Mountain communities across Kern County are preparing for Wildfire Season by clearing defensible space surrounding their homes.

Today, 23ABC's Meteorologist Mike Boyce spoke with Bear Valley Spring's resident David Rivas to find out what work is involved in clearing this space, and why it's so important. Rivas says "at some point during the year, within the next couple of months, all this grass that you see is going to be dead, and that is going to be a horrific fire hazard".

El Nino brought much needed rain and snow to much of California, but this is a double edged sword. Heavy rain and snows have provided much needed moisture for grass and underbrush to grow, which will eventually die and dry out, leading to dangerous fire potential.

Kern County Fire Department will be issuing administrative citations of $250 for all properties not in compliance of the following guidelines:

Clearance Requirements:

- 100' clearance around all structures

- 10' clearance around all property lines

- 10' clearance around stovepipe/chimney outlets

- 10' clearance around LPG tanks

- 10' clearance around all property lines of vacant lots and reduction of excessive accumulation of fuel declared to be a fire hazard within vacant lots

- Remove all dead limbs that are overhanging any structures

- Remover lower limbs of all non-ornamental trees to a height of 6' off the ground

- Clear roof of all combustible vegetation and debris

Source: Kern County Fire Department 

More information can be found on Kern County Fire Department's website.

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