2021 Wildfire Debris Removal

The fire season in 2021 created health and safety concerns and environmental pollution from burnt structures. Buildings can contain asbestos, lead and other hazards. Contaminated ash can escape into the environment and migrate to other properties. Property owners without adequate insurance may not be able to clean up debris on their property.

The Canadian Red Cross and Emergency Management BC have agreed to fund a Wildfire Disaster Debris Removal Program within the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD). Property owners impacted from the 2021 wildfires who are needing assistance with debris removal, or those who are eligible for reimbursement, should contact the TNRD to register for the program.

The following is the process for how to apply for the TNRD wildfire debris removal program:

STEP 1: CONTACT TNRD USING NUMBER OR E-MAIL BELOW

Interested property owners must contact the Thompson-Nicola Regional District using the phone number or e-mail below. Be sure to include your contact information (phone number, e-mail address…) and your property information in any voicemail left or e-mail sent.

Phone: 250 377-6312 (please leave contact information in voicemail message)

Email: tnrdrecovery@tnrd.ca

STEP 2: SIGN RIGHT OF ENTRY WAIVER

Properties that lost homes or substantial outbuildings will be required to sign a Right of Entry waiver or Reimbursement form. The waiver allows TNRD and contractors permission to enter and coordinate clean-up of their property. These forms will be provided after the homeowner has registered with the TNRD (see step 1).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Only property owners that contact the TNRD and sign the Right of Entry waiver will have debris removed. Otherwise the TNRD will not enter private property to remove debris.

The TNRD is asking that property owners who require clean up of burnt structures contact the TNRD as soon as possible, using the contact information provided. This will start the process for clean up work to start in spring 2022. Property owners who delay contacting the TNRD may miss this opportunity.

Yes, there is a process to apply for reimbursement for clean-up work already done.  Please note some restrictions apply including proof of payment (receipt) from a third-party contract is required. For more information on eligibility for reimbursement for work already completed, please contact 250 377-6312 or tnrdrecovery@tnrd.ca.

Yes, but it is not recommended for several reasons:

  • Concrete can lose its strength when exposed to extreme heat from wildfires;
  • Metal and plastic vapour barriers can also be compromised;
  • Where water and sewer pipes are brought through an existing foundation they will need to be replaced, which can be difficult and expensive with an existing foundation;
  • Older foundations may no longer meet current requirements and may be close to reaching their service life;
  • An existing foundation may not meet the necessary specifications of a new building;
  • Often it is cheaper to have the foundation removed and install a new one.

To use an existing foundation to build a new structure, a structural engineer must sign off, to ensure that it will meet the requirements of the new construction.

The TNRD will only be collecting fire-damaged debris from structures damaged in the 2021 wildfire season.

Sign up for the TNRD mailing list

Subscribe to get the latest regional news and updates delivered straight to your inbox. Opt in or out anytime.

Maps
Depots
Permits
Issues
Board
Scroll to Top