Meadows FireSafe Council in Action

The clearing of brush in the vicinity of the Altadena “Meadows” started in mid-April along the upper reaches of Rising Hill Road and in Millard Canyon. The work is being done by Gothic [full name needed] and funded by a grant from the California Fire Safe Council.

Contrary to the expectations of some, the area is not being clear-cut. Grasses are trimmed close to the ground and scattered. Trees other than oak, along with the taller specimens of the chaparral are trimmed up (“lollipopped,”—a descriptive word coined for want of a better term) instead of being removed. The smaller trimmings are run through a chipper where feasible, or else cut up into short pieces and left lying in place.

This technique results in a desirable balance between fire prevention and erosion control. The roots of plants that are left standing prevent erosion. The chopped up twigs, lying close to the ground, are not easily ignited, so that a subsequent fire can be easily managed, whereas without the brush clearance it could easily rage out of control. The chopped-up vegetation does further service in several ways. It discourages the growth of grasses which would support wildfires and helps prevent or limit erosion on the steep hillsides.

Oak trees are a protected species in California and are left untouched. Unlike other trees in the area, such as the laurel-leaf sumac, eucalyptus and evergreens, the oaks are not easily ignited, and it is therefore unlikely that they will contribute to the intensity of a fire when the area around them has been cleared of highly flammable vegetation.

Homeowners are responsible for clearing brush that lies within 200 feet of their buildings. The deadline for brush removal is May 15, and non-compliance can result in fines.

In El Prieto Canyon, the City of Pasadena sees to brush removal. That area is predominantly grass.