Important Phone Numbers

Free Fire Hazard Assessment

The Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade and the U.S. Forest SErvice are offering fire hazard assessments to interested residents/owners in the Big Sur Community. A team representing both agencies will be happy to advise you how to reduce the risk of loss of your home and property during a wildfire. To schedule an appointment at your site please call Preston Sult, BSVFB at 67-2113, press 2 and leave a message or Steve Dean, USFS 667-2423.

Water Sources

In our rural community we do not have the luxury of fire hydrants every 100 feet, but we do all have water tanks. However, if the Fire Brigade cannot reach the tank or if those tanks do not have the proper connections that the Brigade can use, they cannot use the water for firefighting purposes, making that water virtually useless in the event of a fire. Make sure your water tank has the appropriate fire department connections and if access is a problem or if the tank is located a distance from the road consider installing a fire hydrant. You can obtain these fire department connections through various vendors. We have successfully used Kennedy Brothers in Salinas (831) 753-6100. Now mark those connections so they are easily located with the standard markings. A red plaque with white reflective letters that simply states: "Fire Department Connection" hanging around or attached to the water source. Fashion Streaks in Sand City, will mail you the appropriate sign for a nominal charge of $10. You can contact Fashion Streaks at (831) 393-0933.

Have your address posted and visible

Please obtain and post your address at the end of your driveway so the Fire Brigade can find you easily. Numbers should be a minimum of 4" in height and should be reflective to be easily read at night from both directions of travel. If we can't find you, we can't help. You want the firefighters to be able to identify your home quickly. If you don't have an address you can obtain one easily by contacting the Monterey County Department of Public Works at (831) 755-4800 or by writing them at 312 E. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901. You will need to supply your assessors parcel number and a check for $25.00. You can obtain an address from Public Works for vacant property. Once you obtain your address please call the Fire Brigade with your name, assessors parcel number, phone number and address. The Fire Brigade will make sure that your new address is added to the response brooks. All information is strictly confidential and will not be shared with any other public agency! Remember when the heat is on, seconds count.

Clear All flammable Vegetation around your home

In the event of a fire in the community you can help us to help you by providing defensible space that firefighters will need to save your home in a fire. Defensible space means clearing all flammable vegetation a minimum of 30' and in some cases depending on the slope 100' around your home. Replant with fire resistive native vegetation for erosion control. Limb trees 6 x 8 feet from the ground and keep your roof and gutters free from pine needles and leaves.

Now that I've cleared around my home what do I do with the material

The Fire Brigade in conjunction with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) has instituted a chipper program in the community. We have found numerous community members that don't feel safe when burning piles. Chipping is an excellent alternative and you can use the chips in your garden. You would need to cut the vegetation and CDF will provide the chipper and the crews to do the chipping. This program runs from November to May. For more information, contact the Fire Brigade at (831) 625-8175.

What about burning?

It is not necessary to obtain a burn permit in the Mid Coast Area to burn backyard clippings. It is illegal to burn anything other than yard clippings.

Before you burn - Piles must not be any larger than 10 x 10. A line must be cleared to bare soil around the pile, someone must be in attendance at all times with water readily available in case of an escape. You can be held liable for any damages and suppression costs if your burn escapes the pile. You must also call the Monterey County Air Resources Board at (800) 225-BURN to find out if burning is permitted for that day. Also before you burn, please call the Fire Brigade and advise them that you are burning, your name, a contact phone number and location. This saves numerous fire responses to a planned pile burn. If no one answers, please leave a message with the above information.

Backyard burning is permitted from December 1 to April 30 only!

Appointment with the Chief

If you are unsure what needs to be done to make your property fire safe, the Chief will visit your property to discuss just how much clearance is needed or a possible fire hydrant connection. You can contact the Chief at the Brigade number.