Take action to comply with fire safety guidelines
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 25, 2024) — As we emerge from the recent heat wave and still have two more months of summer, now is a great time to ensure that your home is fire safe.
A fire can ignite quickly when temperatures rise, and vegetation and brush dry out.
Let’s start with the inside of your home. First, check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly. It’s advised to have smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Every level of your home should have at least one smoke alarm.
If you need smoke alarms, you may qualify for the Smoke Alarm Assistance Program through the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire). The program provides free installation of a smoke alarm for senior citizens over 60 or disabled citizens of any age who own their own home. ConFire will provide a minimum of one to a maximum of three complimentary smoke alarms per household. You can find more information at www.cccfpd.org/public-education.
Second, prepare the exterior area around your home or property through creating defensible space and weed abatement. Defensible space involves clearing or reducing all vegetation, debris and other flammable materials that may slow the spread of fire. Beyond your home or structures, you should mow weeds and flammable vegetation and remove them from the entire property. Weeds, including all sagebrush, dry grass and brush, should have a maximum height of 3 inches.
For small neighborhoods or communities working to address weed abatement together, ConFire encourages neighbors to utilize resources from the Firewise USA Program. This provides a structured approach to help neighbors in a specific area organize, get guidance, and take action to enhance the fire resistance of their homes and community.
Report hazards
Third, report fire hazards. The weed abatement deadline for the county has passed, and the hope is that all property owners are aware of the fire prevention ordinances. But if you notice that a property is a fire hazard, you can submit a complaint to ConFire at www.cccfpd.org/exterior-hazard-complaint. ConFire investigates all exterior fire hazard complaints throughout all the cities in District 4 (Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton and Walnut Creek) and the unincorporated areas.
As a lifelong advocate for public safety, I encourage everyone to prepare their properties and communities by following these tips for fire season to protect their loved ones and the community. For more information about the fire code, the complaint process or community programs, visit www.cccfpd.org.
Ken Carlson is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.