Dry vegetation can create fire hazards during hot summer months. Folsom has more than 980 acres of city-owned open space, and of that, about 300 acres are weed abated to achieve the required fire safety interface between residential structures and open spaces.

The City of Folsom requires defensible space of at least 30 feet from structures or the property line and the Fire Chief may increase this distance to 100 feet for high-hazard areas. These requirements apply to city-owned property and private property.

The city uses multiple ways to reduce or remove dry vegetation including maintenance staff, contractors, and grazing animals. Many Folsom residents are likely to see goat herds being used to clear areas in and around their neighborhood over the next few months. Goats will be used to clear 408 acres of open space in the city this year. The herds of four-legged weed eaters are taking on hundreds of additional acres that were historically cleared with human work crews in the past.

The weed abatement schedule is based on fire hazard ratings determined by the Fire Chief. If you notice an area in need of weed abatement, first check the abatement schedules on the City of Folsom website. If you’d like to report an unscheduled weed abatement need on vacant private property, use SeeClickFix Folsom or contact the Folsom Fire Department at 916-461-6300.