L.A. County Fire Urges Residents to Clear Brush for Fire Prevention

Hillside residents are being reminded that starting Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Fire Department will begin conducting its annual brush clearance inspection.

The goal of having these inspections is to ensure that properties are protected from wildfire. Fire personnel will go around the city, inspecting for weeds, combustible debris, and dead or dying vegetation that could be a fire hazard. The personnel will issue 30-day correction notices to residents with properties that do not comply with Los Angeles County’s Brush Clearance requirements, which are the legal responsibility of the homeowner.

Houses must have all flammable vegetation within 30 feet of any structure (a house, garage, or shed) removed, or within 50 feet of areas deemed a high fire hazard. Homeowners must also thin out or remove additional vegetation 70 feet from the structure.

Firefighters also suggest:

*Clearing roofs and gutters of leaves and debris

*Making sure woodpiles, propane tanks, and any combustible material is kept far from homes, garages and sheds

*Installing dual-paned windows with an exterior pane of tempered glass, so that in case of a fire, breakage is not as likely

*Having multiple garden hoses that are long enough to reach any area of the house