Los Angeles Expands High Fire Severity Zones, Thousands Receive Brush Clearance Notices
Los Angeles homeowners are facing increased scrutiny and new requirements for brush clearance as fire zones expand across the city. Tens of thousands of residents are receiving notices for the first time, following the release of updated fire-risk maps by Cal Fire in the wake of recent wildfires, including the Palisades and Altadena fires. These changes aim to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires in the region.
Expansion of High Fire Severity Zones
The updated maps released by Cal Fire extend designated high-severity fire zones beyond previous boundaries, impacting neighborhoods that were previously not subject to brush-management rules. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the expansion includes sections north of Ventura Boulevard, adding an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 properties to the list of those requiring brush clearance. ABC7
New Brush Clearance Requirements
The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance to increase brush clearance requirements and fire safety measures in Exceptionally High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). The LAFD highlights several key changes:
- Cutting Blades: The use of metal cutting blades for grass or brush clearance is limited to non-ferrous/non-sparking blades.
- Red Flag Days: Brush clearance operations are prohibited on “red flag days” when fire weather conditions are at their peak.
- Focused Activity: Individuals performing brush clearance must dedicate their full attention to the task and not engage in other activities simultaneously.
- Fire Suppression Equipment: An approved fire extinguisher or pressurized garden hose with a nozzle must be within 10 feet of any brush clearance operation.
- Communication: A charged cell phone capable of dialing 9-1-1 must be readily accessible.
Defensible Space Guidelines
Homeowners in designated zones are required to create “defensible space” around their properties to reduce the risk of fire spread. Specific guidelines include:
- Maintaining grass and brush under 3 inches in height.
- Trimming trees, removing leafy foliage, twigs, and branches up to six feet from the ground (for trees 18 feet or higher).
- Removing dead trees and shrubs.
- Maintaining five feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and overhanging trees and shrubs.
- Removing any tree or shrub portion within a 10-foot radius of a chimney outlet.
- Keeping roofs free of combustible matter like leaves and needles.
Inspection and Compliance
Brush clearance inspections began on May 1st. The initial inspection fee is $31, but repeated visits due to non-compliance can result in costs reaching into the thousands of dollars. ABC7
Resources and Further Information
Homeowners with questions or seeking clarification on the new requirements are encouraged to contact the Brush Clearance Unit of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Wildfire LA