County: Butte, CA | Incident: Park Fire |

Resource Type: Debris Removal, Evacuation Information, Fallen Tree, Hazardous Waste Removal, and Preparedness Information

Butte County – Park Fire – Re-Entry, Property Clean Up and Rebuild Information

On November 12, 2024, the Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution setting a deadline of January 15, 2025 for Park Fire and Thompson Fire-impacted residents to enroll in the State Debris Removal Program. Under the County ordinance, all residents whose properties were affected by the recent Park and Thompson Fires are required to enroll in a Debris Removal Program to restore the health and safety of impacted communities and make way for the rebuild process. The enrollment deadline ensures all eligible properties can be cleared promptly and that resources are allocated effectively. Failure to enroll in the program by the January 15, 2025 deadline will result in the inability to participate in the State Debris Removal Program, which could delay recovery efforts for individual homeowners and require them to complete the Alternative Program requirements.

On September 26, 2024, the Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted an urgency ordinance to address the public health emergency due to debris caused by the Park and Thompson Fires. This ordinance initiates Phase II Debris and Hazard Tree Removal programs for properties impacted by the Park and Thompson Fires.  To see the press release, click here.

For more information, visit the Butte County Phase II Debris Removal Page.

Attempting to sort, clear, or disturb ash or debris may affect eligibility of receiving possible assistance, services, or funds.

Butte County Park Fire Recovery FAQs

Provides answers to frequently asked questions related to Park Fire recovery: www.buttecounty.net/2044/Park-Fire-Recovery-FAQs

Re-Entry

View the Butte County Park Fire Health and Safety Precautions for Re-entry packet to see the County’s comprehensive repopulation and re-entry information. Below are some basic advisories, links, and guidance for public safety during re-entry to damaged properties and burned areas.

Butte County Re-Entry Advisory

Re-Entry Safety Note

Be aware of potential hazards such as hot spots, smoldering debris, and damaged structures. Use caution when entering your property. Check for structural damage before entering your home. Look for visible damage to the roof, foundation, and any support structures. Inspect your utilities. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas and contact the utility company immediately. Do not turn on the electricity until the electrical system has been inspected.

Health & Safety for Re-Entry – Butte County Packet

If you are returning home after an evacuation order or are visiting your property to collect belongings and mementos, please be sure to familiarize yourself with the information in this packet. It contains important details about the hazards of entering a fire-impacted area.

Building Inspectors continue to inspect structures that are in evacuation zones. Upon returning to your property, you may see one of two different placards posted by the Butte County Building Division. For more information, please refer to the Inspection Placards Flyer. If you believe your home or business has been damaged and has no placard posted, please contact the Building Division at 530-552-3700 or dsbuilding@buttecounty.net 

  • A Yellow Placard means the structure has been damaged and occupancy is restricted as long as you have water, electricity, and gas. Repairs require permits from the County. 
  • A Red Placard means “No Entry.” Structures are damaged and pose an imminent threat to life or safety. Do not enter these structures.

As the repopulation of impacted communities begins, please keep in mind the fire has affected animals in the area. In the unfortunate event that you need assistance disposing of deceased animal remains, please call the North Valley Animal Disaster Group hotline at 530-895-0000.

Guidelines: Handling of Deceased Animals.

Hazardous Materials Paint Markings – Flyer

Anywhere you see brightly colored markings around your property, DO NOT GO NEAR THEM. They either represent a hazardous material, septic, or emergency protective measure placed by Cal OES to prevent run-off contamination. 

The list of colors being used by the Department of Toxic Substances Control is as follows:
White X mark: Empty HHW container or cylinder (these are left on the property and are disposed of in Phase II debris removal)
White MT mark: Fuel tank is empty, or contents were transferred, and the tank is left in place
Pink Paint: Suspect asbestos-containing material (ACM) that is left on site – to be tested in Phase II
Orange Paint: Septic systems location or damaged transformer
Red Paint: Lithium batteries or hazardous waste working to be addressed

The color being used by Cal OES:
Orange: Outline of where they will be placing emergency protective measures such as straw wattles, compost socks, and silt fences

Butte County Public Health

Video Providing Health and Safety Precautions for Re-Entry

Before returning to homes and property after the Park Fire, familiarize yourself with the information in this video about Health and Safety Precautions for Re-Entry. The video contains important details about the hazards of entering a fire-impacted area including:

  • Personal Protection
  • Debris and Hazardous Waste
  • Food Safety
  • Water Safety
  • And more!

California Department of Housing and Community Development

Mobile or Manufactured Home Damage Reporting and Permitting

If  your  mobile home  or  manufactured  home  was  destroyed  due  to  a  recent  California wildfire,  earthquake  or  storm  and  you  need  copies  of  your  title  and  registration  and/or salvage forms:
Call: 1-833-421-5990 (TDD: 1-800-735-2929)
Email: ContactRT@hcd.ca.gov (Please use Subject Line: Impacted by Natural Disaster)

If  your  mobile home  or  manufactured  home  was  damaged  due  to  a  recent California  wildfire,  earthquake  or  storm  and  you  need  to  obtain  permits  for  alterations/repairs:
Call: 1-800-952-8356, Option 2 (TDD: 1-800-735-2929)
Visit: www.hcd.ca.gov

Butte County Public Health – Post Fire Well Safety and Testing Guidelines

Provides information regarding private well water safety, and how to determine if it is safe to drink.

For more information, visit bit.ly/WellWaterSafety

For more information on well sampling and disinfection, visit bit.ly/3AEhOvK

AmeriGas Propane Safety Information

Provides general safety precautions for using propane, including what to do if you smell a gas leak, and how to use propane appliances safely. If you smell gas, call 800-805-0659 or 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

For more information, visit bit.ly/AmeriGasPropaneSafety

Property Clean Up*

BUTTE COUNTY – Phase II Household Debris & Hazardous Tree Removal

As of September 26,  the Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted an urgency ordinance to address the public health emergency due to debris caused by the Park and Thompson Fires. This ordinance initiates Phase II Debris and Hazard Tree Removal programs for properties impacted by the Park and Thompson Fires. 

Property owners impacted by the Park and Thompson Fires must sign up for one of the two Phase II Debris Removal options listed below. 

Property owners may not perform Phase II cleanup themselves.

Option 1: State-led Debris Removal Program

In Phase II, Cal OES and local officials coordinate with the State’s Debris Task Force and its Debris Management Teams to conduct fire-related debris removal from your property. If you elect to participate in the State-led program, you must complete a Right-of-Entry (ROE) Form and provide the supporting documentation listed on the Right of Entry Form. For a list of documents required to include in the application, click here.

Completed forms may be submitted:

  • In-person at the Butte County ROE Center, located at 765 East Ave. Suite 130, Chico Mon – Fri: 10am – 3pm
  • By Mail to ROE Center, P.O. Box 1708, Oroville, CA 95965
  • By Email to roe@buttecounty.net 

For more information about State-led Phase II Debris Removal:

Option 2: Alternative Debris Removal Program

Property owners in the Alternative Debris Removal Program must hire properly licensed private contractors and consultants to remove fire debris and clean up their properties.

An Alternative Fire Debris Removal Application form must be submitted, and a Work Plan must be approved by the Butte County Environmental Health Division before the commencement of work. Private debris removal is done at the homeowner’s expense and must meet the standards outlined for the Alternative Program. This includes compliance with all legal requirements for disposal, best management practices for activities on site, proper transportation and documentation of waste, and erosion control. Property owners must also remove trees that a licensed arborist or forester has determined to be a threat to a public right-of-way or public infrastructure.

Key components of the Phase II Alternative Debris and Hazard Tree Removal Program:

  • Choose a Properly Licensed Contractor
  • Submit an Application/Work Plan
  • Conduct Site Preparation/Documentation
  • Perform Ash and Debris Cleanup
  • Complete Foundation Removal or Retention
  • Submit a Final Report for Structural Debris Removal
  • Submit a Property Owner Self-Attestation Verifying Removal of Hazard Trees
  • Receive Cleanup Certification

A representative from the Alternative Program is staffed to answer questions at the Butte County ROE Center, located at 765 East Ave. Suite 130, Chico Mon – Fri: 10am – 3pm

CalOES – Debris Operations Dashboard

Provides information about the status of parcels enrolled in the State Debris Removal Program. Track debris removal progress during the Phase II process by visiting the dashboard, here.

BUTTE COUNTY – Phase 1 Household Hazardous Waste Removal

Phase I Household Hazardous Waste Removal began on August 19th and is expected to continue for the next several weeks. DO NOT GO NEAR brightly colored markings around the property as they represent a hazardous material, septic, or emergency protective measure placed by Cal OES to prevent run-off contamination. The Department of Toxic Substances Control is leading Phase I, with assistance from Ancon Services. Cal OES and the Department of Water Resources will soon begin installing Emergency Protective Measures to protect against run-off contamination.

To view property status, visit https://bit.ly/4dSqKfa

To view Phase I Flyer with more information, visit https://bit.ly/3WQMSj2

Link to Press Release:  https://bit.ly/PressReleaseWasteRemoval

The County is not providing or recommending use of sand bags in the burn scar since CalOES is currently implementing Watershed Protection mission in the Park Fire burn areas. Please see the County’s Phase I Household Hazardous Waste Removal web page for more information about current watershed protection measures. 

Samaritan’s Purse

Providing assistance for homeowners who have been impacted by the Park Fire.

  • Personal Property Recovery: Volunteers are available to assist homeowners in searching for personal items damaged in the fire in accordance with debris removal program guidelines.
  • Pressure washing fire retardant from remaining homes

Property owners must be on site and sign a release form. Butte County’s Phase 1 must be completed in order to be eligible.

Assistance is provided based on volunteer availability. To schedule an appointment, call the 24hr phone line at 833-747-1234

Team Rubicon

Offering assistance to Park Fire survivors with cleaning debris, route clearance and tree removal on their affected properties.

Contact Northern Valley Catholic Social Services 530-345-1600 to request assistance from Team Rubicon. Once this has been arranged, Team Rubicon will reach out to individuals to schedule a time to meet with them to fill out a Right of Entry form.

Butte County Fire Safe Council

Offering the following programs for individuals affected by the Park Fire:

  • Resident’s Assistance (Defensible Space) Program: Assists with raking, cutting weeds and grass and removing dead limbs and trees within a 100 foot perimeter around the home. To qualify for this program, individuals must be age 60 or older, disabled or low income. For more information or to request services, call 530-877-0984.
  • Chipper Program: Assists with processing dead limbs from survived trees and chipping limbs, brush, etc. Residents must be able to collect and build piles they would like chipped. To apply for services, complete the Chipper Program Intake Form
  • Hazardous Tree Removal Program: Assists with removing dead trees or trees that are a fire hazard. For more information or to request services, call 530-877-0984.

Tree Removal

Park Fire Tree Removal Map

Search the Park Fire Tree Removal Map by address or parcel number(APN) to confirm if your parcel borders a public right-of-way, making it subject to hazard tree removal.

Butte County – Public Right-of-Way Tree Removal

Information from Butte County’s Park Fire Information Page: www.buttecounty.net/2026/Tree-Removal

Public Works issued an emergency contract to GreenTek to remove hazardous trees and vegetation along county roads impacted by the fire. Work began on Friday, August 2nd. This work is in coordination with other emergency responders in the area.

  • Tree and vegetation work on Cohasset Road is complete.
  • GreenTek has begun work on Vilas Road and Mud Creek Road. Anticipated completion is within the next week.
  • Wood chips are spread along exposed road banks, when possible, to provide some erosion control.
  • GreenTek has only removed hazardous trees within the County right-of-way. The Public Works survey division has marked the clearing limits for GreenTek based on our right-of-way.

Numerous other tree contractors working for various utility companies and foresters from CalFire are working in the area. These other entities are removing hazards to rebuild critical infrastructure or remove a public threat.

Please Note: Public Works does not remove trees from private properties.

PG&E Tree Removal & Tree Marking Symbol Key

As of August 21, PG&E and their subcontractors are marking and removing trees that threaten their infrastructure. They do not remove wood from private property. For questions regarding trees marked or cut by PG&E or one of their contractors, please call 1-800-PGE-5000.

PG&E’s Marking Symbols and Meanings (Markings are in green):

  •  F-1 – Imminent hazard. Remove immediately.
  •  F-2 – Has some time but will be removed.
  •  F-3 – Routine or Priority work caused by fire or new construction
  •  “X” – Remove tree
  •  “dot or circle” – trim only

Current PG&E’s Subcontractor’s:

  • Tree Work: Mountain F. Enterprise (Primary) and Tree Service Kings (Subsidiary)
  • Inspection Team: Coleman Utility Arboriculture
  • Support Staff: Orion Managed Services LLC

CalFire – Tree Removal

CalFire may cut down trees during fire suppression. Trees felled during response are not removed by CalFire. CalFire does not return after the response and fire suppression repair phase to remove trees during recovery. If you see a burning tree, call 911.

Butte County Fire Safe Council – Tree Removal 

 (530) 877-0984

As of August 21, the BCFSC has not removed any trees in the Park Fire burn scar. They are currently identifying and marking trees, within their scope, for removal. Allowable trees include those 100 feet from the road or within striking distance of a home. Once initial tree removal has taken place, they will conduct another assessment. Their goal is to assess what trees still need to be removed that fall under the FEMA scope of 500 feet and add trees and landowners to the HMGP project. This project is on hold until FEMA releases the funds per the direction of Congress. They are working to switch some existing grants to hazard tree removal. The plan is to do an emergency timber harvest with larger landowners and then focus on the small parcels with hazard trees threatening surviving homes or other higher-priority infrastructure.

Rebuild

Butte County Development Services – Rebuilding Guidance

If you’ve lost your home in a wildfire and have questions like the following:
• How do I get started? – Demo Permit, Removing Debris, Cleanup, etc.
• Is there an inspection for the Demolition Permit?
• Can I get power for my well? When?
• Can I rebuild in the same location?
• What will Permit fees be?
• I have questions about my well or septic system.
• How do I live on my property while rebuilding?

For further information, contact Butte County Development Services Building Division (530) 552-3699 or DSBuilding@buttecounty.net

Located at 7 County Center Drive, Oroville CA 95965
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8am-4pm
Wed 8am-3pm

Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board

Provides a page where consumers can look up a contractor license or Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) registration to confirm a contractor is appropriately licensed before hiring. This search will also include complaint disclosure. To search a contractor, visit: Check A License – CSLB (ca.gov)

Before hiring a contractor or signing a contract, CSLB recommends you read the Hiring a Contractor page.

Eligibility: Open to anyone hiring a contractor.  All that is needed to lookup a contractor is their license number, which any licensed contractor can provide to their potential clients.

Please note: The database is unavailable Sundays at 8 p.m. through Monday at 6 a.m. due to scheduled maintenance.

Trying to hire a licensed contractor and don’t know where to start? Click here to create a list of licensed contractors by City or ZIP code.

PG&E

Power Restoration

https://bit.ly/3SL9Eb0

For eligible customers impacted by a wildfire, PG&E will connect and disconnect temporary electric service at no cost until a permanent electric meter is installed. Temporary power can be used throughout the construction process until your building is ready for permanent power or for temporary uses like a recreational vehicle. Please work with your local jurisdiction on requirements for getting a temporary power permit.

Get started by following these two easy steps:
1. Apply online at https://yourprojects-pge.com/login or call 1-877-743-7782, Mon-Fri, 7am – 6pm. You will be assigned a dedicated PG&E Service Planning Representative (SPR) to manage your request. Please indicate on your application which wildfire your request is related to.
2. Contact your SPR for all restoration questions and concerns, or email us at rebuild@pge.com

Once your building project is complete, remember to apply for permanent power. PG&E cannot restore permanent gas or electric services to damaged structures until they have been repaired or rebuilt, and the county or city building inspector or representative has approved PG&E to reestablish service. Please note: Poles/electric panels along with fees payable to the city, town or county are the responsibility of the customer

Butte County Tax Assessors Office

Property Reassessment After a Disaster

Offering property assessment after the Park Fire. Disaster affected property owners can apply to have their property reassessed after a disaster to reduce or defer their property taxes with no penalties or interest.

Main Office – 25 County Center Drive, Suite 100, Oroville, CA, 95965
530-552-3800
Mon-Fri 9am-3pm

Branch Office – 196 Memorial Way, Chico, CA, 95926
530-552-3800
By Appointment Only

To request this service, fill out a form over the phone or online at https://www.buttecounty.net/230/Property-Damage-Calamity 

California Native Plant Society

Fire Recovery Guide

Provides a comprehensive Fire Recovery Guide detailing how to best reestablish native plants within the burn scar in order to support California habitats and ecosystems while making properties more resilient to fire and future events.