City of Berkeley, CA
09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 17:07
City programs, resources can help you create a buffer zone around your home to protect against wildfires
Use City programs and resources to clear vegetation and other flammable materials to create buffer zones that make your property more resilient to wildfire.
Published:
September 26, 2024
Last Updated:
September 26, 2024
Take advantage of seasonal City programs to dispose of excess vegetation, use a checklist to self-inspect your property and, in the highest risk areas, use personalized inspection reports to help guide you on how to create buffer zones - which vary in size depending on your particular threat of wildfire
Creating buffer zones not only help prevent wildfire spread but also gives firefighters defensible space to better protect your home.
This defensible space - which should be at least 5 feet around a home anywhere in Berkeley - can be created by regularly removing dead plants, leaves, and other flammable materials from around a property. Trim and properly space trees and plants.
Residents in Hill Zones 2 and 3 - which can stretch as far west as Colusa Avenue, The Alameda, Spruce Street and College Avenue are required to keep 100 feet of buffer space around their homes to help prevent wildfires and keep their property safe.
By using the seasonal City programs to help dispose of excess vegetation - or doing it on your own - you'll not only better protect your home, but you'll play a part in strengthening the resiliency of your entire neighborhood from wildfire.
Learn what to prune, remove, and use City PROGRAMS
To reduce fire fuels, regularly focus on these yard maintenance items:
- cut grass, shrubs, bushes
- trim overhanging branches
- clear all tree debris from your roof and gutters
- remove any dead or dried vegetation including weeds
Use self-inspection checklist for details and tips on maintaining the vegetation on your property and preparing for a defensible space inspection.
To remove excess vegetation, we have several options:
- Use the Chipper Program for curbside pickup of vegetation such as, shrubs, brush, tree limbs, wood and bushes from residential properties.
- Order a vegetation debris bin to dispose of fire fuels if you live in a higher-risk neighborhood that qualifies for this service funded by your property tax surcharge.
- Rent a dumpster for yourself or your neighborhood for a one-time pick up of large amounts of waste.
- Drop off various forms of trash at the Transfer Station or purchase pre-paid trash bags to dispose of trash next to your home bins on your trash pickup day.
- Sign up for a one-time cleanup of the understory of your eucalyptus trees. We'll clear the understory of your tree by pruning limbs, removing the dead and dried leaves, and the bark litter from around the tree and trunk.
Residents in high-risk areas need to take further steps
Residents whose properties are located in the highest risk areas for wildfire are in the hills and closest to wildlands. See if you live in Hill Zones 2 and 3, which are Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
If you live in these areas, reduce potential fire fuel within 100 feet of your home or up to your property line. If your property extends into a neighbor's yard, work together to coordinate actions and enhance the value of the collected efforts.
Use our self-inspection check list to guide this work. Not only will it make you safer, but it will help you prepare for the Defensible Space Inspections Berkeley Fire conducts in these two zones.
Once you've received an inspection, you can check your report. If there are any areas that need work, we'll work with you to help you get your property up to code.
Start by using our City programs and resources. By creating and maintaining a buffer zone of defensible space around your home, you'll also better protect Berkeley from wildfire risks.
Links
Remove excess vegetation and debris
Prepare your property for wildfires
Prepare for a Defensible Space Inspection