Sonora, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order that will cut red tape to help communities clean up and rebuild faster following the TCU Lightning Complex Fires.
The order expedites the removal and cleanup of debris and household hazardous materials (HHM) from properties affected in Tuolumne County while also ensuring public health and environmental protections, according to Newsom’s office. They added that it reflects the governor’s ongoing efforts to address local concerns, provide tools to accelerate rebuilding, and allow communities to recover safely.
“We will continue to look for ways to support Californians impacted by the TCU Lighting Complex Fires to clean up and rebuild safely,” stated Governor Newsom. “This executive order responds directly to requests from local officials and community feedback to help speed up recovery and protect communities from hazardous materials.”
A week after the blazes started on September 2nd, 2025, as reported here, Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Tuolumne County, unlocking additional state assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act. Under the order, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) partnered with county officials regarding debris removal and watershed recovery efforts aimed at preventing toxic burn scar debris from contaminating local waterways. The TCU Lightning Complex Fires burned over 13,000 acres in the Don Pedro Reservoir area. It also destroyed 95 structures and damaged 7 others, including 50 homes in the historic town of Chinese Camp in Tuolumne County.
