DEADLINE TO CLEAR BRUSH IS JUNE 1 FIRE EXPERTS OFFER GUIDELINES.

Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - The recent rains have given property owners in potential brush fire areas a two-week extension on clearing their land.

After the worst fire season in years, the local fire battalions are serious about cutting back areas not in compliance with regulations.

``Our deadline is June 1 for people to have all their brush cleared,'' explained Firefighter Rick Adams of Los Angeles County Fire Station 126.

He said affected property owners received postcards notifying them of the requirements in February. Fire crews will be out in force beginning June 1, with the costs being added to the property taxes of each property requiring clearance by county workers.

After the disastrous Copper, Texas Canyon and Bouquet Canyon fires of 2002, property owners are encouraged to take preventive measures before the official brush fire season begins. Vegetation in the area has grown at an accelerated rate due to heavy rains over the past year, creating a hazardous situation.

The brush clearance program is a joint effort between the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Weed Hazard and Pest Abatement Bureau (Weed Abatement Division.) This entity legally declares both improved and vacant, unimproved properties a public nuisance and when necessary, clears or removes the hazard.

The coalition has issued some suggestions to help local homeowners prepare their property for brush fire season:

--Remove flammable vegetation and other combustible growth within 30 feet of any structures. In high-hazard areas, the distance should be increased to 50 feet. Thin out or remove other vegetation an additional 70 feet from structures for a total of 100 feet (200 feet in high-hazard areas)

--Landscape with plants that are drought-tolerant and fire-resistant. Single trees, ornamental shrubbery and ground covers are permitted if they do not readily transmit fire from vegetation to structures.

--Trees should be spaced to allow a minimum of 30 feet between canopies at maturity. Maintain all plants by regularly removing dead branches and leaves.

--Lower branches of trees taller than 18 feet should be trimmed within six feet of the ground; for trees and shrubs less than 18 feet, lower branches should be pruned to one-third of their height.

--Remove all stacks of combustible materials and stack wood at least 30 feet from structures. Remove flammable vegetation within 10 feet of wood piles.

--Locate fixed butane/propane tanks at least 10 feet from any structure and maintain 10 feet of clearance.

In addition, residents should identify at least two exits from their neighborhood and make sure street names and numbers are visible at intersections.