Submitted By Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola

Annual notices to abatement hazardous weeds and brush are being mailed out this week and next by the Fillmore Fire Department. The last date to remove the weeds is June 1st but the Fire Department encourages everyone to have their weeds removed as soon as possible due to the dry conditions that have persisted this past month. Heavy rainfall this last winter has contributed to a bumper crop of weeds throughout the region; some properties in the city have had weeds grow as tall as shoulder high. When clearing dry brush and weeds take precautions to ensure accidental fires are not started by hot exhaust from weed eaters and lawn mowers. The Fire Department suggests that weed clearing occur in the mornings when humidity's are higher and temperatures are cooler. Dead wood from trees and brush should be removed. Dead palm fronds are also encouraged to be removed. To help facilitate early hazardous weed and brush removal, the City with help from Harrison Industries and the local Fire Safe Council, is hosting a free "Yard Waste Disposal Day" on May 4 (see announcement in the Gazette). There will also be a Weed Abatement Question and Answer session on Tuesday April 30 from 5 - 7 PM on the steps of City Hall. Fire Department personnel will be available to answer questions in both English and Spanish.