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Less than two weeks after debris removal began, cleanup crews have made significant progress on clearing out rubble from the Jan. 2 fire in downtown Arcata that destroyed seven local businesses.

An update from Environmental Remedies, the hazardous materials abatement company hired by the three affected property owners, reports that the cleanup project is “approximately 75%” complete and projected to wrap up by the end of next week.

Emailed statement from Environmental Remedies via the City of Arcata:

This week we reached approximately 75% of completion on the fire cleanup project. During debris removal, we were able to identify and salvage items of tenants’ personal property, which they greatly appreciated. We continue to monitor for additional personal property as we load and sift through debris to ensure anything recoverable is set aside.

A third-party certified industrial hygienist conducted air monitoring at the site on Monday and Tuesday of this week as part of our ongoing safety and compliance measures. At our current pace, we anticipate full project completion by the end of next week, which is roughly half the time originally projected.

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PREVIOUSLY

• (UPDATING) Huge Fire in Downtown Arcata
• ‘We Would Love to Rebuild’: Northtown Books Owner Dante DiGenova Addresses Devastating Fire, Thanks the Community and Looks Toward Next Steps
• Investigation Finds No Evidence of Foul Play in January 2 Arcata Fire; Cause Remains Undetermined
• Insurance Investigators Initiate Inspection
• Four Months After the Downtown Arcata Fire, Cleanup Can Finally Begin
• (PHOTOS) Stymied for Months by Insurance Investigations and Obtaining Permits, the Arcata Jan. 2 Fire Cleanup Began Today