Middletown residents plan for life after Valley Fire

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. (KTVU) - More than 1,000 people packed Middletown High School Thursday evening, not to talk about the Valley Fire, but what's next.

"We're looking for cylinders, we're looking for asbestos, we're going to come to every lot," explained Todd Thallhamer, one of several speakers, preparing fire victims for the months ahead. 

Thallhamer works for the California Environmental Protection Agency, and will be in charge of the hazardous materials removal and lot excavation.

Coincidentally, he also grew up in Middletown, he even played football on the same field where the informational meeting was held.

For the crowd, it was reassuring to hear about next steps from someone with local roots. 

"It's my commitment to be here, and we'll get through this," he declared, "but remember. Be patient. It's going to take us some time." 

Large yellow signs dot Middletown fire zones, reading, "Warning, entering hazardous area."

Smaller ones, in front of flattened homes, warn to avoid unlicensed contractors.

Life after the fire carries risks, both natural and man-made.

"The biggest thing people say is, 'we want to get going, what do we do?' longtime Lake County rancher and County Supervisor Jim Comstock told KTVU.

In front of the crowd, organizers had contractors stand in a line, and encouraged fire victims to contact them.

Choose people who are licensed, local, and proven, they advised, not some schemer from who-knows-where swooping in to take advantage.

"Listen, wait, and do it in the proper order, don't hurry it," recommended Comstock.

"I've already seen some people cleaning lots already with dust clouds and dust plumes. Toxics are in that ash. That doesn't help anyone."

Comstock believes hammers won't be swinging until spring, after the expected rainy season ends.

Since homes will have to adhere to new building codes, including sprinklers and fire safe roofs and windows, that will add time and expense to rebuilding.
An hour before the meeting, at 5 p.m. Thursday, Anderson Springs, outside Middletown, re-opened to residents for the first time in 13 days. 

More than 200 homes were destroyed there.

A steady trickle of homeowners drove cautiously to their driveways, then began picking through the ruins,

Utility crews hurried all day to string lines and erect poles. There is still no electricity in the neighborhood.

For the few who have homes still standing, a special delivery awaits: porta potty, bottled water, gloves and masks.

"I've been here already, I cried my tears," resident Bruce Summers told KTVU, as he pulled up to his property, drill and screws in hand.

He picked a big oak and put up a bracket, then hung an American flag from it, just like the one that once waved in front of his home.  

Meanwhile, his daughter poked around the rubble of her childhood.

"I learned to swim here, lost my first tooth here," reminisced Jenise Nerwinski, " and Santa Claus used to come down that chimney."

Summers says he's already pulled permits, and optimistically, plans to be rebuilt in six months.

"It's just time to go to work, time to rebuild, get her done," he declared, "That's what this county is all about. We're not going to sit around and wait. We're going to work."

His daughter, who'd flown in from Colorado, said she wouldn't bet against him.

"You have no idea, my dad will get this done so fast, you will be surprised," smiled Nerwinski, "it would not surprise me if his is the first house built."

Outside the meeting, a dozen tables were set up, offering plenty of help.

The one-stop assistance included FEMA, various insurance companies, the North Coast Builders Exchange, and public works.

Thallhamer, who has supervised clean-ups at several destructive fires across California, choked-up at the prospect of this one, in his home town.

"It's called Middletown strong and I'm proud to be right here," he said, to applause from the audience.