Fines Sent to Homes Already Destroyed
Many Pacific Palisades residents are furious after the city sent brush clearance fines to homeowners whose properties were destroyed in last year's deadly wildfire.
Carol Sandborn, who lost her home of 40 years, wrote in red ink on the bill before returning it:
This is insulting and cruel. I no longer have a home, nor do I have any brush.
She said she was "stunned" to receive the notice.
Brush Clearance Regulations
According to Los Angeles Fire Department regulations, brush clearance fines apply to property owners in high-risk areas who fail to clear flammable vegetation, thereby creating a safe distance to prevent fire spread. The bill shows a $31 fine for "non-compliance."
Residents Refuse to Pay Fines on Principle
Residents claim firefighters did not conduct on-site inspections of properties undergoing reconstruction. Some have declared they will not pay the fine "on principle." One resident told local television:
$31 isn't much, but I won't pay it. This is a matter of principle.
The city has not yet provided a detailed explanation for the fine notices related to properties completely destroyed in the fire.
