The City of Folsom has started a project to clear flammable vegetation from open spaces, parks, and Landscaping and Lighting (L&L) Districts. This project, funded by a grant, will take place over three years. The Folsom Fire Department has chosen the areas to focus on based on factors like vegetation type, closeness to buildings, and past fire incidents.
City staff from different departments will oversee the project. This includes the fire department, the city arborist, park maintenance, and L&L divisions. Their goal is to ensure the trees stay healthy and the project achieves its safety goals.
The project will also consider areas that are home to native species. Work in these areas will be scheduled so it doesn’t disrupt the breeding or nesting seasons of these species.
Clearing flammable vegetation is important for keeping Folsom’s neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces safe. It also helps protect the habitats of native plants and animals. In addition, it gives fire crews better access in case of a fire, making it easier to control and put out.
“Fire safety is a top priority for the City of Folsom. Crews contracted by the city have begun work to remove ladder fuel in open space areas, parks, and Landscaping and Lighting (L&L) Districts,” said the City of Folsom in a media announcement. “Ladder fuel consists of living or dead vegetation, including lower branches on large trees, small trees, and shrubs that grow under the canopy of the larger trees. This vegetation is easily ignitable under the right conditions, allowing a low burning fire to vertically climb up from the ground and into the tree canopy.”
This grant-funded project will continue in phased stages over the course of three years. The Folsom Fire Department has identified the areas needing ladder fuel work based on criteria that include the type of vegetation, proximity to structures, and recent fire history. City staff from the fire department, the city arborist, park maintenance, and L&L divisions will monitor the work to ensure that the pruning maintains the health of the trees and the intended safety outcome. Work in open space areas that provide habitat for native species will be scheduled so as not to interfere with breeding or nesting seasons.
You can find more details about the city’s vegetation clearing plan and the requirements for residents on the City of Folsom Fire Department webpage.
