Dear Cambrians, 

Each year, the Cambria Community Services District Fire Department conducts the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to abate vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels. This program is carried out under the authority of Government Code Sections 61100(d) and (t) and Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 et seq.

The FHFRP is initiated when the CCSD Board of Directors adopts a resolution declaring the vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels on identified properties to be a public nuisance. It is important to note that the definition of “weeds” in Health and Safety Code Section 14875 includes "dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material that endangers public safety by creating a fire hazard."

As a community committed to safety and fire prevention, we understand the challenges faced by vacant parcel owners in maintaining compliance with weed abatement requirements. However, the responsibility to ensure that vacant parcels are properly abated lies with the property owner.

This annual requirement is an effort to reduce the fire hazard caused by the accumulation of combustible materials on vacant parcels. Keep in mind that the forest helps define Cambria, and it is important that we reduce the fire hazard without destroying its ability to regenerate. Make every effort to protect seedlings, young native trees, ferns, and bushes by marking them before cutting.

Key Points to Note:

• Deadline: All weed abatement must be completed by the deadline. To clarify, even if your lot was cleared earlier this year, you will most likely have re-growth. If so, your property may have to be weed abated again to pass inspection. 
• No Extensions: No extensions will be granted beyond this date. Additionally, no matter what you may have been told by any contractor, there are no such things as “extensions” beyond the deadline.
• Compliance: Properties that do not meet the requirements will be subject to penalties and abatement by the district’s contractor, at the property owner's expense. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s service charge, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill, or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

Steps to Ensure Compliance:

1. Inspect Your Property: Regularly check for overgrown weeds. In this respect, it should be noted that the definition of “weeds” in Health and Safety Code Section 14875 includes “Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.”  
2. Remove Weeds: Safely and properly remove all weeds, especially those that are dry and pose a fire risk. 
3. Disposal: Follow the local guidelines for the disposal of yard waste and weeds.
4. Sign up for Cambria CSD Fire Department Updates: To receive updates from the Cambria CSD Fire Department on the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any Fire Department-related news, click the "join our mailing list" icon at the bottom of any page and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates and follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on Instagram and Facebook. 
5. Sign up for Cambria CSD Board Meeting Updates: To receive updates from the Cambria CSD regarding Board Meetings, please click the "Join Our Mailing List" icon at the bottom of the District’s website and subscribe to Board Agendas.
6. Meet the Deadline: All weed abatement must be completed by the deadline, which will be established in April 2025.

No extensions will be granted for the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) requirement.

It is crucial that all parcel owners meet the weed abatement deadline and clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property to prevent fire hazards and maintain a safe environment for everyone. While many owners hire contractors to perform this work, it is your responsibility to verify that the work has been completed. Unfortunately, the District does not provide individual notifications to parcels that fail inspection. Instead, this information is publicly available when the Public Nuisance List is presented during Board meetings.

To stay informed about the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any other news related to the Cambria CSD Fire Department, please click the "Join Our Mailing List" icon and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates.

Additionally, follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on social media for real-time updates:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cambriafiredepartment/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cambriafire

The following are guidelines to help you comply:

• Remove combustible construction materials and trash from the property.
• Trim weeds and annual grasses to 4 inches in height. Avoid exposing bare soil or creating a situation that would encourage erosion.
• All downed trees and rounds or dead limbs within 30 feet of any structure must be removed. Tree stumps fallen over shall be cut and retain no more than six feet of the log within this 30-foot zone.
• All downed trees beyond 30 feet from any structure 12 inches in diameter or greater may remain on the parcel. However, the entire trunk must be completely on the ground. Materials less than 12 inches in diameter shall be cut and removed from the property.
• All standing dead trees that pose a safety risk to improved property and/or infrastructure shall be removed.
• Remove ladder vegetation from under trees and shrubs, maintaining 6 feet of vertical clearance for trees greater than 20 feet in height.
• All Poison Oak, Scotch/Irish/French or other broom-type plants, Pampas grass, Jubata grass, and (Crocosmia) also known as Fire Weed, shall be removed. Isolated specimens may be left with greater than ten (10) feet separation, and all dead material removed. 

The owner of record of the property at the time of notification is responsible for the clearance of the parcel. Property owners having clearance done by local contractors will need to work closely with their contractor to ensure your parcel gets inspected by the CCSD Fire Department. Those parcels not in compliance by the deadline will be placed on a list to be abated by the CCSD’s contractor. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s charge for services, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

The Cambria Community Services District and the Cambria CSD Fire Department do not endorse any specific contractor or agency.

We are not responsible for the work performed or the fees charged by these contractors and assume no responsibility or liability for satisfactory and/or non-satisfactory work conducted by them. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s service charge, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill, or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

Below is a list of contractors provided to the property owners of Cambria as a public service for your convenience.

If your parcel appears on the list, it is essential that you take immediate action to abate your lot by the deadline before the next Board meeting, when the next phase of the Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program begins.

Failure to do so will result in additional charges being applied to your property. The owner of record of the property at the time of notification is responsible for the clearance of the parcel. Properties that do not meet the requirements will be subject to penalties and abatement by the district’s contractor, at the property owner's expense. 

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping Cambria a safe and resilient community.

Sincerely,

Michael Burkey