Private Property Debris Removal After the South Fork and Salt Fires: Essential Guidelines and Programs
What to Know Before Removing Debris From Your Property
The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a public health order recognizing the hazards present in fire debris (including asbestos and heavy metals) following the South Fork and Salt fires. The Governor of New Mexico issued an executive order to ensure rapid, safe cleanup through either the publicly funded Full-Service Debris Removal Program or the Opt-Out Debris Removal Program.
Property owners are highly encouraged to take advantage of the State’s Full-Service Debris Removal Program. Those who choose not to use the program are asked to fill out an Opt-Out form and utilize the cleanup standards.
Fill out an Opt-Out Form in person with a New Mexico Disaster Case Manager located at a Disaster Recovery and Resource Center:
Ruidoso: Horton Complex, 237 Service Rd. Ruidoso NM 88345
Mescalero: Mescalero Apache School, 249 White Mountain Dr, Mescalero, NM 88340.
-OR-
Download the online Opt-out Form, fill it out, and email it to DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov
https://www.dhsem.nm.gov/nmwildfires/debris/
Types of debris and where to dispose of it:
Burned vegetative and structural debris
Municipal solid waste: non-hazardous household waste
Non-hazardous industrial and chemical spills
Asbestos containing or potentially containing debris: any structure built before 1988
Petroleum contaminated or potentially contaminated debris: onsite fuel tanks, visible staining or odor
Disposal locations by Debris Type
Know before you go:
Before heading to the landfill, identify and separate debris to ensure you are taking the accepted type of debris to each landfill.
Residents should also contact the landfill before taking your debris for any special instructions or to make arrangement for payment.
Landfill Locations
Reducing your exposure while cleaning up debris
While sifting through residential wildfire debris may not be prohibited for your safety and the safety of others, it is not recommended. In addition to irritating your skin, nose and throat, substances like asbestos and cadmium have been known to cause cancer. Property owners who want to search debris for possible salvageable items should do so with caution and with protective gear.
Avoid disturbing debris or kicking up ash. NIOSH-certified air-purifying respirator masks are highly recommended. A mask rated N-95 is more effective at blocking particles from ash.
Wear gloves, long shirts and pants, safety eyewear, and other clothing.
It’s best to change shoes and clothing as soon as you are off-site to avoid contaminating your vehicle, your home, or other non-contaminated areas.
Even with protective clothing and respirators, children should not be exposed to wildfire ash or debris.
For more information, visit dhsem.nm.gov/nmwildfires/debris
