BRUSH-CLEARING DELAYS DRAW FIRE.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

The Los Angeles Fire Department drew criticism Tuesday for failing to provide information about delays in clearing this year's extraordinary El Nino-fed growth of brush in anticipation of fires.

``I can't believe how polite we're being to the department,'' Councilwoman Laura Chick said after nearly a half-hour of questioning of Deputy Fire Chief Jimmy Hill.

``We have been asking for months for information and now we're told it won't be until later this month that we get anything. Five or six members have said, Tell us what you need and you'll get it. But we can't find out.''

Hill, however, said the department was working out its needs and a report would be sent to the council next week.

Hill acknowledged there have been greater than expected delays in completing brush clearance, but said the department believed it was due to new requirements doubling to 200 feet the amount of clearance needed around residences.

The department issued 20,000 notices to homeowners to clear brush, and he estimated there were about 8,000 - out of a total of 180,000 inspected - that remained in violation.

Hill said the city has 10 contractors working to clear brush and is looking to get permission from the City Attorney's Office to provide lists of other contractors to homeowners.

``We're in an emergency,'' Councilman Mike Feuer said. ``This is very frustrating. I have been working with the department for five or six weeks and still can't get answers. This has jarred my confidence.''

Hill said the department has been working as quickly as it can to inspect and clear brush, but has faced some problems from other agencies, most notably the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

Although most of conservancy's land is designed to be kept as wild vegetation, Hill said there are portions the Fire Department wants cleared to maintain safety.

Walt Young, deputy division chief for the conservancy, said the agency has cleared brush 100 feet from buildings, but the new requirement doubling that has created problems.

``We have done our best, but have found it difficult to do the second 100 feet without additional funding,'' Young said.