How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection on Your Property in Big Bear Lake

How to Prepare for a Fire Inspection on Your Property in Big Bear Lake

Living in Big Bear Lake comes with the privilege of stunning mountain views and a close-knit community. However, it also places property owners in a high-risk fire zone, especially during the dry summer months. To mitigate this risk, the Big Bear Fire Department enforces strict weed abatement and defensible space regulations. Preparing your property for a fire inspection is not just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding your home and neighbors from potential wildfires. 

Understanding Big Bear Lake’s Fire Hazard Abatement Regulations

In Big Bear Lake, property owners are legally required to maintain their land in a fire-safe condition. According to the city’s fire code, it is the duty of every owner, occupant, and person in control of any land or interest therein to abate fire hazards from such land. The Big Bear Fire Department enforces these regulations through its Weed Abatement Program. Annual inspections typically begin in May, and property owners are given 30 days to demonstrate compliance. Failure to do so may result in citations, penalties, and/or fees for abatement by the city. 

Steps to Prepare for a Fire Inspection

1. Clear Vegetation and Debris

  • Grass: Cut grass to a height of no more than 3 inches.
  • Brush and Shrubs: Reduce native brush to a height of 3 inches. This does not apply to individual native shrubs spaced a minimum of 18 feet apart, provided such shrubs are trimmed up from the ground to 1/3 of their height with all dead material being removed. 
  • Trees: For trees taller than 18 feet, trim lower branches so no foliage is within six feet of the ground, and remove all dead material. For trees and shrubs less than 18 feet, remove lower branches to 1/3 of their height, and remove all dead material.
  • Roof and Gutters: Maintain roof surfaces free of substantial accumulation of leaves, needles, twigs, and any other combustible matter. Maintain five feet of vertical clearance between roof surfaces and portions of overhanging trees. 

2. Create Defensible Space

Establish a defensible space around your home to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. The Big Bear Fire Department recommends the following: 

  1. 0–5 feet from structures: Remove all pine needles, forest litter, dead vegetation, and mulches.
  2. 0–15 feet from structures: Remove high-energy release vegetation. This includes hydrants, telephone poles, fencing, and propane tanks. 
  3. Entire property: Remove dead, dying, and hazardous trees. Cut weeds and grasses to below 4 inches. Abate downed limbs, branches, and pine cone accumulations. Abate pine needles and forest litter, removing down to 2 inches in depth.

3. Schedule a Pre-Inspection

If you're unsure about your property's compliance, consider scheduling a pre-inspection with the Big Bear Fire Department. The current cost is $95, and inspections are scheduled based on staff workload.

4. Utilize Available Resources

  • Curbside Chipping Program: The Big Bear Fire Department offers a curbside chipping program to help residents dispose of vegetation cleared during abatement efforts. 
  • Financial Assistance: The Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council has received funding through Cal FIRE’s California Climate Investment grant program to assist property owners with abatement notices. Visit their website for more information.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with weed abatement regulations can result in:

  • Citations: Property owners may receive citations for non-compliance.
  • Fees: The city may hire a contractor to perform the necessary abatement and bill the property owner for the services. Unpaid fees may result in a lien against the property. 

Final Thoughts

Preparing your property for a fire inspection in Big Bear Lake is essential for compliance and, more importantly, for the safety of your home and community. By following the recommended steps and utilizing available resources, you can create a defensible space that reduces the risk of wildfire damage. Remember, proactive maintenance is key to fire prevention.

For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact the Big Bear Fire Department at (909) 866-7566 or visit their website.

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