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County will mail defensible‑space notices today; properties destroyed by fires removed from abatement list
Summary
County Fire told the Board that notices for the annual hazardous‑vegetation abatement are printed and ready and that damaged or destroyed properties in the recent Palisades and Eaton fires have been removed from this year's mailing list; enforcement and state 'Zone 0' rules will be phased in and education will precede inspections.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that notices for this year's annual hazardous‑vegetation abatement are printed, stamped and ready for mailing and will go out once the board approves the formal resolution.
Deputy Fire Chief Albert Yanagisawa said staff had "printed, stuffed the envelope" and that notices would be mailed the same day the board approved the resolution and declaration list. He also told supervisors that the department reviewed damage inspection reports for the Bridal (Bridal/Burro? noted in record), Franklin, Palisades and Eaton fires and removed parcels with homes destroyed or more than 26% damaged from this year's declaration list.
Why it matters: The defensible‑space program is a key component of county wildfire prevention efforts; notices require property owners to reduce hazardous vegetation on a schedule established by the department and state mapping. Supervisors sought clarity on timing, how destroyed or damaged parcels would be handled and which fire‑hazard severity maps were used to determine inclusion in the abatement program.
Maps and enforcement: Fire staff said the department uses two maps: the State Responsibility Area and the Local Responsibility Area maps. The state updated its fire hazard severity zone maps in April 2024 and the local responsibility area maps are being updated for the 2026 season; state publication to the county is expected March 24. On a separate incoming state policy (often called "Zone 0" in state executive direction), fire staff said they anticipate enforcement sometime in 2026 to allow public education and time for compliance; education will begin during the 2024 inspection season.
Public comment and outreach: Supervisors asked about how property owners could request review if they thought a parcel was placed on the abatement list in error. Yanagisawa said the department will include an insert in mailings with directions for contacting County Fire to request a review. The board also directed staff to coordinate additional community outreach as needed.
Ending: The item was approved by the board. Supervisors emphasized both the need to proceed quickly — especially given the county's expanded defensible‑space program and new fire risks — and the need to ensure victims of recent fires are not penalized by receiving notices before damage assessments are finalized.
