Fire Inspectors Caught in Middle of Brush Dispute

Los Angeles firefighter Joe Flores has learned to watch for angry dogs and homeowners--in addition to debris and weeds--while conducting city fire inspections.

Some residents refuse to allow Flores on their property, even after he identifies himself.

“They’re usually people out of compliance and mad at the whole system,” he said. “But leaving everything out here threatens our lives when we go out there to save their homes. We can get killed because we don’t have a defensible space.”

Flores and other firefighters have found themselves at the center of an unwanted dispute. Some San Fernando Valley residents are angry about a new $13 brush clearance inspection fee imposed by the city.

But firefighters say extra growth from late season rains make inspections more important than ever.

As part of an eight-member team, Flores will inspect 3,000 to 5,000 parcels this month. He expects to write as many as 400 notices to property owners for such violations as tall weeds and untrimmed tree branches near roofs or chimneys.

Cutting weeds keep flames from spreading, said Los Angeles Fire Inspector Kenneth Brondell, who accompanied Flores during a recent round of inspections.

In all, he said, 40 inspectors will visit 180,000 homes, ranches, condos and vacant lots this month.

Citations are mailed to property owners. If the fire hazards are not cleared within 15 days, owners could face a $204 fine.

Most property owners obey the law. And about 80% of the properties are usually in compliance, Brondell said.

Among those cited, about 75% will correct the problem within two weeks, he said. The city hires contractors to remove brush if owners fail to respond. In those instances, he said, costs can be more than $700 because of administrative fees.

Because it rained so much last year, Brondell said, there is a good chance of a dangerous fire season this year.

Valley residents were notified in March that they would have to pay a $13 fee to cover the $3 million cost of the brush clearance program.

During the past 20 years, the city has paid for the inspections, Brondell said.

Cost aside, fire inspectors say compliance is fairly simple. “If it’s dead, get rid of it; if it’s green, maintain it,” Brondell said.