Exterior Hazard Control Division

Firemen

On the scene at night

On the scene

CCCFD NEW Masthead #2

Defensible Space

Exterior Hazard Control Documents

Defensible space protected this home from wildfire.
Exterior Hazard Control Division
The primary purpose of the Fire District�s Exterior Hazard Division is to limit the potential sources of fuel for fire through the abatement of combustible rubbish and vegetation. The most important person in protecting a house from wildfire is not a firefighter, but the property owner. It is the action taken by the owner before the wildfire occurs that is most critical. Everyone needs to know about defensible space.
Weed Abatement
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has established minimum standards for weed abatement. Weed abatement and fuel reduction part of the Defensible Space Initiative. "Weeds” means all wild plants growing upon the streets or private property in this jurisdiction. It includes sagebrush, chaparral (chamise, coyote brush, greasewood, broom brush, buckwheat) 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 vegetation to meet fire district requirements. As a public service, the Fire District offers these lists of some area contractors who perform vegetation management work such as mowing, discing, and �weed-eating�. The fire district cannot endorse contractors or imply approval of the quality of work performed.
Weed Abatement Contractors Lists These lists are some area contractors who have contacted the Fire District. The lists are available to property owners as a public service; the Fire District does not endorse or imply approval of the quality of work performed. Property owners are ultimately responsible to verify abatement meets Fire District requirements. To report a property that is out of compliance with Fire District standards, you may print and mail or fax the Exterior Hazard Complaint form.
Sudden Oak Death Syndrome Do you think your trees might have Sudden Oak Death Syndrome? SOD was first discovered here in 1995. Treatment protocols are: February / July Bark Beetle Prophylactic Treatment Treat symptomatic or bleeding oaks with an insecticide before beetles become active and again in mid-summer. No need to treat if not infected March/April SOD Prophylactic Treatment Treat all important Coast Live and Black Oaks with Agri-Fos/Pentra Bark before or soon after infection November/December Dry Regions (outside coastal influence - Walnut Creek etc) 2x first year with a Fall application (annually) afterwards Wet Regions (Canyon, Orinda, Richmond/El Sobrante), two treatments per year The California Oak Mortality Task Force has developed protocols for tree removal, debris disposal, sanitation measures to minimize pathogen spread, and tree care considerations,as well as guidelines for arborists.