Brush Fire Danger

Unfortunately, The Times totally missed the point on the homeowner upset in Topanga over fire department inspections (“Fueling Debate,” June 15). We are clearing our brush, grasses, chaparral, dead limbs, dead shrubs and dead trees as we do every year.

There is only one thing at issue and that is newly imposed clearance procedures on trees and ornamentals. Imagine the storm of protest if fire inspectors were to appear in every yard in the San Fernando Valley ordering homeowners to cut down and remove every tree and ornamental on their property within 30 feet of any structure. The work must be done within two weeks or you face a $500 fine. Kiss goodbye to shade trees, privacy plantings and prize rosebushes.

Many people would face immediate unexpected costs of $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on how many trees they had. What about the lowering of property values? Each mature tree can add upward of $10,000 to the value of a home.

Fortunately, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Topanga community are now striving to work together to develop a fair and effective fire risk management program that includes both fire safety and homeowner rights.

BURT RASHBY

Chairman, Topanga Citizens’

Fire Safety Committee

Topanga