Weed Abatement: A Year-Round Commitment to Safety

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Each year, homes are damaged or destroyed throughout Southern California when wildfire spreads from undeveloped areas into developed areas.  To help prevent the spread of fire, the Chino Valley Fire District reminds residents to keep their homes and property clear of brush and rubbish.  It is important to remember that weed abatement is a year-round commitment to keeping yourself, home and community safe.

Courtesy Reminder Cards will be mailed the first week of August to Chino and Chino Hills residents that own properties with previous history of overgrown weeds on their property.  Weeds, combustible vegetation and rubbish must be cleared by August 25th.  If a hazard exists on or after August 25th, property owners will be charged a $130 non-compliance fee.

Owners are still responsible for clearing their property.  Properties that are not cleared by the re-inspection date of September 20th will be cleared by a contractor hired by the Fire District.  The cost to clear the hazard and a $200 administration fee will be billed to the property owner.

Because vegetation will grow back in, property owners are required to maintain their properties clear of weeds, combustible vegetation and rubbish year round.  Below are some helpful tips for clearing vegetation in a safe and effective manner.

• Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Never use a lawn mower in dry vegetation.  Use a weed trimmer to cut down dry weeds and grass.
• Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire.  Never put yourself in harms way to extinguish an advancing fire.
• Remove rocks in the area before you begin operating any equipment.  A rock hidden in grass or weeds can start a fire when struck by a metal blade.
• Use the recommended grade of fuel and don't top off.
• Keep the engine free of oil and dust, and keep the mower free of flammable materials.

For more information about the weed abatement program, please visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org or call the Fire Prevention Division at 909-902-5285.



Author:Chino Valley Fire District Press Release