City Of Petaluma To Residents: Trim Weeds To Prevent Fire Danger

The following is courtesy of the City of Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA -- Though it currently seems that the rain is never going to stop, it is important to start thinking about the upcoming fire season. Above average levels of rain this past winter will contribute to extreme weed and grass growth, leading to a potentially dangerous fire season. The Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau, in conjunction with the City of Petaluma Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division, would like to remind residents 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.

Each year, Petaluma’s Weed Abatement Program begins with the Petaluma City Council, through resolution, declaring weeds to be a public nuisance, and the public is duly noticed. Weed Abatement notices are mailed to properties where a problem is anticipated or where the property, if not abated, can pose a threat during the dry season.

It is important to know that 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 is 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.

There are two different departments that manage the program:

• The Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau handles complaints and abatement for undeveloped commercial and residential properties, city owned parcels, and all open space areas. Undeveloped property usually refers to commercial or residentially zoned parcels that do not have any structures built upon them. For additional information, or to report a problem, please visit http://cityofpetaluma.net/firedept/pdf/weed-abatement-guidelines.pdf, or call (707) 778-4389.
• The Petaluma Code Enforcement division handles complaints and abatement for all developed commercial and residential properties. Developed property usually refers to any commercial or residentially zoned properties with existing structures built upon them. For additional information, or to report a problem, please visit http://cityofpetaluma.net/police/ce.html, or call (707) 778-4469.

Please help us keep Petaluma 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