Attachment 2February 15, 2019
Dear Property Owner
The wildland fire problem is larger and more complex than any one individual, community or agency can
hope to overcome. The ability to adapt to wildfire is critical, and collaborative partnerships are key to
building and maintaining fire resilient communities.
As part of this effort, the Santa Clara County Fire Department will be presenting with local law enforcement
agencies several upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Community Meetings. We invite you to come and learn
more about the Ready, Set, Go program and participate in discussions about establishing action plans,
preparing emergency kits, how to stay informed and when to evacuate in the event of a wildfire. For more
details, please see the enclosed flyer.
You play a vital role in keeping not only your property safe, but your neighborhood safe. Creating defensible
space around your property is essential to increase the chances of your home and other structures surviving
a wildfire. Defensible space is the buffer created around a structure when combustible vegetation is
removed, reduced or replaced. This buffer space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it
protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame or radiant heat. Defensible space is also
important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.
Your property is in the High/Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zone of the Wildland Urban Interface
Area (WUI) and requires 30 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) from all structures.
For your specific requirements, please see the Enforced Safety Regulations (A-F) below:
Enforced Safety Regulations (Items A-F)
A.Create 30 feet of Defensible Space around your home. To accomplish this, you must clear all
flammable vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around structures.
B.Clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees.
C.Remove pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.
D.Trim tree limbs 10 feet from chimneys & stove pipes; remove dead limbs that hang over rooftops.
E.Cover chimney outlets or flues with a 1/2” mesh spark arrester.
F. Post a clearly visible house address, using at least 4” high numbers, for easy identification.
For homes located more than 50 feet from street, post address numbers at the driveway entrance.
Additional Safety Recommendations
•Create a noncombustible area a minimum of 5 feet from structures.
•Clear 10 feet around and 15 feet above fuels (e.g. woodpiles, lumber, scrap, etc.) Move all
woodpiles as far away as possible from structures.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
ATTN: FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION
14700 WINCHESTER BOULEVARD
LOS GATOS, CA 95032-1818
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
ATTACHMENT 2
• Clear vegetation and other combustible material from underneath decks. Enclose elevated decks
with fire-resistive materials.
• Trees 18-feet or taller should be limbed up 6-feet from the ground. Provide additional vertical
clearance when trees have vegetation beneath it.
Owner Responsibilities:
1. You have the option to complete the required work yourself, hire your own contractor, or you may
elect to schedule the authorized contractor to perform the work. If you choose to have the authorized
contractor perform the work, the charges will appear on your next property tax bill.
2. Please complete the attached information card to report the current status of your property and return
before April 1, 2019.
Inspection Schedule:
On April 1, 2019, Santa Clara County Fire Department will begin conducting property inspections. Property
owners not in compliance will be notified of what work needs to be completed to comply with the Enforced
Safety Regulations. Please contact us if you are unable to complete the required work due to late season
rains or other special circumstance.
On June 1, 2019, we will begin conducting re-inspections of the properties that were out of compliance at
the time of the first property inspection. Properties must comply with the Enforced Safety Regulations (Items
A, B, C and D) otherwise the compliance work will be completed by the Town of Los Gatos’ authorized
contractor and the charges for this service will appear on your next property tax bill.
If you would like to schedule a courtesy property inspection, have questions regarding the safety compliance
of your property or for more information about the upcoming wildfire preparedness community meetings,
please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 408.378.4010.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to establish a fire safe community.
Sincerely,
Julie Linney, Deputy Chief
Fire Prevention Division
Resources and Information
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): www.DisasterSafety.org/wildfire • 813.286.3400
Conducts compelling wildfire research and provides resources on how to prevent and reduce damage to property and buildings
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): www.PGE.com • 800.743.5000
Services include courtesy gas appliance inspections, energy conservation, tree management and electrical safety near power lines
Santa Clara County Fire Department: www.SCCFD.org • 408.378.4010
Offers community education and risk reduction services, including fire safety, injury prevention, disaster and wildfire preparedness
Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council: www.SCCFireSafe.org • 408.975.9591
Protects and educates communities at risk from wildfire through fuel reduction programs, outreach and community planning efforts
Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services: www.SCCgov.org/sites/oes • 408.808.7800
Coordinates county-wide all hazards preparedness, including AlertSCC Emergency Alert System and ReadySCC Mobile App
Please Complete and Return
I have received the annual Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Enforced Safety Regulations letter related to flammable
vegetation abatement. The current status of my property is as follows:
τ I have inspected my property for flammable vegetation clearance and believe it complies with the Enforced Safety
Regulations. I understand that an inspection of my property may be conducted to verify compliance.
τ I will remove flammable vegetation around all structures on my property in accordance with the Enforced Safety
Regulations no later than June 1, 2019. I understand that if the required work is not completed, the authorized contractor
may complete the work and the charges will appear on my next property tax bill.
τ I authorize the designated contractor to enter my property and clear all flammable vegetation to comply with the
Enforced Safety Regulations. I understand the charges to complete this work will appear on my next property tax bill.
τ I would like to schedule an appointment with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to assist me by providing a courtesy
inspection of my property for recommendations of the work needed to comply with the Enforced Safety Regulations.
τ I am no longer the owner of this property.
Name (print clearly): _____________________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Phone: (______)____________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________
τ There are no structures on this property.
February 15, 2019
Dear Property Owner
The wildland fire problem is larger and more complex than any one individual, community or agency can
hope to overcome. The ability to adapt to wildfire is critical, and collaborative partnerships are key to
building and maintaining fire resilient communities.
As part of this effort, the Santa Clara County Fire Department will be presenting with local law enforcement
agencies several upcoming Wildfire Preparedness Community Meetings. We invite you to come and learn
more about the Ready, Set, Go program and participate in discussions about establishing action plans,
preparing emergency kits, how to stay informed and when to evacuate in the event of a wildfire. For more
details, please see the enclosed flyer.
You play a vital role in keeping not only your property safe, but your neighborhood safe. Creating defensible
space around your property is essential to increase the chances of your home and other structures surviving
a wildfire. Defensible space is the buffer created around a structure when combustible vegetation is
removed, reduced or replaced. This buffer space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it
protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame or radiant heat. Defensible space is also
important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.
Your property is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone of the Wildland Urban Interface Area (WUI)
and requires 100 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) from all structures. For your specific
requirements, please see the Enforced Safety Regulations (A-F) below:
Enforced Safety Regulations (Items A-F)
A. Create 100 feet of Defensible Space around your home. To accomplish this, you must clear all
flammable vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around structures. Additionally, create a reduced
fuel zone for the remaining 70 feet (or to your property line).
B. Clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees.
C. Remove pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.
D. Trim tree limbs 10 feet from chimneys & stove pipes; remove dead limbs that hang over rooftops.
E. Cover chimney outlets or flues with a 1/2” mesh spark arrester.
F. Post a clearly visible house address, using at least 4” high numbers, for easy identification.
For homes located more than 50 feet from street, post address numbers at the driveway entrance.
Additional Safety Recommendations
• Create a noncombustible area a minimum of 5 feet from structures.
• Clear 10 feet around and 15 feet above fuels (e.g. woodpiles, lumber, scrap, etc.) Move all
woodpiles as far away as possible from structures.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
ATTN: FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION
14700 WINCHESTER BOULEVARD
LOS GATOS, CA 95032-1818
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
• Clear vegetation and other combustible material from underneath decks. Enclose elevated decks
with fire-resistive materials.
• Trees 18-feet or taller should be limbed up 6-feet from the ground. Provide additional vertical
clearance when trees have vegetation beneath it.
Owner Responsibilities:
1. You have the option to complete the required work yourself, hire your own contractor, or you may
elect to schedule the authorized contractor to perform the work. If you choose to have the authorized
contractor perform the work, the charges will appear on your next property tax bill.
2. Please complete the attached information card to report the current status of your property and return
before April 1, 2019.
Inspection Schedule:
On April 1, 2019, Santa Clara County Fire Department will begin conducting property inspections. Property
owners not in compliance will be notified of what work needs to be completed to comply with the Enforced
Safety Regulations. Please contact us if you are unable to complete the required work due to late season
rains or other special circumstance.
On June 1, 2019, we will begin conducting re-inspections of the properties that were out of compliance at
the time of the first property inspection. Properties must comply with the Enforced Safety Regulations (Items
A, B, C and D) otherwise the compliance work will be completed by the Town of Los Gatos’ authorized
contractor and the charges for this service will appear on your next property tax bill.
If you would like to schedule a courtesy property inspection, have questions regarding the safety compliance
of your property or for more information about the upcoming wildfire preparedness community meetings,
please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 408.378.4010.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to establish a fire safe community.
Sincerely,
Julie Linney, Deputy Chief
Fire Prevention Division
Resources and Information
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): www.DisasterSafety.org/wildfire • 813.286.3400
Conducts compelling wildfire research and provides resources on how to prevent and reduce damage to property and buildings
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E): www.PGE.com • 800.743.5000
Services include courtesy gas appliance inspections, energy conservation, tree management and electrical safety near power lines
Santa Clara County Fire Department: www.SCCFD.org • 408.378.4010
Offers community education and risk reduction services, including fire safety, injury prevention, disaster and wildfire preparedness
Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council: www.SCCFireSafe.org • 408.975.9591
Protects and educates communities at risk from wildfire through fuel reduction programs, outreach and community planning efforts
Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services: www.SCCgov.org/sites/oes • 408.808.7800
Coordinates county-wide all hazards preparedness, including AlertSCC Emergency Alert System and ReadySCC Mobile App
Please Complete and Return
I have received the annual Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Enforced Safety Regulations letter related to flammable
vegetation abatement. The current status of my property is as follows:
τ I have inspected my property for flammable vegetation clearance and believe it complies with the Enforced Safety
Regulations. I understand that an inspection of my property may be conducted to verify compliance.
τ I will remove flammable vegetation around all structures on my property in accordance with the Enforced Safety
Regulations no later than June 1, 2019. I understand that if the required work is not completed, the authorized contractor
may complete the work and the charges will appear on my next property tax bill.
τ I authorize the designated contractor to enter my property and clear all flammable vegetation to comply with the
Enforced Safety Regulations. I understand the charges to complete this work will appear on my next property tax bill.
τ I would like to schedule an appointment with the Santa Clara County Fire Department to assist me by providing a courtesy
inspection of my property for recommendations of the work needed to comply with the Enforced Safety Regulations.
τ I am no longer the owner of this property.
Name (print clearly): _____________________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Phone: (______)____________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________
τ There are no structures on this property.
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For more details check out ourBrand Guidelines.
DATE LOCATION TIME
WEDNESDAY
APRIL 10
Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center
14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
TUESDAY
APRIL 16
Los Altos Youth Center
One North San Antonio Road, Los Altos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
THURSDAY
APRIL 18
Joan Pisani Community Center
19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga 6:30 - 8:00 pm
TUESDAY
APRIL 23
Los Altos Hills Town Hall
26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills 6:30 - 8:00 pm
THURSDAY
APRIL 25
Rolling Hills Middle School
1585 More Avenue, Los Gatos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
TUESDAY
APRIL 30
Pavilion @ Redwood Estates
21450 Madrone Drive, Los Gatos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
WEDNESDAY
MAY 8
Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center
14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
TUESDAY
MAY 14
Pavilion @ Redwood Estates
21450 Madrone Drive, Los Gatos 6:30 - 8:00 pm
THURSDAY
MAY 16
Monta Vista High School
21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino 6:30 - 8:00 pm
TUESDAY
MAY 21
Los Altos Hills Town Hall
26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills 6:30 - 8:00 pm
THURSDAY
MAY 30
Joan Pisani Community Center
19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga 6:30 - 8:00 pm
To participate in the chipping program, visit www.SCCFireSafe.org and go to Fuel Reduction Programs.
Please complete and submit the online application when piles are stacked and ready to be chipped.
Due Date Community Project Type
April 14 Hutchinson Rd/ Summit Rd — West of Hwy 17 At Home
April 14 Summit Rd/ Melody Ln & Mountain Charlie Rd At Home
April 27 Redwood Estates — Day 1 Drive-up
April 28 Redwood Lodge Rd/ Summit Woods Dr At Home
April 28 Montevina Rd/ Brush Rd/ Hillside Dr At Home
May 4 Chemeketa Park Drive-up
May 5 Beardsley Rd/ Black Rd/ Thompson Rd/ Gist Rd At Home
May 5 Highland Rd/ Longridge Rd/ Stetson Rd At Home
May 12 Cupertino At Home
May 12 Aldercroft Heights/ Soda Springs Rd At Home
May 12 Los Gatos – Below the Dam At Home
May 12 Saratoga & Monte Sereno At Home
May 18 Redwood Estates — Day 2 Drive-up
May 19 Bear Creek Rd/ Bear Creek Stables At Home
May 19 Summit Rd — Near Loma Prieta/ Villa Del Monte At Home
June 2 Gillette Dr/ Call of the Wild/ OSCH — Between Holy City & Summit Rd At Home
June 2 Oakmont Dr/ Wright Dr / OSCH — Between Holy City & Hwy 17 At Home
June 15 Loma Prieta Drive-up
Project Types
Drive-up: Bring cut fuel to a designated location and chipping is done on the spot.
At Home: Chipping is done house to house. Chipping application must be submitted & piles must be ready by the due date.
Chipping will occur within 3 weeks of the due date; do not place additional material in piles after the due date.
West Valley Cities and
Lexington Basin/Summit Communities
2019 Chipping Program Schedule
The Defensible Space Chipping Program
is a FREE service provided by the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council
All hazardous fuel reduction programs are supported by local donations, which are greatly appreciated!
Donations are accepted @ www.SCCFireSafe.org or by mail:
Santa Clara County FireSafe Council 14380 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga CA 95070
CHIPPING PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST
DO
¨ Maintain Defensible Space
Zone 1: 5 ft. non-combustion zone from house
• Clear 10 ft. around chimneys
• Remove limbs overhanging on roofs
Zone 2: 30 ft. clean & green zone
• Reduce fuel 30 ft. from roads
• Clear 14 ft. above & 12 ft. wide on driveway
Zone 3: 100 ft. reduced fuel zone
¨ Piles must be located on the uphill side of the
road or driveway
¨ Piles must be hand stacked & limbs must be under 8 inches thick
¨ Pile location must be safely accessible for a large truck & chipper trailer
(narrow and/or steep driveways may not be serviceable)
¨ Piles must be within 5 ft. of the chipper location & less than 4 ft. in height
¨ Cut ends must face the same direction and point out toward the chipper location
¨ Chips will be blown back onto the property or hauled away at the contractor’s discretion
¨ Make sure street address is clearly visible from the road (min. 4” high numbers)
¨ Notify SCCFSC if you have dogs, loose dogs may prevent chipping
DO NOT
¨ No timber harvest debris, vineyard or orchard waste
¨ No poison oak, ivy, or blackberry vines. No broom or acacia with seed pods or other invasive plant materials
¨ No piles of leaves, pine needles or yard clippings. Only woody brush/branches
¨ No non-compostable materials (painted or preserved lumber, trash, metal, wire, etc.)
¨ No palm fronds, roots, stumps, rocks or mud
Note: 100 ft. reduced fuel zone required by law in State Responsibility Areas, and Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones in Local Responsibility Areas. For details about 30 ft. zones, go to www.SCCFireSafe.org
PG&E Services
When clearing trees, check for power lines on or near
your property. PG&E’s qualified tree contractors may
be able to prune or remove trees near high voltage
lines for free.
To request this PG&E service, call: 800.743.5000
Note: Cal/OSHA requires certified line clearance tree
workers to perform any tree work within 10 ft. of
high voltage power lines.
For more information about Santa Clara County FireSafe Council’s Defensible Space Chipping Program,
service availability, or for further assistance, please visit: www.SCCFireSafe.org or call 408.975.9591