News Details (Posted: April 25, 2007):

Be Fire Safe – Create a Defensible Space

Full Description:

Spring is upon us and vegetation is growing! Much of that vegetation will begin to dry over the summer and become a fire hazard, which is why it is important to maintain your property on a yearround basis to reduce the possible risk of damage caused by wildfires. Trees should be trimmed regularly to keep a 6 foot clearance between the ground and lower limbs, as well as a 10 foot clearance between tree limbs and chimneys. Homeowners should protect their property by removing all dead plants and branches.

The Santee Municipal Code requires properties that abut wildland areas to maintain a defensible space of 100 feet from any structure and 30 feet from roadways by using a combination of fireresistant plants and/or other fire resistant material, as well as keeping vegetation thinned and properly maintained. Additional information on fire preven - tion can be found on the Fire Department link on the City’s website at www.ci.santee.ca.us.

The Santee Municipal Code also gives the Fire Marshall the authority to require weed abatement (the removal of weeds) on any property located in Santee or serviced by the Santee Fire Department. Property owners may do their own abatement or can hire a contractor to do the necessary work. If it becomes necessary for the City to authorize abatement due to non-compliance, the property owner will be charged for the work. To report a weed hazard contact Fire Prevention Services at (866) 779-3774 or online at http://fireprevention.net.

Source: 209.247.187.175