MARIPOSA – The Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) would like to say thank you to all the residents who have been working on your defensible space projects.
While traveling in the Unit we have noticed your hard work in eliminating brush and pruning up trees. We are pleased you are taking advantage of this time to create defensible space around your structures.
Residents play a vital role in the fire protection system and your efforts to minimize fire hazards is crucial. During the spring season it is a perfect opportunity to clear away all dead or dying brush and prune up trees.
Following established Fire Safety measures is proven to assist homeowners in the protection of their homes, families and their community. Please remember 100 foot clearance around all structures is the homeowners’ responsibility!
Clearing an area of 30 feet immediately surrounding your home is the critical lean, clean and green zone. This zone must have all flammable vegetation and other combustible growth removed. Single specimens of healthy and well maintained trees or other vegetation may be retained provided they are well spaced, well pruned and healthy.
Residents can further reduce wildfire hazards by following these important safety precautions which are mandated by Public Resources Code 4291:
1. Clear all needles and leaves from your roof, eaves and rain gutters.
2. Remove tree limbs within 10 feet of your chimney and all dead tree limbs hanging over your house, garage or any structure.
3. Cover your chimney outlet or stovepipe with a spark-arresting screen of ½ inch or smaller mesh.
4. Install and maintain spark arresters in all chain saws, portable equipment, tractors and motorcycles.
Additional information may be obtained at your local CAL FIRE station or by calling (209) 966-3622 or on the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov and www.ReadyForWildfire.org
