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Clear Lake council updates debris-removal plan after Cache fire; 41 right-of-entry forms submitted
Summary
City officials said Cal OES will lead contractor procurement for debris removal after the Cache ("Cash") fire; the city has submitted 41 right-of-entry forms and reported uninsured property owners remain eligible for state-funded cleanup.
Clear Lake — City officials updated the council Oct. 7 on cleanup efforts after the Cache (referred to in the record as the "Cash") fire, saying state emergency officials will manage contractor selection and that homeowners without insurance remain eligible for state-funded debris removal.
City Manager Alan Flora told the council the city has coordinated site visits with Cal OES, the State Water Board, the Department of Water Resources and the California Conservation Corps and that additional stormwater mitigation measures identified during those walks have been installed. Finance Director Young reported the city had collected 41 right-of-entry (ROE) forms for debris removal and had about four property owners still to contact. "We just submitted it all to Cal OES today, the 41 that we have," Young said.
Council members asked whether uninsured homeowners would be expected to pay cleanup costs. Young said Cal OES and related state funds cover debris removal even for those without insurance. "If they do not have insurance, they still are eligible for debris removal, and that would still be covered by Cal OES and the California, additional funds," Young said. The city cautioned residents that any later bill or notice related to cleanup does not necessarily mean the homeowner must pay out of pocket; staff said the state may seek reimbursement from insurers when insurance exists.
On procurement and timing, Young said Cal OES will handle contractor selection and that the agency hoped to begin debris removal in early November, subject to procurement and scheduling across other statewide wildfire responses. Flora and staff emphasized the importance of prioritizing stormwater mitigation given the Cache Creek watershed and indicated Cal OES has factored environmental risks into its scheduling.
Officials also discussed federal assistance. Flora said a presidential fire-declaration for the region exists, but it was unclear whether the Cache fire was specifically included; staff said state contacts indicated the city might be rolled into the federal declaration but that confirmation remained pending.
The council praised staff for the response and for compiling ROE forms; staff encouraged any remaining property owners interested in debris removal to submit ROE forms via the city's website.
