Marshall Fire Debris Cleanup

In December 2021, a devastating wildfire swept through the communities of Boulder County, City of Louisville, and Town of Superior in Colorado. Fueled by dry vegetation and powerful winds, the rapid blaze became the most destructive fire in Colorado’s history. It destroyed 1,084 homes, caused an estimated $500 million in damages, and left significant public health hazards in its wake. This situation demanded extensive wildfire cleanup and hazardous material removal, posing a significant heavy civil construction challenge.
 
The residents of these neighborhoods faced immense difficulties in the aftermath of the fire. They needed their properties cleared of debris to start the rebuilding process. Boulder County turned to Forgen and our sister company DRC Emergency Services to handle this massive wildfire recovery effort, which required immediate and effective fire debris removal to restore the area and make it safe for residents to return and rebuild their lives.

After the wildfire was subdued, Forgen and DRC Emergency Services quickly mobilized to address the extensive cleanup needs. Over a four-month period, we diligently cleared the destroyed properties, leaving the community ready to rebuild. This involved coordinated hazardous material removal and heavy civil construction activities.

Working closely with DRC Emergency Services and various subcontractors, we executed a coordinated debris removal operation. By the end of the project, we had successfully removed a significant volume of debris: 40,590 tons of concrete, 41,333 tons of ash, soil, and debris, 805 tons of metal, and 880 tons of vegetative debris.

Our work scope included the remediation of 168 individual Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) projects. We were responsible for removing and transporting ash, soil, and debris, and installing multiple Storm Water Pollution Protection (SWPPP) materials. Our team also implemented hydromulching and set up a 5-acre temporary office complex and storage/laydown yard to support the cleanup efforts.

Throughout the project, we adhered to guidelines set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), ensuring the debris removal program met all regulatory requirements. Our comprehensive approach not only cleared the way for the community to rebuild but also mitigated environmental hazards.

In the wake of this natural disaster, our team’s successful wildfire cleanup efforts had profound impacts on the community. This comprehensive cleanup enabled residents to begin rebuilding their homes and lives and ensured environmental safety by adhering to stringent federal guidelines.

By mitigating potential hazards and restoring the area to a safer condition, the cleanup efforts significantly improved public health outcomes. Moreover, efficient debris removal supported economic recovery by minimizing disruptions and facilitating a quicker return to normalcy for businesses and homeowners. Overall, these efforts demonstrated community resilience and solidarity, providing a vital pathway for healing and rebuilding after the devastating wildfire.