Manteca Issuing Citations For Fire-Hazard Lawns

MANTECA (CBS13) - They're on the hunt for out of control yards. It's a mission of lawn and order.

"We check for weeds, trash, debris, furniture," said Manteca Weeds Battalion Chief Bob Davis, Manteca Fire Department.

Manteca firefighters are not beating around the bush.

"All the engine companies go out to the entire city, check all the parcels," said Davis.

Every piece of land is checked out and the rules are pretty strict. The lawn can't be any higher than six inches, and residents must get rid of dry brush and dead grass.

Either cut the lawn or cut a check. People who don't whack their weeds will be whacked with a $100 fine and $200 for repeat offenders

They issued 1200 citations last year.

Sure, it might look better to tidy up the lawn but firefighters are more interested in curbing fires than curb appeal.

"Yeah, it can pose a huge hazard," said Davis.

A wind-whipped fire four years ago gutted 32 homes in Stockton along I-5.

Manteca is trying to avoid a similar disaster and hoping money motivates homeowners who aren't motivated by prevention.

"If you don't want to pay the fine, cut your weeds," said Manteca resident Rick Wilcox.