I Just Got a CAL FIRE Notice—What Now?

A CAL FIRE Prevention Officer just paid you a visit. Maybe they left a notice on your door, or maybe you had a quick conversation in the driveway. Finding out your property didn’t pass its defensible space inspection can feel like a lot to take in.

Take a breath. You’re not alone—and you’re not in trouble.

CAL FIRE isn’t out to fine you or penalize you. Their mission is to help reduce wildfire risk across California’s communities, and part of that includes annual inspections to make sure properties meet minimum fire safety standards.

Think of this notice as an opportunity to get your property dialed in before the peak of fire season—not as a warning letter.

At Grind Fire Defense, we work alongside CAL FIRE and homeowners like you to make the path to compliance as smooth, safe, and straightforward as possible.

Why Did I Get a Notice?

CAL FIRE issues LE-100 notices when a property is out of compliance with California’s Public Resources Code 4291. This state law lays out the basics of defensible space, requiring all structures in wildfire-prone zones to maintain clear, safe zones that reduce the risk of ignition and slow the spread of fire.

This includes:

• Clearing dead or dry grass, leaves, and debris
  
  
• Creating spacing between trees and shrubs
  
  
• Trimming tree limbs away from roofs and chimneys
  
  
• Keeping the first 5 feet around structures free of flammable materials
  
  

If your property didn’t meet one or more of these standards, you may have been given a notice requesting corrective action by a certain date.

CAL FIRE vs. Insurance: What's the Difference?

This is where things can get confusing.

A CAL FIRE LE-100 notice is based on state laws intended to keep you and your community safe. Insurance companies, however, may have their own separate standards for wildfire preparedness—and those expectations aren’t always the same. Some insurers even send their own inspectors, with criteria that go above and beyond what CAL FIRE requires.

So while you may meet CAL FIRE compliance, your insurer might still raise concerns—or even threaten to cancel coverage—based on their internal risk model. It’s important to know which agency is asking for what, and to address both with good documentation and a proactive approach.

What Happens If I Ignore the CAL FIRE Notice?

Failing to act on a CAL FIRE notice can lead to:

• Administrative fines or penalties
  
  
• CAL FIRE contracting out the work and billing you
  
  
• Insurance companies flagging your property as high-risk
  
  
• Increased fire danger for your home and neighbors
  
  

That’s why it’s best to treat the notice as a to-do list—not a red flag.

What to Do Next (Step-by-Step)

1. Read the Notice Carefully

Highlight what’s out of compliance and the deadline to correct it. Some citations come with checklists or photos; others are brief. Note anything unclear.

2. Call CAL FIRE if You Have Questions

Use the contact info on your notice. CAL FIRE prevention officers are approachable and helpful—they’ll walk you through what needs to be done and clarify any confusing language.

3. Get a Professional Defensible Space Assessment

If the work seems overwhelming or unclear, call Grind Fire Defense. We’ll assess your property, explain the requirements, and put together a clear plan of action that meets both CAL FIRE expectations and real-world wildfire defense.

We work with CAL FIRE regularly and understand the intent behind each line of the LE-100. We're here to help you get it right the first time.

4. Begin Mitigation Work

Common tasks include:

• Brush clearance
  
  
• Tree pruning and limbing
  
  
• Weed abatement
  
  
• First five feet hardening (removing wood piles, bark, plants near the home)
  
  

If you’d rather not take it on yourself, our trained crews can handle the work quickly and safely.

5. Document Everything

Take before-and-after photos and save receipts. If you’re reinspected or asked for proof by insurance, these materials are gold.

6. Schedule a Reinspection (If Needed)

If your notice includes instructions for requesting a follow-up, do so after completing the work. If not, call the CAL FIRE contact on your form and ask how to confirm compliance.

Can’t Get It Done in Time? Don’t Ghost the Notice.

Sometimes the work is more than one homeowner can handle—especially if vegetation has built up over the years. If that’s the case, call CAL FIRE before your deadline. They often grant extensions to homeowners who:

• Communicate clearly
  
  
• Show visible effort
  
  
• Have a plan to complete the work
  
  

We’re happy to help you with this process.

Bottom Line: This Is About Fire Safety, Not Punishment

Getting a CAL FIRE notice doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It means there’s an opportunity to make your property safer—for you, your family, and your neighbors.

With fire seasons growing more intense, CAL FIRE is doing their part to help communities prepare. We’re proud to work alongside them to support those efforts—and support you, too.

Need Help Responding to a CAL FIRE Notice?

Whether you just received a citation or want help staying ahead of wildfire season, Grind Fire Defense is here to help. We offer:

• On-site property assessments
  
  
• Full defensible space and vegetation clearing services
  
  
• Documentation and follow-up support
  
  
• Experience working directly with CAL FIRE
  
  

Let’s turn that notice into peace of mind—quickly, safely, and with the respect your property deserves.

📞 (530) 999-2035
📧 lori.templeton@grindfiredefense.com
📍 Serving Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Siskiyou, Trinity, Glenn & Lassen Counties