Fire Hazard Reduction Program

Despite heavy rainfall in early 2023, our area remains critically dry due to long-term drought conditions. One of the best defenses to protect against wildfire is to clear flammable grass, trees, and shrubs away from structures and create what’s known as a “defensible space” around properties.

Fire prevention efforts are most successful when community members and firefighters work together. The Ventura Fire Department requests that property owners join forces to protect lives and structures from potential wildfires through participation in the annual Fire Hazard Reduction Program, or FHRP.

The goal of the Ventura Fire Department's Fire Hazard Reduction Program is to protect life and property by removing flammable brush, reducing vegetation density, and creating adequate defensible space. This reduction increases firefighter and public safety and improves the Department's ability to protect your property in the event of a fire.

In accordance with the City of Ventura's Fire Code, all City of Ventura property owners whose properties are located in a "Very High" or "High" Fire Hazard Severity Zone, are required to perform fire hazard reduction brush management by June 1, 2023. Learn more about the FHRP guidelines.

If abatement has been completed no further action will be necessary. If a fire hazard is found, the property owner will be notified.

Additionally, as part of your personal Wildfire Action Plan, please register to receive VC Alert notifications.

Property owners with questions regarding clearance requirements for their property, can contact our Fire Prevention Team by email at [email protected] or by calling 805-658-4717. Thank you for partnering with Ventura City Fire to keep our community protected and prepared.

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The City of Ventura has cancelled the billing program associated with the Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP) effective immediately. During a special meeting on December 19, 2022, the Ventura City Council voted to stop billing charges and refund all fees paid by property owners for the program. Watch a recording of that meeting on the City's YouTube channel, or read the detailed Staff Report.