Fire Prevention

High Fire Severity Zones

California’s seasonally dry Mediterranean climate lends itself to wildfires, and in an effort to better prepare, CAL FIRE is required to classify the severity of fire hazard in areas of California. Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps arose from major destructive fires, prompting the recognition of these areas and strategies to reduce wildfire risks. Legislative response led to mandated mapping across California under the California Public Resources Code 4201-4204, encompassing all State Responsibility Areas (SRA). portions of northern Claremont have been classified as high fire zones in the Local Responsibility Area (LRA). Properties in the High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones are subject to Defensible Space Inspections and Brish Clearance Notices by Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Cal Fire High Fire Severity Zones Map and Information

Annual Brush Clearance Program

The LA County Fire Department sends Brush Clearance Notices to residents in Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) annually. The Brush Clearance Program is a joint effort between the Los Angeles Fire Department and the County of Los Angeles Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Weed Hazard and Pest Abatement Bureau (Weed Abatement Division). There are approximately 60,000 homeowners who will be receiving this notice for the first time while others have been part of the Department’s annual brush clearance program for many years. Over the last two years, the fire department integrated a geospatial database into the Defensible Space Inspection Program that is far more accurate than visual identification used in previous years. Using criteria-based mapping, numerous parcels have been identified within the FHSZs that have never been inspected.

California Health & Safety Code, Section 14902, allows recovery of inspection program costs. In 1989, the Los Angeles County Dept. of Agricultural Commissioner, Weights and Measures, was authorized by the board of supervisors to recover their inspection program costs. The fire department resisted imposing this fee until 2022. Working with the board of supervisors, the fire department agreed to phase in the brush inspection fee over a three-year period. In 2022, the fee was $50 (to be billed on the 2023 property tax bill); in 2023, the fee will be $100 (to be billed on the 2024 property tax bill); and in 2024, the fee will be $151 (to be billed on the 2025 property tax bill). These fees will be assessed on all declared hazardous properties whether or not they are cleared by the property owner. The fee is intended to offset the Department’s costs in an effort to keep the Brush Clearance Inspection Program cost neutral.

Brush clearance inspections begin on May 1 in inland communities. If hazardous fire conditions exist on a property at the time of inspection, the property owner will be issued an Official Inspection Report that will indicate existing violations and provide specific clearing instructions and a compliance deadline.

For more information regarding brush clearance requirements and responsibilities, visit LA County Fire Hazard Reduction Programs or contact the Brush Clearance Unit at (626) 969-2375.

Brush Clearance Annual Notice - FAQs

Fire Prevention  

With brush inspections in full swing, and a projected active fire season before us, time is of the essence to remind community members to review the Ready! Set! Go! materials.  

There is no guarantee any structure will survive the indiscriminate destruction of a wind-driven fire. However, studies have identified three factors that may decide whether or not your home survives the next wildland fire: Ornamental vegetation, landscape maintenance, and hardening structures to resist catching fire from wind-blown embers. Embers are lightweight, burning pieces of vegetation or construction material which are sent high into the air by winds or smoke and can land a mile or more away, starting new fires. Ember-proofing, or "hardening" your home may be the critical difference between a home surviving or being destroyed during a wildland fire.

To assist you with hardening your home, the L.A. County Fire Department has developed the following information:

Ready! Set! Go! Your Personal Wildfire Action Plan(PDF, 2MB)