Fire Dept. Asks Residents to Prepare for Fire Season

With the start of spring and the vegetation growth brought by winter rains, the City of Murrieta Fire Department announced it will be starting up its Weed Abatement Program again.

According to City fire officials, the season change also means the hot and dry weather of summer and the potential for wildfires is right around the corner. Within the City, there are many areas referred to as wildland urban interface, said Murrieta Fire Department Spokesman Matt Corelli.

Of particular concern are homes built near hills with brush and trees, Corelli said. A fire prevention specialist will be inspecting properties within the City and notifying property owners of areas of concern.

The Murrieta Fire Department Weed Abatement Program assists residents in identifying hazard areas around their property that require weed, brush or tree clearance to create a defensible space in case of a wildfire, Corelli said.

"The Murrieta Fire Department strives to protect the lives and property of our community through fire prevention and public education, and weed abatement is one of the many ways we keep our City safe," Corelli said.

For more information about fire prevention in Murrieta, call 951-304-3473.

Information can also be found online at www.firewise.org or www.firesafecouncil.org.