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Potter County sets Sept. 1 deadline, authorizes RFP for Burnscar debris cleanup
Summary
After weeks of public pleas from fire‑affected residents, Potter County Commissioners approved a Sept. 1 deadline for fire debris in county right‑of‑way and authorized the emergency management office to issue an RFP for debris‑management services to clear right‑of‑way piles and triage mixed materials.
Potter County Commissioners on July 27 gave emergency management authority to seek contractors to remove debris from county right‑of‑way and set Sept. 1 as the cutoff date for residents to place fire‑damaged material in the right‑of‑way. The court voted 5–0 to allow dumping through that date and to authorize Emergency Management Coordinator Max Dunlap to submit an RFP through the county purchasing agent to contract cleanup services.
Max Dunlap outlined a four‑milestone plan for the Burnscar area that separates work by type: (1) scoping and mapping piles, (2) vegetative debris handled through fire personnel and volunteers, (3) white goods and freon‑containing appliances requiring special handling, and (4) construction and demolition materials that must go to Canyon’s Landfill. Dunlap said the plan is time‑limited and emphasized limits on county authority: “So far, until I have been directed otherwise, we will not be going on to private property to pick up debris. I will say it again. We are not planning on going on to private property to pick up debris.”
Residents urged more time and clearer communication. Rhonda Savant, who identified herself as a Bishop Estates resident, said volunteers had followed instructions yet many piles remained: “That is impossible. That that cannot be done without somebody coming out there and working with each individual,” and she pressed the court to coordinate volunteers, contractors and direct outreach. Commissioners and staff agreed to expand outreach via county channels and VOAD contacts, to prioritize scoping first, and then issue a bidding package that allows contractors to price grouped scopes rather than individual lots. The court also asked staff to return with updates and to coordinate a timeline for contractor work once bids are received.
