Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/28/2008 05:40 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/28/2008 05:41 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
:
Don’t Get Caught With Your Brush Unburned
San Andreas, CA...CAL FIRE urges foothill residents and property owners to take advantage of cool, damp, spring weather to finish clearing their defensible space. Now is the time to remove dead vegetation and thin and prune live vegetation, especially if you plan to dispose of it by burning....
As the weather warms and vegetation dries out, safe brush-burning opportunities diminish rapidly. Other factors negatively influencing burn day status involve air quality, and fire conditions elsewhere. Especially in Southern California, large fires can occur year-round, causing a ‘draw-down’ of fire suppression resources in the rest of the state. In the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, this resulted in ‘no-burn days’ well into December, 2007. Additionally, burn permits have been suspended earlier and earlier in the last few years – a trend that will no doubt continue.
Since 2005, the California Public Resources Code 4291 has required 100 feet of clearance around all structures, or to property lines, whichever is closest. All dead vegetation must be removed, except for dead leaves, pine needles, and mowed dry grass beyond 30 feet from structures, which may be left to a depth of 3 to 4 inches deep. Live vegetation must be thinned and pruned to provide the horizontal and vertical spacing that will interrupt fire’s progress toward a house or other building. Aim for an open, park-like appearance. Prune trees to at least 6’ so that you can easily walk under them. Completely remove the majority of small seedling and sapling trees, which only steal moisture and nutrients from mature trees that may be struggling to survive.
Properties that are not in compliance with PRC 4291 may be cited. Each of the half-dozen common violations may be assessed a fine of $340 or more. Some homeowners believe it’s cheaper to pay a fine instead of clearing their defensible space – but each uncorrected violation may be cited again, with an increased fine, becoming a misdemeanor on the third citation within five years. Other homeowners believe they can dispense with defensible space because their fire insurance will cover any losses. However, flammable vegetation around any home, whether a full-time residence or a weekend cabin, threatens the safety of neighboring homes, firefighters, and surrounding natural resources. Be a good neighbor: burn safely (and legally), and make sure your defensible space is ready for fire season.
For more information about defensible space requirements, as well as safe burning practices, contact your local Cal Fire station, or visit www.fire.ca.gov.
|
