Pasadena Residents Must Reduce Fire Risk in Hazardous Vegetation Zones

The Pasadena Fire Department is requiring residents in designated hazardous vegetation zones to comply with a City ordinance designed to minimize fire danger by controlling flammable vegetation density and location.

Residents in these zones have received a letter and brochure from the Pasadena Fire Marshal outlining the mandated vegetation management requirements.

“The ordinance is designed to minimize fire danger by controlling the density and location of flammable vegetation,” the letter stated.

Hazardous brush areas are identified by Cal Fire through a Fire Hazard Severity Map based on fuels, topography, dwelling density, weather, building materials and brush history.

Under the ordinance, residents must remove dead vegetation, maintain grasses and plants under 18 inches tall within 30 feet of structures, and provide 5 feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and overhanging trees.

Combustible material must be removed from trees within 100 feet of buildings or 10 feet of roadways. Any portion of a tree extending within 10 feet of a chimney or stovepipe must also be removed.

Vegetation near roadways must be trimmed away from the curb line up to a height of 13.5 feet to accommodate emergency vehicles.

The Pasadena Fire Department conducts annual inspections of properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones at no cost to compliant homeowners. Violations must be remedied within 30 days to avoid re-inspection fees.

To help residents understand the requirements, Fire Chief Chad Augustin will provide an overview and walk through a home inspection this Wednesday, May 15 at 10 a.m. at La Casita Del Arroyo, 77 S. Arroyo Blvd.

“Chief Augustin will give an overview of the best defense against disastrous fires and concerns this fire season,” the City announced.