Deadline to sign up for free debris removal is tomorrow

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KTVU) - More wet weather is in the forecast and there are growing concerns about how the winter months are going to complicate the road to recovery for North Bay fire victims.

The city of Santa Rosa is planning a news conference this afternoon to discuss the impact of rain in the fire zone this winter.

Santa Rosa officials are concerned that damaged or destroyed storm drains could increase the chances of flooding, landslides, and sinkholes.

Tomorrow is the deadline for Sonoma and Napa County residents to sign up for a government program to remove fire debris from their property. 

Only houses or related buildings that have been destroyed or heavily damaged by the wildfires are eligible.

Residents can apply to the Army Corps of Engineers to help clear their property free of charge, or they can choose to pay a private contractor out of their own pocket.

There is a push to quickly remove all hazardous waste and toxic debris due to safety concerns.

Residents can learn how to apply for the government program at a resource fair today. It is being held at the Santa Rosa Veterans Building on Maple Avenue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

More than 3,000 Sonoma County homeowners have signed up so far.