Weed abatement is a crucial step in helping tamper down fire risks around homes and businesses and this year, the Escalon Fire Department is seeking to develop a list of partners to assist with the process.
Often, noted Battalion Chief Dan Morriss, homeowners don’t have the ability to do the abatement or the owner may live out of the area and doesn’t necessarily want to travel in order to handle the task.
“We are hoping to develop a list of insured individuals that will be available to provide weed abatement,” Morriss explained.
The list of available contractors (business or individual) would be provided to those who need the weed abatement service; homeowners are responsible for the cost. The fire department does periodic checks and typically has to contact some homeowners to inform them of the need for the weed abatement to create a defensible space around their property.
Morriss said it usually involves weed eating and small and/or large-scale mowing, so individuals or businesses with those capabilities are being sought to add to the list.
They would have to have a city business license if the weed abatement is done within city limits. Properties in need of abatement can be located anywhere in the Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District boundaries.
“It’s really hard to start right now,” Morriss admitted of getting any weed abatement program officially underway.
That, he said, because the area may still get some rain and any abatement done now might have to be readdressed following any more significant rainfall.
But they do want to get the list prepared and anyone interested in learning more about it can contact Morriss at the Escalon Fire Department, 209-838-7500.
“Last year we basically used two,” Morriss said of the abatement effort. “This year we’re just putting it out there that we can have more.”
He also said the rainy weather and recent warm temperatures have combined to kickstart the weed growth so there will likely be a significant need for the abatement services over the next couple of months.
