Annually, destructive wildland fires endanger the lives and property of California residents who live in the urban-wildland interface areas. Additionally, yards and vacant lots not properly cleared of combustible vegetation can threaten nearby homes and property within the community and steal precious Fire Department resources from other emergencies. This creates an even greater potential for a very dangerous fire season this year.
The Chino Valley Fire District is concerned about the increased fire danger especially as the daytime temperatures begin to increase and the relative humidity decreases. This hazard can be reduced if property owners remove the weeds and combustible rubbish from their property prior to the start of the fire season.
The Chino Valley Fire District manages the community's weed abatement program and fall inspections will begin on September 26th, 2008. Properties that are not cleared by October 9th, 2008, will be cleared by the Fire District. The cost to remove the hazard, plus an additional $170 administration fee will be billed to the legal owner of record at the time the property is cited.
The Chino Valley Fire District offers the following tips to reduce the threat of wildland fires near your home:
1. Maintain a minimum of 30 feet of brush clearance around all buildings and structures in, and in high hazard areas 100 feet is required.
2. All tumble weeds must be removed or destroyed.
3. Remove accumulations of hazardous refuse.
4. Stack woodpiles at least 20 feet from buildings, combustible materials and a minimum of 15 feet from tree limbs.
5. Remove all needles, leaves and other dry vegetation growth from roofs, eaves, and rain gutters.
6. Keep a minimum of 13 ft. 6 in. vertical clearance above roadways and remove all dry grass, brush and dead leaves a minimum of 10 feet from streets and driveways.
7. Completely clear vacant lots less than 5 acres in size. Over 5 acres, put in a 100-foot firebreak around the perimeter of the parcel and provide an additional 100-foot break dividing the property in half.
8. Property owners and contractors clearing weeds by mechanical means (mowing, disking or weed eaters) should consider the following guidelines to increase fire safety while working:
* Avoid operating machinery after noontime taking full use of lower temperatures and higher humidity in the early morning hours.
* Do not conduct any mechanical clearing operations during high winds.
* Start the project by clearing the weeds around the perimeter of the property to create a firebreak in case a fire does start.
The Fire District utilizes the Weed Abatement program to mitigate the hazards that could result in wildland fire in the Chino Valley. Property owners are asked to bring their property into compliance with the Fire Code.
For more information about the Weed Abatement program and Safety Tips, please call (909) 902-5260 or visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.
and is not a part of nor affiliated with the City of Chino Hills.