May 13, 2008

CAL FIRE plans foliage inspections

Checklist will be sent to 2,000 homeowners

By Alan Fackler / Bay Area News Group

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will be sending a checklist to more than 2,000 homeowners in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, reminding them to comply with a state law requiring homeowners within state responsibility areas to clear flammable vegetation within 100 feet of their homes.

This year's inspections will focus on the Devonshire Canyon and Palomar Park areas, said Officer Kay Price, chief of CAL FIRE's Prevention Bureau.

The law, known as Public Resource Code 4291, enables fire crews to do their jobs more efficiently, Price said.

"If a person has defensible space, it allows fire crews to get into the residency and possibly save the house," she said. "If you don't clear anything up in front, then they can't get in.
"It does a lot of good, and the chances of surviving (go) way up," she added.

In addition, CAL FIRE will be conducting inspections in high-risk areas to make sure the homeowners comply with the law. A report will be filed detailing any additional requirements to comply with the law.

"This pamphlet is a way to get homeowners to understand what's required and give them a heads-up that we're coming out to have a look," Price said.

Only houses in "target areas" received the pamphlet because it would be impossible to inspect every home in the county every year, Price said. By inspecting different parts of the county annually, CAL FIRE is able to inspect the entire zone within five years, she said.

"Every year, we choose different areas within our jurisdictions and check up on them," Price said. "Whether or not an inspection is done, it is a state requirement and must be taken care of and maintained year round."