Guess What? It's Brush Clearance Season!

Monrovia notified residents of the city's brush clearance policies the day before a massive brush fire erupted in the hillsides.

"On Friday, the Fire Department will send out "Brush Clearance" letters informing residents in the high fire zone that brush season is upon us," Monrovia City Manager Laurie Lile wrote in her weekly report. "The annual brush inspection program will begin May 1, 2013 with initial inspections in the very high fire hazard zone to continue through June 2013."

Monrovia residents in hillside areas are required to create a 200-foot clearance around their property, according to the city website. Property owners who do not comply with the clearance policy can be fined up to $1,000.

"Inspections of properties will begin on May 15, so we ask that you complete your required vegetation management before this date," the city's website states.