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IS ABATEMENT NEEDED AROUND YOUR HOME?

22 January 2009

Fire hazard abatement is definitely needed around this home

This is the time of year when tumbleweeds and other annual weeds and grasses are drying out and becoming potential fuel for fire. Listed below are some fire hazard reduction guidelines that will help you assess your property and perform the necessary abatement to make your home and property safer and help to ensure you have defensible space around your home in the event of a fire.

It is important to note that we are in a soil erosion area which requires all property owners to prevent soil from blowing. Bearing this in mind, we recommend mowing as the method of weed abatement. Disking, scraping, or other major soil disturbances and/or removal of live native vegation such as greasewood and sagebrush should not be construed as fire hazard abatements. These types of activities are strongly discouraged because they tend to leave the soil in a state more vulnerable to wind erosion and upset the desert ecology.

HAZARD REDUCTION GUIDELINES:

1. Cut or mow tumbleweeds, other annual weeds, and grasses to a height of 4" or lower. Permits to burn tumbleweeds, small diameter tree trimmings, and other weeds/brush within Apple Valley Fire Protection District's jurisdiction can be obtained at Apple Valley Fire District Headquarters at a cost of $10. The permit is good for one year from date of purchase.

2. Completely remove all cut/mowed vegetation, dead trees, and tree trimmings from your property and dispose of properly.

3. Neatly stack firewood and other wood/lumber products.

4. Ensure your wood burning flue or chimney has the required approved spark arrestor (1/2" mesh maximum) installed in a vertical position. It must be visible from the ground.

5. Clear tree or shrub branches a minimum of 10' away from your home's chimney area.

6. Remove all combustible refuse (garbage, furniture, tires, construction/demolition debris, etc.) from your property and properly dispose of it at the County landfill or other licensed/certified facility.

7. Clean all leaves and pine needles from your roof and rain gutters.

Ensure your home address numbers are plainly visible from the road fronting the property (not blocked by bushes, trees, etc.). Address numbers must be 4" minimum height and contrast with the background they are placed on. This will aid emergency responders in finding your home should the need occur.