City warns of fire season to come, urges weed abatement now

The City of Hesperia wants you to clean up those weeds.

Tuesday afternoon, the city called residents using their automated Connect-CTY system, and the disembodied voice of city spokeswoman Kelly Malloy explained officials' concerns.

"Our unusually wet winter will soon lead to rapid spring growth," the message ran in part. "And just as quickly as the weeds appeared, our warm weather will dry them out, quickly creating a fire hazard. As fire season nears, it is important for all residents to maintain a defensible space.

"We encourage all residents to be proactive in the removal of any dead undergrowth on shrubs and trees, tumbleweeds, combustible debris and tall, overgrown or dead vegetation. This will not only reduce the chance of a catastrophic fire in our city, but also reduce the number of notices issued to residents for abatement. Whether you abate the hazards yourself or hire a licensed contractor, please adhere to the city’s municipal code for proper disposal. Burying or dumping debris in the open desert is a municipal code violation and can result in citation."

The message ended by noting that the County of San Bernardino will have a free trash dumping day on Saturday, April 10.

The city will be holding a weed abatement workshop for contractors on Monday, March 29, in the Hesperia Library's Community Room at 6 p.m. For more information, call 760947-1343.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 760-956-7108 or at beau@hesperiastar.com. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Hesperia.Star