Application Development for Wildfire Debris Removal Program

PBS&J had a comprehensive web-based debris collection and removal management system up and running within days.

In fall 2003, Southern California experienced wildfires that burned over half million acres, 3,500 homes, and 30 commercial properties–some of the worst in state history. As the fires were extinguished, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated the ravaged properties federal disaster areas, qualifying them for cleanup assistance funds, and requiring impacted communities to adhere to a number of stipulations attached to the funding.

The San Diego and San Bernardino counties turned to PBS&J to manage their debris removal programs. Within a few days of notice to proceed, PBS&J had a comprehensive web-based debris collection and removal management system up and running. This parcel-based system uses data from each county and enables emergency management staff to review property ownership, application details, and program status efficiently and effectively. System features include:

• A hotline that tracks all communications between local government and residents.
• Tracking for residential right-of-entry information as well as potential abatement situations.
• Real time online GIS maps to display and track right-of-entry, abatement, and bin program status of each account in the system.
• Tracking for insurance and SBA loan information for non-participants of the debris cleanup program.
• Tracking for debris bin information such as movement, history, debris types, tonnage, and subcontractor activity.
• A site photo management tool for each property requiring debris removal.

This comprehensive geospatial management system has been instrumental in helping both San Diego and San Bernardino Counties meet FEMA specifications and in ensuring federal reimbursement of funds.