PRESS RELEASE - Important Fire Fuel Reduction Steps in the Town of Paradise
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 24, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: 530-872-6291 x112
PRESS RELEASE
Important Fire Fuel Reduction Steps in the Town of Paradise
Paradise, CA: The Town of Paradise would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the resilient and vigilant members of our community for their ongoing efforts in keeping Paradise fire-safe. We understand the critical role that each resident plays in safeguarding our town from the threat of wildfires, and we are grateful for your commitment to maintaining a defensible space around your properties.
As part of our annual fire safety measures, the Town conducts property inspections to ensure compliance with defensible space regulations outlined in the Paradise Municipal Code Chapter 8.58 (https://bit.ly/3O4wUO0 . In June, letters were sent out to property owners with information about actions required to meet these safety standards. We commend those property owners who have already taken steps to bring their properties into compliance and encourage others to continue their efforts.
While we have seen progress in creating defensible space – our first round of inspections found 53% of properties in compliance, a drastic increase from our first round of inspections in 2022 - we have also experienced fires caused by unsafe weed removal practices. In the month of July alone, five individuals were cited for starting fires while engaging in weed removal work. Individuals found to have caused a fire during weed removal work will be cited and may be responsible for the cost of fire suppression activity. We wish to emphasize the importance of adhering to the correct weed removal practices to prevent accidental fire ignition.
The Town of Paradise reminds all residents and contractors of the appropriate measures to undertake when removing weeds:
- Perform all work requiring motorized equipment before 10 a.m. when humidity is higher, temperatures are lower, and winds are calmer, reducing the risk of sparks leading to fire ignition.
- Utilize a weed trimmer to cut down dry weeds and grass rather than using a mower designed for green grass. This minimizes the risk of sparking and spreading potential fire hazards.
- Ensure a readily available water source nearby during the weed removal process. Having water on hand will help extinguish sparks or small fires before they escalate.
- Keep a cell phone nearby while working to promptly call 911 in case of fire or any other emergency. Quick action can prevent small incidents from turning into disastrous events.
By following these guidelines, we can collectively make a significant impact in minimizing the risk of wildfires.
