Fire Safety & Weed Abatement
Keeping weeds and undergrowth under control is an essential element in fire prevention. Understanding the basics of fire safety as it relates to property management is essential for homeowners and businesses. Many local government authorities have issued guidelines for managing weed abatement and reducing the risk of wildfires.
Minimum Fire Safety Standards
- Vegetation must not exceed 6 inches in height any time after the compliance deadline
- Maintain grasses and weeds below six (6) inches for ten feet horizontally on both sides of all roadways, including driveways and all access routes.
- Clear flammable vegetation a minimum of thirty feet around any structure, occupied or not. Ornamental vegetation should be kept clear of dead material. Some conditions, such as slopes, may require up to 100 feet of clearance.
- Parcels up to one acre shall be completely abated. Parcels one to five acres require 30 foot clearance around structures and perimeter property lines. Additional 30 foot cross fuel breaks may also be required.
- Parcels larger than five acres require 30 foot clearance around structure and perimeter property lines in addition to 30 foot cross breaks as needed to separate the remaining vegetation into sections no larger than five acres.
- Keep property clear of accumulation of combustible debris, such as trash, wood, and dead vegetation. Stacked firewood and neatly piled yard waste is not considered to be combustible debris.
- Keep vegetation cleared from under the eaves of houses.
- Trim tree branches to at least 10 feet from the structure and chimney.
- Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris from roof and gutters.