County Fire Chief Reminds Residents to Clear Brush, Keep Property 'Hazard Free'

The following was submitted for publication by the Riverside County Fire Department:

On March 30, 2013, over 9,500 vacant parcel owners within recurring targeted unincorporated areas in Riverside County received a “Notice of Violation and Order to Abate” (NOV); following over 66,000 annual parcel inspections by the Riverside County Fire Department Hazard Reduction Office. 

Supported by Riverside County Ordinance 695.4, those parcel owners that received a NOV are required to clear their specified areas within their parcel(s) of weeds and hazardous vegetation as per the requirements set forth in the notice. 

The Riverside County Fire Department Hazard Reduction Office is pleased to report that of these 9,500 parcel owners who received a NOV; 80% are self-compliant. 

The Riverside County Fire Department website, www.rvcfire.orgprovides a multitude of resources for proper parcel clearance, including:

• Hazard abatement guidelines
• County contractor list for abatement
• Proper equipment use
• County Ordinances pertaining to hazard abatement

“We are truly fortunate to live in such a geographically diverse and beautiful area; but it is also very prone to wildland fires,” said Riverside County Fire Chief, John R. Hawkins.  

"It is our responsibility as Riverside County residents to do our part in mitigating identified hazards in an effort minimize the risk to life and property due to an advancing wildland fire," he continued.  "One spark is all it takes.  I challenge all vacant parcel owners to remain vigilant and compliant in keeping your property hazard-free.”