Where the Official Cleanup Guidance Comes From
Category: Cleanup Guidance
If you manage a property or an HOA, it helps to know where the cleanup guidance comes from. These public sources cover ash, wet cleaning, and runoff:
LA County Department of Public Health: FAQs for properties just outside burned areas, guidance for nearby businesses, and a general FAQ page. The theme: wet methods, no dry sweeping or leaf blowers, bag the ash, and never wash it into storm drains. FAQs: Properties Just Outside Burned Areas, LA County Health and Safety: Returning After a Wildfire
U.S. EPA: Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality, and the updated Wildfire Smoke guide for public health officials (June 2026). Covers protective gear, misting before wet mopping, and using minimal water. Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality, Wildfire Smoke, A Guide for Public Health Officials
California State Water Resources Control Board: Model Urban Runoff Program and a presentation outline. The theme: dry cleanup first, treat high-pressure washing as a controlled activity, and keep soapy wash water out of storm drains. Model Urban Runoff Program: Overview and Chapters, Model Urban Runoff Program: Chapter 4 Appendices (includes 4A Presentation Outline)
Questions about a specific property? Check with your local agency for rules that apply to you.
If your property needs exterior cleanup after the storms, we're available to help.
