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Fire Hazard Reduction Program

Learn about of Fire Hazard Severity Zones and state requirements.

Fire Hazard Reduction Program

The Fire Hazard Reduction Program (Brush Clearance) is a team effort between the Burbank Fire Department and property owners to help prevent wildfires and keep people and homes safe.

If your property is in an area with a high risk of wildfires (called the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone), you're required to clear brush and manage vegetation. If your property falls into more than one fire risk zone, it will be treated as part of the highest-risk zone.

For Assembly Bill 38 information, see our AB 38 Defensible Space guide. If needed, schedule a defensible space inspection using this form.

 

Timeline

May - All properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone receive a letter in the mail from the Burbank Fire Department explaining the requirements and timeline for the inspection.

June - All brush clearance is to be completed by the end of June following the program guidelines below.

July - Burbank Fire Department begins inspecting properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

 

Fire Hazard Reduction Program Guidelines

These rules follow California state law and Burbank’s local city code.

 

Clearance: 0-100 Feet

  1. Remove all dead trees
  2. Keep weeds and vegetation under 3 inches in height
  3. Keep native shrubs trimmed
  4. Maintain trees 18 feet or more in height
  5. Trim trees to be within 10 feet our chimney or stovepipe outlets
  6. Keep 5 feet of vertical clearance between roof and overhanging trees
  7. Remove dead palm fonds
  8. Clear leaves, needles, twigs and other matter from roof
  9. Maintain all vegetation within 10-feet of structure
  10. Maintain all landscape vegetation
  11. Remove and safely dispose of all cut vegetation.

Depending on the level of risk, there may be extra requirements.

 

Clearance: 100-200 Feet (Fuel Modification Zone)

  1. A total of 200 feet of clearance is required by Burbank Fire Department.
  2. Native brush reduced by 50%
  3. Sumac clusters reduced to “leopard spot style” 
  4. Brush can be cut and laid flat for 6-inch maximum depth
  5. Remove all dead trees

Depending on the level of risk, there may be extra requirements.

 

Best Practices

  • Use non-sparking/non-ferrous metal cutting blades
  • Do not clear brush on red flag days
  • Focus only on brush clearance activities to prevent accidents
  • Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose easily accessible
  • Have a cell phone within easy reach to call 9-1-1
  • Learn about fire-smart landscaping practices
  • Read about fire-resistant plants

 

Defensible Space

Defensible space means clearing the area around your home so it’s harder for fire to reach it, and easier for firefighters to do their job.

 

Brush Clearance Vendors

Find local brush clearance vendors here.

 

More Information