Each year, the Cambria CSD Fire Department conducts a Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) to abate vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels. The FHFRP is carried out pursuant to the authority contained in Government Code Sections 61100(d) and (t) and Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 et seq. and is initiated by the CCSD Board of Directors adoption of a resolution declaring the vegetation and hazardous wildland fire fuels on the identified properties to be a public nuisance. 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.”  

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 prior to cutting. Property owners are required to clear all combustible vegetation and/or debris from their property by the deadline.

Please be advised that no extensions will be granted for the 2025 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) requirement.

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. Meet the Deadline: All weed abatement must be completed by the deadline.

We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Maintaining our community’s safety and well-being is a shared responsibility, and your prompt attention to weed abatement is crucial.

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.

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 CSD and the Cambria Fire Department do not endorse any specific contractor or agency, are not responsible for the work performed or the fees charged by these contractors, and assume no responsibility or liability for both satisfactory and/or non-satisfactory work conducted by these contractors. Below is a list of contractors provided to the property owners of Cambria as a public service for their convenience.

The Cambria CSD Fire Department will inspect your parcel(s) to ensure compliance with the FHFRP ordinance. Parcels not cleared by the deadline will be placed on the CCSD contract list, and all associated costs and fees will be billed directly to you.