Markings on trees in the burn area identify the level of threat the tree poses to utilities. The specific markings are explained below:

• P1 – Tree poses extreme and immediate danger to utilities. Most P1 trees have already been removed or will be removed as soon as possible.
• P2 – Tree poses danger to utilities and will be removed within 12 months.
• NC – Tree poses low immediate threat to utilities. These trees are within the modern utility setback (16 feet each way from lines/poles or a 32 foot corridor). Trees will be removed as utility repair is finalized over the next few years.
• X with an “F” above it – Tree marked by the Town of Paradise as a tree that will be removed in the future.

The County is working with arborists to assess dead or dying trees along public roadways in the unincorporated areas. The specific markings are explained below:

• Two orange, parallel lines and an orange dot at the base of the tree – Tree has been identified as dead or dying. These trees will be slated for removal within the year.
• Tree with a small check mark – Tree has been identified as damaged but may survive. The health of the tree will be reassessed in one year.

EPA arborists are assessing some trees in the burn area to identify the threat the trees pose to Phase I workers who are removing hazardous wastes from destroyed and damaged properties. The specific markings are explained below:

• White “X” – Tree or tree limbs will be assessed during Phase II Debris Removal to determine if they are hazardous to work crews. If deemed hazardous, they will be removed. After the Phase II assessment, any remaining trees with a white “X” were determined to pose no hazard to work crews and do not require removal.
• White “=” – Tree or tree limbs pose a risk to workers and should be treated with caution. Workers should not park under trees with this mark.
• White “T” on the ground at the entrance to a property – Trees or tree limbs were assessed only for risk to Phase 1 workers and found to not pose a risk to workers.

For qualifying customers, wood left onsite after being taken down by PG&E contractors may qualify for PG&E’s no-cost wood removal program.  To qualify for this program, the wood removed by PG&E contractors must be:

• Reasonably accessible by equipment or machinery.
• Greater than 4 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length.
• Within 50 feet of a permanent structure OR able to impede traffic or roll into roads, road drainage structures or waterways.

To learn more about program eligibility and to request wood removal, please call 1-888-421-1700 or review this PG&E Wildfire Wood Management brochure.

Please contact a local Tree Service Company, Registered Professional Forester, Licensed Timber Operator or Arborist to determine the health of your tree(s).

The remaining dead and dying trees are weakened and are a hazard to life and property and should be removed.

No.  Trees will not be removed as a normal part of this debris removal program.  The exception to this rule is for trees that are considered a danger to the debris removal workers and these trees will be removed to make a safe working environment.

In the Town of Paradise, if the tree is dead, diseased or dying a permit is not required to remove the tree. The Town of Paradise is not issuing tree permits for living trees at this time.

In unincorporated Butte County, if the tree is dead, diseased or dying a permit is not required to remove the tree.

You can hire any licensed tree company to have your tree(s) removed or do your own tree work as a land owner with any appropriate permits.

At this point there is no program to assist residents in the cost of tree removal. Some insurance policies have a provision for tree removal in their debris removal policies. If there is a program developed, we will make sure to advertise it as soon as possible. Check with your local fire safe council for other programs that may assist in your property cleanup.

Tree removal is commonly covered under the “debris removal” portion of a home insurance policy.  Contact your insurance company for details on if it is included. Your insurance company may have other requirements for determining the health of tree prior to its removal.

The Butte Fire Safe Council is performing a cost-free chipper program within the area of the Camp Fire. Please contact the Fire Safe Council for details at 530-877-0984.

http://www.buttefiresafe.net

https://www.facebook.com/buttefiresafe/

Click here for more information: Chipper Program Flyer

Yes, but the removal of trees (even a single tree) that will be sold for commercial value are subject to the California Forest Practices act and permitting process. Please contact a Registered Professional Forester, Licensed Timber Operator or Arborist prior to removing trees to be sold for timber value.