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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
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Title: |
Whiting Woods, CA - Firewise Community
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Type: |
Regulatory
Homeowner assistance
Fuelbreaks
Firewise community recognition programs
Education
Demonstration projects
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Jurisdiction: |
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State: |
California
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Program Description: |
Background
The neighborhood of Whiting Woods, located in the fire-prone Los Angeles Basin, consists of 170 homes occupied by approximately 374 residents. The vegetation in the community includes an abundance of live oak and sycamore trees. The indigenous species located on residents� properties are protected by the City of Glendale tree protection ordinances. These must be taken into consideration before fuel modifications are conducted.
Firewise Community Recognition
In 2001, Whiting Woods was selected to participate in the national Firewise Communities/USA Project. The Project encourages sustainable, survivable living in an urban, wildland setting. The projects three main goals are to prevent/reduce losses due to urban-wildland fires, to foster community participation to help achieve the first goal, and to share information.
Activities
The Glendale Fire Department offers free fire inspections annually for residents. The inspections examine the external environment around homes. After the inspections, fire officials make recommendations for preventative steps needed to reduce the risk of fire damage.
The first annual �Team Up to Clean Up� day was held on May 3, 2003. Residents, along with Glendale Fire Department and Public Works staff, removed hazardous fuels in the subdivision.
In another fuels removal project, goats were used during the month on November in 2003 to clear vegetation for a firebreak on an easement within the community.
In mid-2002, the California Firesafe Council awarded Whiting Woods a grant for creation of a community development plan, hazard reduction, and public education.
Vegetation Removal Requirements
During the annual Glendale Fire Department safety campaign, residents of Whiting Woods are notified of the City's Defensible Space Concept Guidelines. Compliance with the guidelines is required to provide a firesafe zone around homes. Otherwise, the city is authorized to conduct the fuels removal service and submit a bill to the property owner. The guidelines us a three zone approach (A, B, and C) -- with the following objectives and distances assigned to each:
- Zone A -- (0-5 feet from the home). The key purpose of Zone A is to have the least flammable type of landscaping immediately adjacent to the house to prevent ignition and direct exposure from flames.
- Zone B -- (5 to 30 feet from the home). This Zone provides an area where firefighters can defend your home and where fuels have been substantially reduced.
- Zone C -- (30 to 100 feet from the home). The concept involved in this zone is to reduce fire intensity and flame length by modifying the native vegetation.
Contact Information
For more information see the community website, or The Whiting Woods Property Owners Association, or contact [email protected]
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