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La Habra Heights council authorizes inspections and moves to enforce brush-clearance program
Summary
After a public hearing, the council unanimously authorized the fire department to begin inspections and abatement actions under its 2025 brush-clearance program, discussing coordination with the Habitat Authority, updated fire-severity maps and the need for a risk-based approach to vegetation management.
The La Habra Heights City Council voted unanimously April 14 to authorize the fire department to begin inspections and proceed with brush-clearance abatement as outlined in Resolution 2025-08.
The action follows a public hearing and staff presentation explaining the abatement process for weeds, rubbish, combustible materials and debris on private parcels that create fire risk. Fire Marshal Chief Jorgensson said the program targets major arterial corridors and known problem parcels and that brush-clearance is coordinated with code enforcement for properties with junk or structural hazards.
Why it matters: Council members and residents pressed for clearer mapping and a documented, risk-based approach before habitat clearance. Resident and council questions emphasized that limited city funds should be prioritized where they will most reduce risk. The city will seek closer coordination with the Habitat Authority and asked the Habitat Authority representative and the fire marshal to align on risk criteria prior to additional clearance work.
Details: Chief Jorgensson described targeted locations including Hosienda and East Road corridors and said city inspections for the 2024–25 season are ongoing; he reported that inspections began early this year and that personnel are preparing for the May 1 enforcement season. During the hearing, staff reiterated that the council previously adopted Resolution 2025-08 to begin legal abatement procedures and set the public hearing for April 14, 2025.
Council direction and next steps: The motion to authorize inspections and abatement passed on a recorded unanimous vote. Council asked staff to provide clearer maps showing specific roads and parcels where work will occur and directed the fire marshal to work with Habitat Authority staff to develop a documented, risk-based clearance strategy. The city will return with additional outreach and documentation and may adjust coordination after the Habitat Authority’s responses.
Quotation: Chief Jorgensson urged a focused approach, saying the council previously identified "major arteries in the city" as priorities for targeting problem parcels and coordinating with code enforcement.
Authorities and procedural note: The action references Resolution 2025-08 (council intention to order abatement) and falls under the city’s public-notice and abatement procedures discussed at the hearing. The council recorded a motion and vote authorizing the fire department to initiate inspections and proceed with necessary clearance.
