Brush | Los Angeles Fire Department

Brush Clearance

The Los Angeles Fire Department maintains a comprehensive brush clearance program designed to protect lives and property in the hillside communities of Los Angeles.

Proper vegetation management helps reduce the threat of wildfire and provides firefighters with a better opportunity to defend homes and structures when a brush fire occurs.

Vegetation Management Is a Year-Round Responsibility Property owners in designated fire hazard areas are responsible for maintaining required brush clearance throughout the year. Clear early and clear often.

Brush Clearance Requirements

Properties located within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone may be subject to specific brush clearance requirements. These requirements are intended to reduce combustible vegetation and improve defensible space around structures.

Maintain Clearance Around Structures Maintain required clearance around structures, buildings, roadways, driveways, and combustible fences as required by applicable fire regulations.

Maintain Grass and Brush Grass, native brush, weeds, and other hazardous vegetation must be maintained in accordance with applicable clearance requirements.

Maintain Trees Trees and shrubs must be properly maintained, including removal of dead material and appropriate trimming of lower branches.

Keep Roofs Clear Roof surfaces should be maintained free of substantial accumulations of leaves, needles, twigs, and other combustible materials.

Remove Cut Vegetation Cut vegetation and debris must be properly removed or processed and stored in accordance with applicable requirements.

Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone

The Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ) includes areas where vegetation, terrain, weather, and other factors can contribute to an increased wildfire threat.

Property owners within these areas should understand their clearance responsibilities and maintain their property in compliance with applicable Los Angeles fire regulations.

Brush Clearance

Maintain vegetation and combustible materials around structures to help create defensible space.

Property Inspections

Properties may be inspected to determine whether required brush clearance has been completed.

Fire Prevention

Proper vegetation management helps firefighters protect homes and communities during wildfires.

Brush Clearance Safety

Brush clearance operations can accidentally start fires, particularly when motorized equipment produces sparks or contacts dry vegetation. Residents should use appropriate precautions when performing clearance work.

Keep a water source or appropriate fire extinguisher readily available.
Avoid performing brush clearance during peak heat conditions or when Red Flag conditions are in effect.
Use properly maintained equipment.
Keep hot equipment exhaust away from dry vegetation.
Never refuel equipment while the engine is running.
Wear appropriate protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves.

Report a Brush Hazard

If you observe hazardous vegetation or conditions that may create a fire danger, residents should report the concern through the appropriate City of Los Angeles channels.

LAFD Brush Clearance Unit

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Email: lafdbrush@lafdi10.org

Emergency? If you see a fire or an immediate threat to life or property, call 9-1-1.

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