Katie is one of 4 Siskiyou CAL FIRE Defensible Space Inspectors (DSIs) who are trained professionals that assess properties within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) where CAL FIRE has direct jurisdiction. Their primary mission is to both educate homeowners and enforce Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291, a state law requiring residents to maintain “defensible space” around their homes.
This defensible space “a 100 feet of managed vegetation”, provides a critical buffer that slows the spread of wildfire and creates a safer zone for firefighters to defend homes.
In Siskiyou County, CAL FIRE inspectors review all improved parcels within the SRA. After an inspection, homeowners receive a notice indicating whether their property is in compliance or if fire hazards must be addressed.
CAL FIRE emphasizes that the program is not intended to penalize residents, but to encourage people to maintain proper defensible space while also offering education and guidance to help residents prepare for wildfires and protect their homes and the community.
Fire Prevention Specialist II, (PIO Siskiyou Unit,) Suzie Brady, says that they try to hit each community every other year. “We have only 4 inspectors for the whole county.”
If people are not able to maintain their properties, CAL FIRE will work with homeowners to comply. “We will point homeowners to folks that may be able to help like the local Fire Safe Council. And we can give them longer timelines to get the issues resolved,” says Brady.
Katie, who is in her mid-twenties, says that she is questioned every day because she looks so young but she doesn’t mind.
For information about this subject, contact Fire Prevention Specialist Suzie Brady’s office at (530) 842-1022
