Challenge
In November 2018, the Camp Fire devastated the Butte County area, being the most destructive fire in California’s history with over 153,336 acres burned. This led to the closure of 67 schools across approximately a dozen different school districts. The extensive damage caused by ash, soot, and smoke not only compromised the structural integrity of these educational facilities but also posed significant health risks to students and staff. The urgent need to restore these schools was compounded by the necessity to ensure a safe environment for returning students, which required immediate and thorough cleaning.
Proposed Solution
West Coast Fire & Water, in collaboration with a third-party hygienist, devised a comprehensive cleaning protocol tailored specifically for the affected schools. This protocol encompassed both the interior and exterior cleaning of all 67 schools, addressing the damage from ash and smoke. The execution of this plan involved a robust workforce of 300 trained professionals, including certified supervisors.
The project was strategically divided into three teams:
1. Cleaning Team
The first team initiated the cleaning process, meticulously removing ash and soot from all surfaces.
2. Equipment Setup and Final Touch-Up Team
The second team was responsible for setting up air scrubbers to reduce particulate count and hydroxyls to neutralize odors. They conducted final touch-ups to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness.
3. Quality Control Team
The third team conducted quality checks in collaboration with the hygienist. Any areas requiring additional attention were promptly addressed, guaranteeing thoroughness in the cleaning process.
At the conclusion of each school’s cleaning, the hygienist provided a safety certification, indicating that the facility was safe for staff and students to return. The reopening of schools was executed in a phased approach, with institutions reopening as they were cleaned and certified, allowing for a smooth transition back to normalcy.
Results
The initiative was a resounding success, with all 67 schools cleaned and certified in just 12 days. The efficient coordination of the three teams, along with the expertise of the hygienist, ensured that the schools met safety standards promptly. As a result, school districts were able to reopen in a staggered fashion, providing students and staff with a safe learning environment.
The proactive measures taken by West Coast Fire & Water not only restored physical spaces but also instilled confidence in the community regarding the safety of their educational institutions post-disaster. This project highlighted the company’s commitment to community well-being and its capacity to respond effectively to large-scale emergencies.
