Ash and Debris Cleanup Guidance
Outdoor Clean-up

Friday, October 31, homes in Cuyamaca. Photos by Darrel Kinney

1. Wait until ash has stopped falling before cleaning up.

2. Determine if ash and debris can be contained and cleaned up without washing the material into the storm water conveyance system.
Wet clean up methods to consider include:
a. Wash ash and debris into landscaped areas wherever possible;
b. Use a damp mop to clean up ash and debris from small areas, such as patios;
c. Dampen accumulated ash and debris and scrape it up or vacuum it up using an adequate filtering vacuum;
d. Clean your car by taking it to a car wash, or wash the car over a vegetated area such as your lawn; and
e. If washing roof areas, redirect downspouts to landscaped areas.

3. If the above methods cannot
be used, and washing of ash and debris to the storm water
conveyance system is necessary, use as little water as possible and try to filter the wash water before it enters the storm water conveyance system. Place
gravel bags, filter fabric, fiber rolls, etc., in front of storm drains to capture ash and debris. Scoop up captured
ash and debris and dispose
of appropriately.

Interior Clean-up

Minimize re-
suspending settled dust when cleaning interior areas by using wet methods or adequate filtering vacuums. Typical household vacuums may pickup and re-suspend settled dust.

1. For carpets, use of a high
efficiency, HEPA-type vacuum
is recommended.

2. Use a damp cloth to pick-up dust and trap it on the cloth for small horizontal surfaces. Clean the cloth in water as needed; dispose of it to the trash
when it becomes too dirty for continued use. Dispose of dirty water into the sewer system.

3. For non-porous surfaces like tile or vinyl floors, use a damp mop to trap the dust.
Clean the mop as needed in water, and dispose of dirty water into the sewer system.

Issued by County of San Diego and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, October 28, 2003

www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/firestorm_recovery.html