Supervisors Barger and Horvath Mobilize L.A. County Response to Post-Fire Vegetation Hazards in Altadena and Santa Monica Mountains
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey P. Horvath directing County departments to develop a coordinated strategy to address hazardous vegetation and brush conditions on fire-impacted residential properties in Altadena and the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains.
In the months since the Eaton and Palisades Fires, thousands of affected properties have remained in various stages of debris removal, insurance resolution, and rebuilding. On many of those lots, vegetation has become severely overgrown due to prolonged vacancy, stalled timelines, ownership uncertainty, or financial hardship. Left unmanaged, that growth increases wildfire risk and contributes to illegal dumping, vermin infestations, impaired sightlines, and broader quality-of-life concerns for neighboring residents.
“These communities are working hard to rebuild, and overgrown lots pose a real threat to that progress and to the neighbors living right next door,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I want County resources working on this problem now, before another fire season puts more lives and property at risk.”
“Los Angeles County is committed to using every tool available to reduce wildfire risk and keep neighborhoods safe—from fuel reduction and ecological restoration to stronger partnerships with community organizations,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “We are focused on protecting lives and property, supporting residents as they recover, and building long-term resilience against the growing threat of wildfires. Los Angeles County will continue working alongside communities every step of the way to create safer, healthier, and more fire-resilient neighborhoods.”
The motion directs the Departments of Public Works, Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Fire, and Chief Sustainability Office—along with the Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Rebuild Authority and other relevant departments—to develop a comprehensive, collaborative approach. That strategy will prioritize voluntary compliance, community outreach, and direct assistance to property owners before any punitive enforcement is considered.
Specifically, departments are directed to evaluate options for addressing hazardous vegetation while ensuring any approach is environmentally responsible and sensitive to the challenges facing fire survivors. The motion emphasizes education, defensible-space assistance, and non-punitive mitigation as preferred first steps, and calls for examination of innovative techniques including targeted grazing and other nature-based vegetation management. Pilot programs in Altadena and the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains, including Sunset Mesa, are among the options to be explored.
Departments are required to return to the Board within 30 days with recommendations covering immediate actions, potential funding sources, legal and operational considerations, and any policy changes needed to support a long-term wildfire risk-reduction strategy.
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