Thousands of charred chimneys left standing after the Camp Fire will be knocked down and hauled out as cleanup crews begin the arduous task of cleaning out burned properties. After environmental testing the chimneys are the first to come down so crews won’t be in danger of the unstable structures toppling on them. Fire boxes and flues must be checked for asbestos and other toxins before the area is deemed safe.
Monumental Task
Over the next year more than 1000,000 truckloads of plastic wrapped debris, concrete and steel will be carried to Northern California landfills and recycling centers. It will take at least three days to clear each property of an estimated 350 tons of debris each, including foundations and topsoil. Homeowners will be allowed back on their property soon after each is cleaned, officials with CalRecycle said, though that might mean waiting weeks while soil samples are tested.