fire hazard reduction program
Each May, all properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone will receive a letter in the mail from the Burbank Fire Department explaining the requirements and timeline for the inspection.
Visit CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal to check if your property is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Visit CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal to check if your property is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones are set by CAL FIRE's Office of the State Fire Marshal. Using science and field testing, zones are set based on fire likelihood and fire behavior. The VHFHSZ is a high-hazard area for wildfires.
If your property is in the VHFHSZ, we are required to inspect it - even if you don't have brush or other vegetation.
Visit CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal to check if your property is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Visit CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal to check if your property is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
There is an annual inspection fee approved by Burbank City Council. The fee is cost-neutral because of increased state-inspection requirements and program management.
Inspections begin July 1st.
Most inspections do not require you to be on site because inspectors only look at the outside of the property.
If property access is needed, the inspector may return at a later time or will call/email you to schedule.
If property access is needed, the inspector may return at a later time or will call/email you to schedule.
If you receive a Violation Notice, you will have about 30 calendar days to make the required corrections.
We only enforce the California Fire Code as adopted into the Burbank Municipal Code: BMC 9-1-9-304.1.2.2.
AB 3074 creates a 0-5 foot ember-resistant zone around all properties in the VHFHSZ.
We will not enforce the 0-5 foot defensible space regulations until the State Fire Marshal's Office clarifies requirements.
We will not enforce the 0-5 foot defensible space regulations until the State Fire Marshal's Office clarifies requirements.
AB 38 requires real estate sellers selling properties in the Very High and High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to follow local brush clearance and defensible space requirements in order to close escrow.
Visit AB 38 Defensible Space for more information.
Visit AB 38 Defensible Space for more information.
California Government Code §51178 - State Fire Marshal's Office sets the VHFHSZ
California Government Code §51182 (a) - Requirements for the person responsible for VHFHSZ property
Health and Safety Code §13146 (a) - Authorizes the Fire Chief's authorized representative to enforce the regulations set by the State Fire Marshal's Office
Calfornia Fire Code 1.1.108.1 (a) - Authorizes the fire code official to enter and examine the property to enforce the code
California Government Code §51182 (a) - Requirements for the person responsible for VHFHSZ property
Health and Safety Code §13146 (a) - Authorizes the Fire Chief's authorized representative to enforce the regulations set by the State Fire Marshal's Office
Calfornia Fire Code 1.1.108.1 (a) - Authorizes the fire code official to enter and examine the property to enforce the code
Call Captain Paul Konzen at (818) 238-3388 for brush clearance, VHFHSZ requirements, inspection fee details, and other program concerns.
