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2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program 

The emblem of Cambria Community Services District Fire Department with a tree, ocean, "1976," and fire service symbols.
CAMBRIA CSD FIRE DEPARTMENT 2024 FIRE HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION PROGRAM (FHFRP) 
July 15, 2024 is the deadline to abate and remove the fuels and vegetation for properties requiring abatement.

Each year, the Cambria CSD Fire Department conducts a Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to abate vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels. The FHFRP is carried out pursuant to the authority contained in Government Code Sections 61100(d) and (t) and Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 et seq. and is initiated by the CCSD Board of Directors adoption of a resolution declaring the vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels on the identified properties to be a public nuisance. In this respect, it should be noted that the definition of “weeds” in Health and Safety Code Section 14875 includes “Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.”  

This annual requirement is an effort to reduce the fire hazard caused by the accumulation of combustible materials on vacant parcels. Keep in mind that the forest helps define Cambria, and it is important that we reduce the fire hazard without destroying its ability to regenerate. Make every effort to protect seedlings, young native trees, ferns, and bushes by marking them prior to cutting. Property owners are required to clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property by the deadline of July 15, 2024.

Notice to Destroy Weeds
Notice to Destroy Weeds were mailed to property owners whose properties require abatement on April 12, 2024
A "NOTICE TO DESTROY WEEDS" letterhead from Cambria Community Services District.
California notice for removal of combustible vegetation by July 15, 2024, to reduce fire hazard with guidelines.
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To receive updates from the Cambria CSD Fire Department on the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any Fire Department-related news, click the "join our mailing list" icon at the bottom of any page and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates and follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on Instagram and Facebook.

Upcoming Board Meetings for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP)

On April 11, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors adopted Resolution 04-2024 declaring that noxious, dangerous, seasonal, and/or recurring weeds were growing upon or in front of your property and, more particularly described in said Resolution and that the same constitute a public nuisance which must be abated by the removal of said noxious, dangerous, seasonal and/or recurring weeds; otherwise, they will be removed and the nuisance abated by the CCSD Fire Department authorities, in which case the cost of such removal shall be assessed upon the lots and lands from which or in front of which such weeds are removed and such cost will constitute a lien upon such lots or lands until paid. Reference is hereby made to said Resolution for further particulars.

Resolution 04-2024 Declaring a Public Nuisance within the CCSD

On May 9, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors will award the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement to the selected contractor.

On July 25, 2024, the Cambria Community Services District (“CCSD”) Board of Directors will hold a Public Hearing ordering the abatement of Public Nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program.

2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Schedule
DateItem
4/11/2024Declare a Public Nuisance for the Annual Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program and direct staff to proceed with issuing a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) to contractors to abate and remove the nuisance fuels and vegetation.
4/12/2024First Notice to Destroy Weeds sent to property owners whose properties require abatement, which includes a list of local licensed contractors who can perform weed abatement services. Parcel abatement starts.
5/2/2024Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Request for Proposal (“RFP”) deadline.
5/9/2024Award Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program Agreement to selected contractor.
6/12/2024Second Notice to Destroy Weeds sent to property owners whose properties require abatement, which includes a list of local licensed contractors who can perform weed abatement services.
6/13/2024Public Hearing to confirm the 2023 CCSD Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Itemized Cost Report. After the itemized cost report has been confirmed, the resolution will be submitted to the County. The amounts will be included and collected on each respective property owner’s property tax bill per the provisions of the Health and Safety Code.
7/15/2024Deadline to abate and remove the hazardous fuels and vegetation for properties requiring abatement.
7/16/2024Cambria Fire Department final inspections of properties requiring abatement. Parcels that did not pass inspection on 7/16/2024 will be placed on the Contract Abatement List.
7/19/2024CCSD Contract Abatement List completed.
7/25/2024CCSD Public Hearing ordering abatement of Public Nuisance for the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program.
7/26/2024CCSD contractor starts clearing parcels that were placed on the Contract Abatement List.
8/26/2024CCSD contractor deadline to clear parcels that were placed on the Contract Abatement List.
8/27/2024Cambria Fire Department final inspections.
12/15/2024First Invoice sent to customer + Administrative Charge
2/15/2025Second Invoice sent to customer + Administrative Charge
Guidelines

The following are guidelines to help you comply:

  • Remove combustible construction materials and trash from the property.
  • Trim weeds and annual grasses to 4 inches in height. Avoid exposing bare soil or creating a situation that would encourage erosion.
  • All downed trees and rounds or dead limbs within 30 feet of any structure must be removed. Tree stumps fallen over shall be cut and retain no more than six feet of the log within this 30-foot zone.
  • All downed trees beyond 30 feet from any structure 12 inches in diameter or greater may remain on the parcel. However, the entire trunk must be completely on the ground. Materials less than 12 inches in diameter shall be cut and removed from the property.
  • All standing dead trees that pose a safety risk to improved property and/or infrastructure shall be removed.
  • Remove ladder vegetation from under trees and shrubs, maintaining 6 feet of vertical clearance for trees greater than 20 feet in height.
  • All Poison Oak, Scotch/Irish/French or other broom-type plants, Pampas grass, Jubata grass, and (Crocosmia) also known as Fire Weed, shall be removed. Isolated specimens may be left with greater than ten (10) feet separation, and all dead material removed. 

The owner of record of the property at the time of notification is responsible for the clearance of the parcel. Property owners having clearance done by local contractors will need to work closely with their contractor to ensure your parcel gets inspected by the CCSD Fire Department. Those parcels not in compliance by the July 15, 2024, deadline will be placed on a list to be abated by the CCSD’s contractor. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s charge for services, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

Contractors

The Cambria CSD and the Cambria Fire Department do not endorse any specific contractor or agency, are not responsible for the work performed or the fees charged by these contractors, and assume no responsibility or liability for both satisfactory and/or non-satisfactory work conducted by these contractors. Below is a list of contractors provided to the property owners of Cambria as a public service for their convenience.

The Cambria CSD Fire Department will inspect your parcel(s) to ensure compliance with the FHFRP ordinance. Parcels not cleared by the deadline will be placed on the CCSD contract list, and all associated costs and fees will be billed directly to you.   

Contractor NamePhone Number
Bushwacker 1(805) 674-3003
Javier Casteneda(805) 927-5124
Mike Rice(805) 927-3310
Roger Salas(805) 909-2293
Paradise Tree Service(805) 360-3603 or (805) 900-0976
Thank you for doing your part to keep Cambria a fire-safe community with a healthy urban forest.
Logos of NFPA and Firewise USA with a tagline regarding reducing wildfire risks.

 

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