Big Bear City, CA, April 26, 2013 – Since the Curbside Vegetation Chipping Program debuted in 2005 to help create defensible space on private property, several thousand tons of vegetation have been collected each year. The service had been free to Bear Valley residents, but the program is over now that funding has run out.
There is still work to be done, however, so residents and property owners are still highly encouraged to continue efforts in creating and maintaining defensible space. As Big Bear City Fire Chief Jeff Willis says, “It is vital to the fire fighting tactics and keeping our community safe”.
While creating defensible space, the primary goal is to remove overgrown, dense brush, small trees, limbs, and dead material. As we head into spring and summer months, the Fire Department also encourages clearing property of weeds and pine needles.
For more information on creating defensible space, visit www.thinisin.org. Or call the Big Bear Lake Fire Department at (909) 866-7566.
