Annual weed/brush abatement notices have been mailed to all properties within the North County Fire Protection District. “The deadline for mowing your weeds, removing accumulated trimmings, brush piles, trimming and removing dead trees within 100 feet of structures has now passed,” said NCFPD Chief Steve Abbott.
Fire prevention personnel are conducting compliance inspections at properties throughout the Fire District.
“If you receive a Notice for weed/brush abatement or see a similar posting on your property, you will have 30 days to comply,” said Chief Abbott.
Those who refuse to remove potentially deadly fire hazards from their property on time, will receive a Final Notice to Abate the Hazard. If this occurs the owner will have to complete all clean ups and abatement within 15 days.
“Properties that remain non-compliant will be scheduled for forced hazard abatement,” said Chief Abbott.
Forced weed abatement is very expensive, according to the Chief. Forced Abatement includes the costs of the contractor to clean the up the property and administrative charges.
In the past some properties may have been missed for forced weed/brush abatement, but don’t count on that this year. Fire officials have become much more serious about fire prevention.
“Fires from the last few years have demonstrated that lack of weed/brush abatement hurts us all”, said Chief Abbott. The County Board of Supervisors understands the danger and they have committed to inspecting properties in the County. To meet those requirements Cal Fire/County Fire will be inspecting all properties in the unincorporated portions of San Diego County within the next three years.”
Cal Fire will also be conducting inspections within the North County Fire Protection District, so it is possible that you may receive a notice from Cal Fire instead of the NCFPD. “It’s important to understand that both agencies are enforcing the County Fire Code,” said Chief Abbott. “Cal Fire and the NCFPD have committed to working with customers that are making progress toward weed/brush abatement compliance and may give additional time before we take enforcement measures.”
Last year the North County Fire Prevention Bureau conducted more than 700 fire prevention inspections. According to Chief Abbott, “Only 2 percent or 14 properties required forced abatement”. He added, “We ask that you help us Keep the North County Fire Protection District Fire Safe by removing all possible fire hazards within 100 feet of structures. If you received a Notice to Abate, please comply to the notice in a timely fashion to help keep us all safe during the upcoming fire season.”
For more information on weed/brush abatement call the NCFPD information line at 760-723-2035
