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Brush Clearing Guidelines

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Brush Clearing Guidelines

1. Remove native brush, weeds and other hazardous vegetation for a distance of at least 100 feet around any structure located in a hazardous fire area. If surrounding terrain is steep, clearances of 300 feet are often necessary to provide adequate fire protection.
2. Grass, weeds and low growing native plants should be mowed close to the ground.
3. Replace weeded and cleared areas with fire resistant plants (see Firescape Garden guidelines).
4. Trees within a 30 feet area adjacent to any structures should be cleaned up and dead limbs removed. Base vegetation and lower limbs should be removed to prevent a ground fire from "crowning" into a tree.
5. Remove that portion of any tree which extends within 10 feet of the outlet of any chimney or stovepipe.
6. Maintain any tree adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood.
7. Maintain the roof, gutters and decks, of any structure free of leaves, pine needles, or other dead vegetative growth.
8. Provide and maintain at all times a screen, spark arrester, over the outlet of every chimney. The screen should be constructed of nonflammable materials with opening of not more than one-quarter inch in size.
9. Make sure you have a fire resistant roof covering. Maintain exposed exterior wood, particularly decks, with fire resistant finishes.
10. Roads and driveways should be well cleared of trees and brush 13' high by 12' wide to permit access for fire equipment.

Burning or Chipping of Trimmings and Cuttings

You are allowed to burn cut brush on your property only during the wet season of the year, usually December through May. A burn permit is required and can be obtained by contacting the Forest Service at 967-3481. They will send someone out to check your born areas for safety and water availability.

You must always call in the morning before burning to insure that it is a burn day and call county station 13 to inform them that you will be that you will be burning.

Please use good judgment before burning. Many allowable burn days are windy or hot. Just because you can burn does not mean you should burn. You may be want to arrange to have a volunteer fire department brush truck and personnel stand by while you are burning brush. You can arrange in advance with your local volunteer chief. It is expected that individuals requesting standby services for brush burning will be a member of the WRA and make a donation to the WRA to cover the cost of operation, maintenance and wear of equipment.

Make sure you understand the provisions of your permit. You will be held responsible if your fire gets away from you.

Burn Permits

As of 1 November 2004, the Forest Service has started issuing burn permits. For burn permit information, call the Los Padres Forest-Paradise Business office at 967-3481. A permit is required for all burning within Santa Barbara County.

Prior to burning, call the Air Pollution Control at 686-8177 to make sure it is a burn day. You must also call County Fire, station 13 at 681-5513. There is no burning on holidays or on Sunday.

Keep in mind that you can be held liable for escaped fires. If you need help, please call the WRA for assistance. The San Marcos Pass VFD will be pleased to help you conduct your burn safely. Safety should be your primary concern. Take some time to look over SIX MINUTES FOR SAFETY for additional safety tips.