Manteca Fire Department starts weed abatement program to reduce fire hazards

The Manteca Fire Department is taking action and trying to get ahead of this fire season by asking residents to reduce fire danger or face fines. 

Usually, the fire department starts the program in late April or May, but because of all the weather whiplash the area has seen over the past few months, vegetation has exploded and left many yards and properties with fire hazards. 

"Just tall weeds and junk," Manteca Resident Mark Ruiz said. "After a while, you wake up in the morning and you walk and you go, 'Oh, geez, look at that.'"

Ruiz says his neighbor's yard becomes overgrown and unmaintained every spring.

He's thankful for the Manteca Fire Department and its enforcement, asking property owners to clean up.

"It just makes the city look good," he shared. "There's probably houses all over the city like this."

That's why the department does this every year, asking people to clear out overgrown vegetation and debris before a fire sparks.

Just ask Mel Shepherd, who was given a warning when he moved back into his childhood home.

"We had the house for eight or 10 years before we moved back over after my mom passed away. I did get one or two notices and got the gardener to take care of it," Shepherd explained. "We've never gotten fined."

This weed abatement applies to all kinds of properties, whether that's for homes, commercial or city land. The fire department says this is about prevention, not enforcement.

"I'd hate to see it happen to anybody," Ruiz continued. "Nobody's house should burn, but part of it is keeping your weeds from being five feet tall."

"Around the corner, there are dead weeds growing right out by the sidewalk. I think that would help for them to get a notice," Shepherd said.

First, property owners will get a warning and if it's not cut back within 30 days, citations range from $335 to $635.

The department says now is the best time to cut back, while weeds are still green, to prevent future fire hazards.