CHINESE CAMP, Calif. —

Residents of Chinese Camp are expressing frustration over the cleanup process following the September 2 fire that destroyed multiple buildings and homes in the historic gold mining town.

The county announced that the cleanup will occur in two phases. The first phase, set to start immediately, involves the removal of hazardous waste such as batteries, propane tanks, and lead-based items.

"Phase one is really more of the seriously dangerous items, batteries, propane tanks, lead-based items, things like that that could hurt people during the cleanup stage. So we have crews that will come in. You'll see them in the white suits doing the cleanup," said Stephen Griefer, a Tuolumne County representative.

The county says this process is expected to take about two weeks

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