CVPOA Fire Report 2025

Low Hazard Fire Potential Report for Cypress Village POA

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Jessica Clark, Hernando/Pasco County Forester from the Florida Forest Service, to Cypress Village. During her visit, she assessed our community’s fire risk using the Hazard and Wildfire Risk Assessment Scoresheet. We’re delighted to share the results with you: Cypress Village has been scored at a low hazard level, with a total score of 35. The report is linked below.

Key Factors for Low Fire Risk:

• Low fire occurrence in the area.
• Buildings are constructed with block and stucco, avoiding wooden shingles.
• Proximity to Citrus County Fire Rescue Station and Florida Forest Service Ranger Station.

Recommendations:

While our fire risk is low, it’s still important to take proactive steps to maintain and improve fire safety. Here are some key recommendations:

Clear Cogon Grass:

• Cogon grass is a flammable invasive species. Use 41% glyphosate herbicide during the growing season to treat it.
• Spray the blades, wait a month, and repeat 2-3 times per season to ensure effective control.

Defensible Space:

• Maintain a defensible space of 30 feet around your home.
• Our association allows owners to clear underbrush and invasive species in the common area for up to 25 feet with a permit, complementing the 7.5′ and 10′ setbacks required on lots.
• Use a sprinkler system, remove dead vegetation, replace mulch with rock, and use non-flammable plants near the home.

Fire-Resistant Landscaping:

• Opt for flammable-resistant shrubs and trees such as podocarpus, American holly, Simpson’s stopper, and viburnums.
• Small trees like Simpson’s stopper, Walter’s viburnum, holly, fringe tree, and bluejack oak are good alternatives to live oak, magnolia, or crepe myrtle.

Additional Resources:

For more ways to improve defensible space around your home, please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website: Preparing Homes for Wildfire (NFPA – Preparing homes for wildfire).

Let’s stay proactive and ensure Cypress Village remains a safe and beautiful community. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the association office.