Post-Wildfire Cleanup & Disaster Recovery Across Northern California
Structural debris removal, ash hauling, foundation removal, and defensible-space clearing. Experienced with Camp Fire, Carr Fire, Dixie Fire, North Complex Fire, Park Fire, and other major California wildfire events.
When wildfire strikes Northern California, the devastation leaves property owners facing an overwhelming recovery process. Walberg, Inc. has been at the forefront of post-wildfire cleanup and disaster recovery since the company was founded in 1999, deploying crews and equipment to some of the most destructive fire events in California history. Our documented experience includes the Camp Fire in Paradise, the Carr Fire in Redding, the Dixie Fire, the North Complex Fire, the Park Fire, the Santa Rosa Fire, and the Middletown Fire. This firsthand experience with large-scale disaster recovery means we understand exactly what is required — from initial property assessment through final site restoration.
Post-wildfire cleanup involves far more than simply removing rubble. Fire debris is considered contaminated waste that must be handled according to strict environmental and safety protocols. Ash may contain heavy metals, asbestos from older structures, and other hazardous constituents. Walberg, Inc. holds DOSH certification and carries HAZ and ASB classifications on our contractor's license (CSLB #898860), giving us the credentials required to work on fire-damaged properties where hazardous materials may be present.
Our fire cleanup work is performed as part of the Alternative Program, where homeowners can choose their own cleanup contractor rather than relying on government-managed cleanup operations. We work directly with homeowners, County Environmental Health departments, and insurance companies throughout the cleanup process. This approach gives property owners more control over their recovery timeline and ensures the work is completed to their satisfaction.
Our fleet of over 100 pieces of company-owned heavy equipment allows us to deploy substantial resources without relying on rental houses or subcontractors. Our crews perform structural debris removal, ash and contaminated soil hauling to licensed disposal facilities, concrete foundation removal, and clearing to create defensible space around surviving structures.
Throughout the cleanup process, we maintain detailed documentation of all work performed, materials hauled, and disposal manifests. This documentation is essential for property owners working with insurance companies and County Environmental Health to complete the cleanup approval process. Our administrative team is experienced in the specific documentation formats and submission requirements needed, which helps streamline the process for affected property owners. With 26 years of experience serving Tehama, Butte, Shasta, Glenn, Colusa, and surrounding areas, Walberg, Inc. is the contractor Northern California communities trust when disaster strikes.
What's Included
- Structural debris removal from fire-damaged properties
- Ash and contaminated soil hauling to licensed disposal facilities
- Concrete foundation removal and site clearing
- Defensible-space clearing and vegetation management
- Hazardous material identification and handling (DOSH certified)
- Alternative Program cleanup coordination with County Environmental Health
- Insurance documentation and claim support
- Erosion control and site stabilization
- Final grading and site preparation for rebuilding
OUR PROCESS
How we deliver fire cleanup & disaster recovery.
Property Assessment & Planning
Our team assesses the fire-damaged property, identifies hazardous materials, documents pre-cleanup conditions for insurance purposes, and develops a cleanup plan in coordination with County Environmental Health requirements.
Hazmat Screening & Regulatory Coordination
We coordinate with County Environmental Health, identify and flag hazardous materials including asbestos and heavy metals, establish containment and safety protocols, and secure all required permits and authorizations for debris removal and transport.
Debris Removal & Contaminated Soil Hauling
Our crews systematically remove fire debris, separate hazardous from non-hazardous materials, load and transport contaminated soil and ash to licensed disposal facilities, and remove concrete foundations as specified. All loads are documented with disposal manifests.
Site Restoration & Documentation Package
After all debris is removed, we grade the site, install erosion control measures, and prepare the property for future rebuilding. We compile a complete documentation package including photos, disposal manifests, and compliance records for insurance claims and County Environmental Health sign-off.
EQUIPMENT
Equipment used on this service.
AREAS SERVED
Available across Northern California.
RELATED SERVICES
Other services you might need.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Alternative Program allows homeowners to choose their own cleanup contractor rather than waiting for government-managed cleanup operations. Walberg, Inc. works directly with homeowners, County Environmental Health, and insurance companies to complete the cleanup process. This gives property owners more control over their recovery timeline.
Most homeowner and commercial property insurance policies cover fire debris removal as part of a fire loss claim. We provide detailed documentation including itemized work records, photos, and disposal manifests that insurance adjusters require for claim processing. We work closely with your insurance company throughout the process.
Fire debris from structural fires is typically classified as contaminated waste and must be handled according to specific environmental protocols. Ash may contain heavy metals, asbestos fibers from older construction materials, and other hazardous constituents. Walberg, Inc. is DOSH certified and licensed to handle these materials properly.
Once debris removal is complete and the site has received sign-off from County Environmental Health, you can begin the rebuilding process. Walberg, Inc. can grade and prepare your site for new construction as part of the cleanup project, so you are ready to move forward as soon as permits are issued.
We work directly with homeowners, County Environmental Health departments, and insurance companies. Our administrative team is experienced in the documentation and compliance requirements needed for County Environmental Health sign-off and insurance claim processing.
We have deployed crews and equipment to several of California's most significant wildfire events, including the Camp Fire in Paradise, the Carr Fire in Redding, the Dixie Fire, the North Complex Fire, the Park Fire, the Santa Rosa Fire, and the Middletown Fire. This extensive disaster recovery experience means our crews understand the unique challenges of fire cleanup work.