Due to the heavy rains and incipient growth of weeds and brush, the County of Los Angeles will start brush clearance inspections on May 1.
If your property is not compliant at the time of inspection, you will have 30 days to make the necessary corrections.
Those in fire hazard severity zones are responsible for clearing flammable vegetation around their homes in order to create defensible space and help protect against wildfires and flying embers.
In a wildfire, there is as much or more danger from flying embers igniting brush or trash that can be distances away from the fire itself.
Brush clearance requirements are the following:
Zone 0 – (ember resistant zone). Removal of any flammable materials within five feet of any structure. Enforcement of this requirement will actually begin in 2024 but it’s an important component to take into consideration now.
Zone 1 – Removal of flammable vegetation within 50 feet of any structure. Plants and trees are permitted provided they are individually planted, spaced and maintained in such a manner that they do not form a means of transmitting fire to the structure.
Zone 2 – Remaining vegetation for the next 150 feet, for a total of 200 feet, should be limbed and include removal of dead wood.
– Access roads must maintain 10 feet of brush on each side and shall maintain adequate vertical clearance.
Homeowners with specific questions can contact the Brush Clearance Unit of LAFD at brushgroup@fire.lawcounty.gov or (626) 969-2375. For more information visit fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-programs.
