Ventura Fire Marshal Brett Reed speaks with Our Ventura TV host, Sandra Siepak, to discuss local fire prevention efforts, community safety, and wildfire readiness.
Core Responsibilities & Enforcement:
The Fire Prevention Division, composed of 11 inspectors and a fire prevention supervisor, enforces fire and building codes across Ventura. When violations occur, property owners typically receive a notice of violation with time to correct it. Immediate life safety hazards, such as blocked exits, must be resolved on the spot.
Year-Round Wildfire & Fuel Management:
Wildfire threat is now a year-round issue rather than a seasonal occurrence. While June 1st is the official deadline for weed abatement and brush clearance, property owners must maintain defensible space continuously to protect structures and allow firefighters safe operational access.
Home Hardening & Evacuations:
Alongside defensible space, home hardening (updating vents, windows, siding, and roofing materials) offers cost-effective protection against embers. Residents are urged to register at vcalert.org for emergency notifications and strictly follow evacuation orders without delay so emergency responders are not diverted to perform rescues.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP):
Developed in partnership with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council, the CWPP maps out local fire history, topography, and fuel-reduction projects into a strategic general plan. Having this plan in place opens access to state and federal grant funding through agencies like Cal Fire.
State Mandates & Hazardous Materials:
The division oversees plan checks for new developments, mandatory inspections for multi-family units, schools, high-rises, and care facilities, and enforces hazardous materials regulations (including storage tanks and business plans) through the state unified CUPA program.
TV broadcast week beginning 10/04/26
Producer: George Alger
Sponsor: NONPROFIT FIRE, Google Ad Grants Community Building NonProfitFire.org
Sponsor: SKYWORKS MARKETING, Performance Advertising SkyworksMarketing.com