Residents Form Committee on Fire Safety Issues

After heated public response to strict fire prevention regulations, Topanga residents are forming an advisory committee to work with the county Fire Department and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky’s office on fire safety issues.

At issue: requiring that ornamental vegetation and certain trees within 30 feet of homes be removed.

Tony Morris, a spokesman for the Topanga Citizens Fire Committee, said residents were initially upset at the requirement, which many felt would sacrifice the character of the community and prompt erosion. He said 17 residents have joined the advisory committee.

Yaroslavsky field deputy Susan Nissman said the Fire Department is now recommending rather than requiring residents to remove nonnative species of trees and ornamental shrubbery on their property.

“We hope for communication between the department and citizens that will promote fire-wise landscaping and a fire-safe environment,” Nissman said. “It was never the intent of the Fire Department to wreak ecological havoc.”