Local Enforcement Agency Correspondence

Solid Waste Fires

Date: June 29, 2006

To: All Local Enforcement Agencies

The summer of 2006 started with record temperatures and red flag weather in parts of the state. In June, we have already received one report of a significant fire at a wood lot and composting operation.

New information on solid waste fires, including best management practices (BMPs) and summary of stakeholder input for fire prevention and fire suppression is now available on the internet.

The Board is working with the Enforcement Advisory Council (EAC) and California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) on the issue of solid waste fires. In November 2005, the Board and the State Fire Marshal organized regional coordination workshops with LEAs, Board staff and fire authorities to get local input on this issue. This input has been summarized and posted on CIWMB’s website.

This newly posted information should help LEAs, operators and firefighters identify potential “fires in waiting” and provide suggestions to help prevent and suppress solid waste fires. Board staff encourage LEAs to work with operators, the appropriate fire authorities in their jurisdiction and other stakeholders to cooperatively address the issue of fires in solid waste.

If you have any questions or wish to provide additional input, please contact Dennis Corcoran.