News Releases from Region 09

EPA News Advisory: Northern California Wildfire Response Update - 10/13/17

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its state and local partners in the ongoing joint response to multiple wildfires in Northern California.

EPA’s response activities include the following:

• Coordinating and implementing Emergency Support Function 10 (Oil and Hazardous Materials) operations as part of FEMA’s Initial Operating Facility (IOF). The IOF is operating out of the State Operations Center in Mather.
• Assisting Sonoma County and California agencies in responding to a tire fire near Highway 37/Lakeville Highway. EPA On-Scene Coordinators are working on-site with Sonoma County Fire/Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department, California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, and other response personnel to contain and mitigate the tire fire. Excavation work is underway and air monitoring along the perimeter of the site is being conducted during response operations. 
• Providing technical information on hazards associated with mine tailings and buildings at the Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine Superfund site in Clear Lake.
• Coordinating with other federal and state agencies (Indian Health Service, FEMA, California Office of Emergency Services, and Bureau of Indian Affairs) to track and respond to the air quality and environmental needs of tribes and providing information to federal partners on wildfire smoke movement.
• Working with the 12 tribal public water systems under EPA jurisdiction within fire-impacted areas. EPA is reaching out to each tribe to confirm water system impacts and assistance needs.

Background

Multiple wildfires began burning on October 8 in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Mandatory evacuations are currently underway. EPA is coordinating with federal, state and local agencies, including FEMA and the California Environmental Protection Agency, on response operations.

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