Valley Springs, CA — Effective this morning at 8 am, all of the residents evacuated by the Gann Fire are being allowed to return to their properties.
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office stresses that repopulation does not mean that all fire-related hazards have been eliminated. Residents are urged to use extreme caution when returning to assess properties, especially those with damaged or destroyed structures.
“Being allowed to re-enter and determining whether a fire-damaged property is safe are two different things,” says Lisa Medina, Environmental Health Director. “Until assessments are done, we are asking residents to avoid distributing ash and debris and to take these hazards seriously.”
CAL Fire updates this morning that at least 22 structures have been destroyed.
“We know how deeply personal it is to want to return home and recover the things that matter to you,” said Dr. Rene Ramirez, Calaveras County Health Officer. “But some of the health hazards left behind by a wildfire cannot be seen or smelled.”
He notes that if a structure has been damaged by fire, do not assume it is safe to enter simply because it remains standing. Structural damage may not be readily visible. Do not enter structures that appear unstable or have sustained significant fire damage.
Additional Information below is from the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office/OES:
Potential Hazards:
Fire-affected properties may contain hazards that are not immediately visible or known to the property owner. These may include, but are not limited to:
• Unstable or partially collapsed structures, including homes, garages, barns, shops, sheds, and other outbuildings.
• Structural damage to walls, roofs, floors, porches, decks, and other portions of a building that may make them unsafe to enter.
• Hot spots, smoldering materials, and ash that may remain after the fire has passed through an area.
• Downed or damaged power lines and electrical equipment.
• Structures and or homes without power.
• Propane tanks, fuel containers, and other pressurized or flammable materials that may have been damaged by fire.
• Unknown or unexpected hazardous materials. Garages, barns, shops, sheds, and other outbuildings may have contained chemicals, fuels, pesticides, fertilizers, paints, solvents, compressed-gas cylinders, batteries, or other hazardous materials that residents may not be aware of or able to identify following fire damage.
• Hazardous materials released from damaged or destroyed structures, which may have been altered by exposure to heat or fire.
• Broken glass, exposed nails, screws, metal, and other sharp debris.
• Unstable trees and branches that may have been weakened by fire and could fall without warning.
• Holes, voids, weakened ground, and other concealed hazards that may be hidden beneath ash, debris, or vegetation.
• Damaged septic systems, wells, water systems, unknown mine shafts, and other private infrastructure.
• Fire-damaged vehicles, equipment, batteries, and machinery.
Property Damage Reporting:
As residents assess their properties, the County is asking for assistance in documenting losses and damage caused by the Gann Fire. This information is an important part of the County’s ongoing damage assessment and documentation process.
Verify Your Contractor:
Before beginning any repairs or reconstruction, property owners should ensure that the contractors they hire are properly licensed and qualified to perform the work. Using a licensed contractor provides important protections and helps ensure that repairs are completed safely, legally, and in accordance with applicable building codes.
After a disaster, homeowners may be eager to begin repairs and return their property to normal. Unfortunately, this can also create opportunities for individuals looking to take advantage of that urgency. Take the time to verify a contractor’s license, credentials, insurance, and references before signing a contract or making any payments.
California residents can verify a contractor’s license status, business name, and other licensing information through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Visit the CSLB’s official Check a License website at: CSLB — Check a License
Taking a few minutes to verify a contractor before hiring them can help protect you, your property, and your investment during the recovery process.
Agricultural and Livestock Losses:
Anyone who has lost agricultural animals or livestock as a result of the Gann Fire is asked to contact the Calaveras County Agriculture, Weights & Measures Department at: 209-754-6504
Structure and County Road Damage:
Anyone who needs to report damage to structures or county roads resulting from the Gann Fire is asked to contact the Calaveras County Building Department at 209-754-6380. The Building Department should also be contacted if you encounter a County Building Department tag affixed to a structure or property and need additional information or direction.
Residents are encouraged to document damage with photographs when it is safe to do so. Do not place yourself in danger to document or inspect damaged property.
