Fuel Modification 

Fuel Modification Areas

The City of Rancho Palos Verdes annually conducts fuel modification activities such as removal of dead vegetation, thinning and uplimbing of shrubs/trees that are within 200 feet of any structures to create defensible space using goat grazing as well as hand-operated machinery.  This is based on the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s designation of the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, which requires all property owners to clear dead vegetation and reduce fuel load within 200 feet of any structures.  Not all vegetation is cleared, especially in areas with steep slopes, in part to prevent erosion.  Removal of vegetation (shrubs/trees) creates soil instability during rain events (roots from vegetation keep the soil intact).

The City not only conducts fuel modification activities in the in City-owned properties covering about 300 acres throughout the City’s open space, but it also clears up 10 feet of vegetation along roadways, as required by Los Angeles County Fire Department.  

The City works closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures to maintain a list of City-owned properties where fuel modification activities are performed, known as Fuel Modification Areas.  Click here to see where the Fuel Modification Areas are located.

Los Angeles County Fire Department's Ready Set Go

Click here to see the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Ready Set Go brochure.