Templeton officials urge early weed abatement to reduce fire risk
Officials cite increased vegetation from spring rains as fire risk
– Templeton Fire and Emergency Services officials urge property owners to begin weed abatement efforts as temperatures rise and vegetation increases following spring rains.
Officials said early removal of weeds helps reduce fire hazards, noting that weed abatement in California requires near year-round attention. They recommend completing initial work by the end of April, before vegetation dries and becomes more flammable. Out-of-town property owners should schedule and verify completion of abatement work in advance, officials said.
All properties within the Templeton Community Services District boundaries must be cleared of combustible vegetation by May 1 and maintained through Nov. 30. Officials said property owners must remove dead leaves, weeds, brush, tree limbs, and other combustible materials, including excess trash and wood located near structures.
Officials said increased rainfall may require multiple mowings or disking throughout the summer to maintain fire-safe conditions. Property owners must maintain firebreaks, which may require repeated work depending on conditions.
Weed abatement requirements include restrictions on mowing after 10 a.m. when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, and a maximum mower height of three inches unless conditions require otherwise. Equipment used for weed abatement must include proper spark arresters and mufflers, and operators must have a pressurized water or back-pump fire extinguisher available.
Property owners are responsible for clearing weeds from the center line of adjacent public roads through their entire property. Parcels three acres or smaller must be fully mowed or disked. Parcels larger than three acres must include a soil firebreak around the perimeter and cross breaks that divide the property into sections no larger than one acre, or as directed by the fire department.
Officials said firebreaks must measure at least 30 feet wide along perimeters and cross sections, and at least 50 feet around structures. Down slope clearances from structures must measure at least 100 feet. Clearances around and beneath oak trees must measure at least 30 feet.
Templeton Fire and Emergency Services officials said the measures aim to reduce fire risk throughout the community.
For more information, contact Fire Chief Tom Peterson at (805) 434-4900 during regular business hours.
