Cabin Fuel Reduction

Dumpster and Brush Pile Status

Brush Pile: OPEN

Dumpster: OPEN

Brush Cleanup Rules

  1. Old Air Force Station site is open 7 days/week, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
  2. Our lock has yellow tape.
  3. Always close and lock the gate behind you when you enter and lock the gate when you leave.
  4. We are only allowed to use the designated brush pile and dumpster, no other areas.
  5. The dumpster is for leaves, grass/weed cuttings, pine needles and pine cones only. No wood chips, wood mulch, dirt, rocks or bags allowed. Unload to the back and up to the top edge of the dumpster first. Please close the doors after unloading.
  6. The brush pile is only for native shrubs, brush and branches up to a maximum of 6” in diameter only, and only from the Mt. Laguna community. No wood chips, wood mulch, dirt, rocks or bags allowed. Unload toward the back of the brush pile first.
  7. Please keep the site clean of trash and construction debris is not allowed at this site.
  8. This site is for Mt Laguna community members only, no contractors allowed.
  9. Follow the signs that are posted to and from the brush pile and dumpster only and drive slowly while at this site.
  10. We will lose the usage of this site if we do not follow these rules.

Please instruct all day laborers you use about these guidelines. Go with them for the first run to the dumpster so you can assess the situation and see how much room is remaining in the dumpster.

If the dumpster is near full, please alert Doug Reed, MLFSC President or email [email protected]. (1225)

Cabin Fuel Reduction Guidelines and Fireplace Safety

Cabin owners must do fuel reduction around their cabins annually in the spring. This is known as creating defensible space and helps protect both the cabin and the firefighters in case of a forest fire. The CNF District Ranger wants to remind all cabin owners how important this is with this message regarding Fire Clearance Requirements and this example Recreation Residence Inspection Report

Maintaining defensible space around each and every cabins is vitally important to fire safety for our own cabin, our neighbors, Laguna Mountain and the surrounding communities. The Chariot Fire that burned on Mount Laguna July, 2013 and other catastrophic fires within San Diego County in the last decade have brought the point home all too well that fire safety is everyone’s concern and responsibility. Creating defensible space is a key component to effective fire prevention and fire fighting, if necessary.

The Forest Service has implemented defensible space management zones for Cleveland National Forest structures including cabins. These requirements are also in compliance with relevant sections of the San Diego County Fire Code, CalFire guidelines and other Forest land management policies.

Zone 1 – Lean, Clean and Green Zone

This is the area all the way around the cabin to a point of 30’ away from the structure. Zone 1 must be cleared of brush, leaves, pine needles, tree branches, and flammable material. Special care must be given to trim tree branches over-hanging cabin roofs, near chimneys and stove pipes. Firewood must be stacked 30′ away from all structures.

 Zone 2 – Reduced Fuel Zone

This area is between 30’ to 100’ from the cabin. Native vegetation must be thinned by 50%. Lower tree branches must be trimmed at least five feet off the ground. All dead and dying vegetation must be removed.

 

 

WOODSTOVE AND FIREPLACE SAFETY

Woodstoves and fireplaces commonly provide cabin heat in the colder months. Fire precautions and regular maintenance are essential to keep your cabin safe when using them.

Woodstove and Fireplace Safety Tips
  • Use only seasoned wood, not green wood, for fuel.
  • Never burn trash, paper or artificial logs in them.  Burning inappropriate material can cause heavy creosote buildup and create a fire hazard.
  • Inspect and clean chimneys and stovepipes regularly for creosote buildup, obstructions, and cracks. Inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth (uncracked) joints and seams.
  • Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from wood stoves.
  • Be sure the fireplace damper is open before starting any fire.
  • Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs, and big enough to cover the opening.
  • Be sure the fire is out before going to bed and when leaving your cabin.
  • Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal contain outside the cabin.