Fire safety is a top priority for the City of Folsom. Crews contracted by the city have begun work to remove ladder fuel in open space areas, parks, and Landscaping and Lighting (L&L) Districts. Ladder fuel consists of living or dead vegetation, including lower branches on large trees, small trees, and shrubs that grow under the canopy of the larger trees. This vegetation is easily ignitable under the right conditions, allowing a low burning fire to vertically climb up from the ground and into the tree canopy. Canopy fires involve additional fuel which can rapidly spread and are much more difficult for fire crews to contain. To remove ladder fuel, tree limbs are typically pruned to a height of 8 to 10 feet above the ground.

This grant-funded project will continue in phased stages over the course of three years. The Folsom Fire Department has identified the areas needing ladder fuel work based on criteria that include the type of vegetation, proximity to structures, and recent fire history. City staff from the fire department, the city arborist, park maintenance, and L&L divisions will monitor the work to ensure that the pruning maintains the health of the trees and the intended safety outcome. Work in open space areas that provide habitat for native species will be scheduled so as not to interfere with breeding or nesting seasons.

Effective management of ladder fuel helps preserve and protect Folsom’s neighborhoods, parks, and open space areas, maintains the habitat of native plants and animals, and provides fire crews with greater access in the event of a fire. Learn more about the city’s ladder fuel plan and the weed abatement and defensible space requirements for residents on the City of Folsom Fire Department webpage.