Protecting your home from wildfire
Southern California is no stranger to destructive wildfires. Although homeowners cannot control Mother Nature, they can take several precautions, notably brush clearance, to reduce fire danger.
Clearing your land
Brush clearance is one of the best ways to protect your home from wildfire. In Los Angeles, grass around a home should be kept no higher than 3 inches, and branches and foliage must be kept at least 5 feet from any roof surface — and 10 feet from a chimney outlet. Violations can trigger hundreds of dollars in fees.
For more information: For more guidance, see www.lafd.org/brush and www.readyforwildfire.org. Also, consult your local fire authority as ordinances can vary depending on where you live.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
