ALERT: The Office of the State Fire Marshal has released updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps. Your home may now fall within a designated fire zone. Click here to learn more or if you’d like to comment on the State Fire Marshal’s new fire zone maps.

Vegetation Management Program (VMP)

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Caption: Before and after satellite imagery reveals the devastating impact of wildfire, highlighting the urgent need for defensible space and fire preparedness in our communities.

The Vegetation Management Program (VMP) ensures that there is adequate defensible space within the wildland-urban interface in Glendale’s hillside and canyon communities.

What Does the Program Include?

Program activities include:

  • Annual inspections and review/permitting of new landscape and fuel modification plans for properties in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Why Is Defensible Space Important?

The ultimate goal of the VMP is to reduce the risk of buildings igniting during a wildfire by creating a buffer of defensible space between maintained vegetation and surrounding unmaintained or native vegetation.

This buffer helps to:

  • Decrease fire intensity and slow the spread before reaching structures.
  • Reduce ignition sources, including potential sources of embers.
  • Provide a safer landing area for falling embers.

Fire Code Requirements

Per the California Fire Code with Glendale Amendments:

  • Defensible space must be maintained within 100 feet of any nearby combustible building, including structures on adjacent properties.
  • In some cases, at the Fire Marshal’s discretion, up to 200 feet may be required.
Patty Mundo

Patty Mundo
Vegetation Management Program
Fire Environmental Safety Specialist
pmundo@glendaleca.gov

File a Complaint

If you have concerns about vegetation management in your area, please submit a complaint using the link below.

Submit a Complaint

Learn More About Glendale's Vegetation Management Program

To learn more about the Glendale Fire Department Vegetation Management Program, see the links below:

Fire Hazard Severity Zones Defensible Space Landscape & Fuel Modification Hardening Your Home Vegetation Management Program Fee AB 38 – Real Estate Disclosure Law Zone 0 - Assembly Bill 3074 Vegetation Management Projects

Additional Resources

Glendale VMP Resources:

VMP Public Portal Brush Clearance Contractor List GYA Weed Abatement 2025 VMP Letter VMP Brochure Fire Prevention Postcard

For additional information about defensible space, brush clearance, and wildfire planning:

CalFire Wildfire Planning & Engineering LA County ACWM Weed Abatement Program