Fire Protection through Weed Abatement 

More than half of the state's 100 million acres is covered with flammable vegetation, making California the highest fire-risk area in the United States. 

People cause ninety five percent of all wildfires. As more people move to and vacation in the state's fire prone urban wild land interface areas (where housing tracts meet rolling foothills and mountainous areas), the risk to life and property increases. Unfortunately, many of the homeowners and vacationers in these wildfire danger zones are unaware of the land's inherent fire threats. 

Fire protection is everyone's responsibility. The following safety tips are intended to provide recommendations on what you can do to make your home as safe as possible from the wild land fire threat. 

Vacant Lots - Vegetation, brush, grass, weeds, and hazardous vegetation shall be maintained at a height of not more than 3 inches above ground level. 

Developed Lots - Brush, weeds, grass and hazardous vegetation within 100ft of any structure shall be maintained at a height of not more than 3 inches. 

Road Surfaces - All vegetation within 10 feet of any usable road surface shall be maintained at a height of not more than 3 inches 

Vegetation - Trees, shrubs, bushes or other vegetation adjacent to or over hanging any structure shall be maintained free of dead limbs and other combustible matter. 

Chimneys - Trees shall be maintained so that no portion is closer than 10 ft from any chimney opening. 

Roof Surfaces - Shall be maintained free of substantial accumulation of needles, twigs, and any other combustible matter. 

Erosion - Grasses and other vegetation located more than 30 feet from any building and less than 18 inches in height may be retained where necessary to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Evaluate your specific conditions and choose plants that grow easily and abundantly, have a low fuel volume, require infrequent watering, retain moisture, and have a strong root system. 

If you would like for information about weed abatement please contact the West Covina Fire Department at (626) 338-8800.