Residents Encouraged To Trim Vegetation To Prevent Fire Danger

BAY AREA, CA -- Although it may seem like the rain may never stop, it's time to start thinking about the upcoming fire season, especially because above average levels of rain this past winter are expected to contribute to extreme weed and grass growth, leading to a potentially dangerous fire season.

In the North Bay, the Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau, in conjunction with the City of Petaluma Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division, are reminding residents across the Bay Area to remove dead vegetation to create a defensible space to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire.

Weed abatement ensures that property owners maintain a defensible space around their properties that would allow firefighters to effectively stop fires from spreading from open space areas to homes and other structures.

In various municipalities and regions, abatement inspections are conducted throughout the dry season, until the first significant rains happen and the property must be maintained in order to remain in compliance. Even if a property owner abates their property early in the season, there's potential for re-growth. If at any time the property is determined to be a hazard, the property may be abated by the city contractor without additional notice.

You can help keep your area fire-safe with the abatement of weeds and by following theses fire prevention tips:

• Mow or disk before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry. Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires. Use caution.
• Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass.
• Make sure all portable gasoline-powered equipment have spark arresters.
• Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson.
• Keep all weeds and grasses below 6 inches in height in residential areas.
• Remove all dead vegetation from your property, including dead or diseased trees.

Image via City Petaluma