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Schwarzenegger Gets Tough On Fire Safety
Fines For Untidy Property
May 9, 2008
SACRAMENTO —
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is instructing
state fire officials to begin fining rural homeowners who fail to
clear their properties of brush, trees and dry grass.
Schwarzenegger says clearing around homes is particularly
important because of this year's dry conditions throughout the
state.
A 2005 law required that homeowners who live near forests or
grasslands increase the so-called "defensible space" around their
houses from 30 feet to 100 feet.
State Fire Marshal Kate Dargan says inspectors have issued few
citations to homeowners who ignore the law. Instead, firefighters
have focused on educating them about the dangers of overgrown
properties.
During a Capitol news conference on Friday, Schwarzenegger said
he is ordering inspectors to be more strict about citing homeowners
who don't act.
Fines can range from $100 to $500. If homeowners still refuse,
officials can clean up the property and send them the bill.
Copyright © 2008, KTXL
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