PS Fire Department begins annual wildfire mitigation brush removal
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – In an effort to combat dangerous wildfires as temperatures start to rise, beginning Thursday, May 1 through July 31, the Palm Springs Fire Department will begin annual brush removal of 87 acres that cover 27 potential wildfires zones, determined by a recent Cal Fire fire hazard severity map.
Removal started in the Little Tuscany neighborhood, which officials say has seen the most brush fires in Palm Springs. Just last year, News Channel 3 reported on a fire on the hillside near the community.
“This is one of my most impacted areas by brushfires so it makes sense as fire chief to get after the area that we’ve had the most fires.”
Paul Alvarado, PS Fire Chief
Firefighters and City workers will spend the next few months trimming trees and removing potentially hazardous brush that could spark a wildfire.
In addition, the Palm Springs Fire Department will begin public education asking residents who live in wildfire zones to help clear hazardous brush from 1,254 residential lots located in neighborhoods on the west and south sides of the city.
Officials recommend residents:
Make sure brush up to 100 feet from the home is at least 18 feet apart
Keep grass cut to three inches
Make sure trees are not hanging over roof
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.