City Of Martinez To Residents: Time To Get Rid Of Those Overgrown Weeds

EAST BAY, CA -- The City of Martinez, in advance of completing its annual weed abatement in open space and other areas ahead of the upcoming summer months, is reminding its residents and property owners of the minimum weed abatement standards required by Contra Costa County Fire District.

Many properties in Martinez and the surrounding areas have recently received notices by the Contra Costa County Fire District that Weed Abatement Standards are in effect. Further, the Fire District also sends notices to the property owners advising that it is the owner’s responsibility to meet Fire District requirements.

The requirements are meant to limit potential sources of fuel for fire through the abatement of combustible rubbish and vegetation. Although the Fire District’s efforts to prevent fires are extensive, the City of Martinez also says that actions taken by property owners before wildfires occur are critical, and that owners need to be aware of the need for defensible space, which is the buffer that exists between the home/structure by creating a natural and landscaped area specifically designed to reduce fire danger.

"Weeds" are defined as all wild plants growing upon the streets or private property within a jurisdiction, including sagebrush, chaparral, dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable materials which endanger the public safety by creating a fire hazard.

Property owners are ultimately responsible for managing their own vegetation to meet Fire District
requirements. The Fire District offers lists of area contractors who perform vegetation management work such as mowing, discing, and "weed-eating.” The Fire District, however, says it doesn't endorse contractors, nor imply approval of the quality of work performed.

A list of contractors is available at http://www.cccfpd.org/pdfs/WA-...

More information regarding weed abatement is available by contacting Martinez Deputy Public Works
Director Don Salts at (925) 372-3528.

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