City of Monrovia

Weeds & Dry Vegetation Can Be Very Hazardous

Hazardous vegetation is one of the major contributors to urban wildfires. Dry vegetation is the easiest fuel to ignite. Fortunately, it is also one of the simplest to abate.

Wildfire danger is greatest to hillside and canyon homes, but dry grass, weeds, chaparral, and flammable landscaping surrounding your home can bring the fire to you, whether you live on a hillside or not. When fire starts, those shrubs ignite and explode, spreading fire to your house.

In Monrovia, the greatest wildfire danger is from July through October, but can occur anytime of the year. Fire prevention steps must be taken now to be effective.

All hazardous vegetation must be abated every year by June 1.

To combat this threat, the following abatement actions must to be taken:

Cut all native chaparral, annual grasses, and weeds within 30 feet of your home to within three inches of the ground: They may be left as tall as 18 inches on steep slopes for soil protection purposes, if further than 30 feet away from any structure.

Do not cut vegetation to bare soil, and do not rake steep hillsides or use heavy equipment. These actions may accelerate soil erosion and mudslides. Contact a soil expert or our city engineers for erosion control techniques.

Remember: Thin you win – strip, you slip.

Thin native chaparral plants by 25%-50% on your property within 100 feet of your home, or neighbor’s buildings, so they average 12-18 feet of separation (selective removal).

Trim all branches from mature trees at least five feet from the ground (less for small trees), so that a grass fire does not go up into the trees and toward your home.

Cut all native chaparral, annual grasses, and weeds within 10 feet all public streets and driveways and within three inches of the ground

Working together we want to accomplish a common goal: Abatement of all hazardous vegetation within 100 feet of your house. If you have questions on additional fire safety information, do not hesitate to call the Monrovia Fire Department automated message system for brush clearance at (626) 932-5592 ext.  1051. Please leave a detailed message and a response will be made as soon as possible.

In Monrovia, Fire Prevention is our top priority. We are interested in working with community groups, homeowner associations and Neighborhood Watch groups. The value of fire prevention starts around your own home. Working together we can combat urban wildfire in your neighborhood and our community.