There are several ways to keep your property fire-safe during the warm summer months. City Ordinance requires all residents to maintain grass and weeds at a height of four inches or less throughout the active fire season

Methods for Fire-Safe Vegetation Management

Mowing or Weed Eating

To reduce the risk of sparks that could ignite a fire, these activities must be completed between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. During hotter months, it is recommended to perform them earlier in the day—between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM—to further minimize fire risk.

Disking, Rototilling, or Dozing

For large plots of land, owners must disk, till, or doze a 30-foot-wide perimeter around the entire lot to create a bare ground barrier that helps contain vegetation fires.

Spraying

Spraying is the least effective method as it does not remove vegetation—only kills it. The remaining material still acts as fuel for fire, increasing the risk of spread. If choosing this method, spray vegetation while it is green and growing, then cut the remaining duff to prevent regrowth

Livestock - Go Green Oroville!

Using livestock such as goats, cattle, or other grazing animals is a highly effective way to remove vegetation and naturally fertilize the ground. If selecting this method, property owners must contact the Oroville Fire Department at (530) 538-2481 to request a Pasture Land Affidavit each year

What if I can’t take care of my vegetation because of age or physical health concerns?

Weed abatement contractors can be found in the yellow pages or online under weed control services or disking services. The City of Oroville Fire Department also maintains a list of contractors in the Oroville Fire Department Weed Abatement Resource List.