John Berry has no use for these weeds growing behind his propane business. He knows in a few weeks they'll be dried up and threaten his tanks. "That's a big risk when you have propane tanks. You have to make sure it's cleared away in case a fire does come," said Berry.
Berry is ahead of the curve. All around the city of Fresno, Clovis and Fresno County weeds are growing in abundance. Thanks to a rainy winter these unwanted plants have flourished.
John Dominguez with CalFire said property owners in the county can expect hazardous abatement crews to visit making sure land is properly cleared. He warned grass like this burns very quickly.
Dominguez said, "Sometimes they have access problems and getting up the residence to protect your valuables that can be destroyed can pose a risk."
The city of Fresno expects vacant property to be clean and cleared by April 15th.
"There's always the likelihood of someone throwing a cigarette in those areas," said Esko Siipola who is in charge of the city's weed abatement program.
His team of four code enforcers will strategically check vacant lots making sure the properties are in compliance with local law. Siipola said there are more than 5000 lots.
"Basically the property owner has two notifications over the course of the year to comply and again if he doesn't we unfortunately have to go through the citation process," said Siipola.
City officials said property owners are generally compliant with the rules ... however; if they disobey they face a fine up to $800.00.
CalFire officials said residents must be in compliance by May 15th or face a similar fine as well as a misdemeanor charge.
