INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – The opening of the spring weed abatement season is here. Unless property owners rise to the occasion, it could signal the start of a volatile summer of wildfires.

Most fire fighting agencies require clearing of weeds, rubbish, and other combustible vegetation from their property before May 15th. Inspections are beginning.

Property owners who don’t comply will be notified by mail. If the weeds are removed before the May 15th re-inspection date, no fee is assessed. If weeds or other hazardous vegetation remain after the re-inspection date, property owners will be assessed a $300 Non-Compliance Penalty. If no action is taken to abate the problem, the Fire District will administer the removal of the hazard at the property owner's expense; the cost to clear the hazard and a $328 administration fee will be billed to the property owner.

Some tips for safely clearing vegetation:

Use trimming, mowing, and power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.• Never use a lawn mower in dry vegetation. Use a weed trimmer to cut dry weeds and grass.• Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire. Never put yourself in• harms way to extinguish an advancing fire. Remove rocks in the area before you begin operating any equipment. A rock hidden in grass• or weeds can start a fire when struck by a metal blade. Use the recommended grade of fuel for power equipment and don’t top off.• Keep your mower’s engine free of an accumulation of oil, dust, and any flammable materials.•

Story Date: June 7, 2019