wanting to opt in or get more information about the free program, click here. Public Works also shared that property owners who do not opt in to the program must follow the Debris Alternate Program and should contact the Tuolumne County Environmental Health Division at envhealth@tuolumnecounty.ca.gov.
