Big Bear Fire Department to begin inspecting properties for fire hazards

The Big Bear Fire Department will begin a new round of inspections next month to ensure local properties have sufficient "defensible space" to reduce the risk posed by potential wildfires, fire officials said.

Fire hazard abatement inspections will begin June 15 for properties within the 92314, 92315 and 92386 area codes, according to a letter issued by Fire Marshal Mike Malthy. The inspections will continue throughout the year.

"It is the responsibility of every property owner to maintain adequate defensible space around their property throughout the year," Malthy said. "Properties found to be out of compliance may be subject to penalties on first inspection without additional notification. These properties pose an unnecessary fire risk to adjacent properties."

Mandates include:

• Removing all weeds and grasses within 5 feet of structures, and cutting them to 4 inches or less elsewhere on the properties

• Removing all pine needles within 5 feet of structures, and reducing them two 2 inches or less on the rest of the properties

• Pruning tree limbs to at least 10 feet away from chimneys and rooflines

• Mitigating "high energy release vegetation," such as juniper and manzanita

Up to a cord of firewood may be stored adjacent to homes, provided that it is covered with a fire-resistant tarp.

"The actions that property owners take could mean the difference in their or their family's survival, the survival of their property, and the survival of their neighbors in the event of a major fire," Malthy said.

More information is available on the Big Bear Fire Department website at bigbearfire.org.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Fire officials to begin fire hazard inspections at Big Bear properties