Butte County declares health emergency over Park Fire ash and debris

(FOX40.COM) — A health emergency has been declared in Butte County to “protect the public’s health and safety” from ash and debris burned in the Park Fire, according to officials.

Butte County Public Health Officer Dr. David Canton declared the emergency for the county just before 4 p.m. on Saturday in a news release, saying, “The debris poses a substantial presence and potential hazard to human health, safety, and the environment unless it is addressed and managed properly.”

Officials added that the declaration of a local health emergency will give the county access to programs to remove toxic substances from burned properties, which will allow property owners to begin the rebuilding process.

The California Health and Safety Code says a local health officer may declare a local health emergency for an area affected by a threat to public health, but the Butte County Board of Supervisors will have seven days to review and approve the declaration.

The Park Fire, which began on July 24, has burned over 350,000 acres across Butte and Tehama counties and has caused evacuations in both areas along with Plumas County. The fire is currently the seventh-largest wildfire in California’s history.

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