When the fire season is fast approaching, it is imperative that residents take steps to protect their home and family from the serious risks of partial or total fire loss.
The best defense against the danger of fire conflagration is to reduce the fire risk by clearing brush, dry weeds and dead vegetation before the fire season starts.
One of the most effective measures is to create a defensible space. This is accomplished by removing the native brush, native vegetation and dry grass a distance of at least 30 feet away from you home.
For yard slopes that exceed 20% on the downhill side of the structure, up to 100 feet of defensible space clearance should be provided. Remove low tree limbs. Ornamental shrubs and bushes are acceptable adjacent to the house and preferably should be fire –retardant type. Any native brush that is removed should be replaced with fire-retardant plantings if there is a possibility that erosion may occur.
One of the duties of the Fire District is to ensure that safety of the public by reducing fire risks to a minimum.
Preventative measures bring your property into compliance with the applicable Fire Code regulations but also will greatly reduce the risk of loss or damage to your home in the event of a hillside fire.
How Does It Work?
Inspections will occur in April each year to ensure that your property has a defensible space:
Required:
- All flammable vegetation must be cleared a minimum of 30 feet around structures. Ornamental shrubbery and trees cleared of dead leaves and branches. Note: Grading is prohibited by ordinance within the Town of Los Altos Hills prior to April 1st. Due to increases erosion potential; disking is considered to b a form of grading and is similarly prohibited.
- Roofs, eaves, and rain gutter must be cleared of pine needles, leaves or other dead or dying wood.
- Tree limbs shall be cut with in 10 feet of chimneys and /or stovepipes. Dead limbs hanging over the house or garage must be trimmed.
- Chimney outlets or flues shall be covered with a spark arresting ½ “ mesh screen.
- Address shall be clearly visible for easy identification in an emergency.
Recommended:
- Trees 18 feet or taller should be limbed 6 feet up from the ground.
- Woodpiles should be stacked a minimum of 30 feet from buildings, fences and other combustible materials.
- All vegetation and other flammable materials should be cleared from beneath decks. Elevated decks should be enclosed with fire resistive materials.
How To Sign Up For This Program
Signup is not required. Inspections will occur in April each year.
