Hazardous Fuels Reduction

The process of removing or reducing the accumulation of vegetation and other combustible materials that can fuel the growth and spread of wildfires. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including prescribed burns, mechanical thinning, and manual removal of dead or excess vegetation. The primary goal of hazardous fuels reduction is to decrease the risk of severe wildfires by limiting the available fuel sources and creating more defensible spaces around structures and natural resources. In legal disputes related to wildfires, such as the Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak Fire, issues may arise concerning the effectiveness and adequacy of hazardous fuels reduction efforts, the responsibility of various parties in managing and maintaining fire-prone landscapes, and the potential role of fuels reduction in preventing or exacerbating wildfire events.