STOCKTON, CA - Dozens of pieces of property in south Stockton are vacant and filled with dry grass that poses fire danger.

What frustrates fire chiefs in the area is the unwillingness of property owners to assist with cutting the grass back.

"From Pock (Lane) to the frontage road, the properties are abandoned, neglected, a public nuisance," said Montezuma Fire Chief Ed Martel.

Martel's fire crews were already on Pock Lane once this week fighting a large and fast-moving grass fire. He's concerned they'll be back because so many vacant lots are covered with tall, dry grass.

"What we've been doing is double-staffing, triple-staffing, patrolling this area pretty hard to make sure staff knows where to get in, access, what have you," said Martel.

San Joaquin County's Fire Marshal said a single company owns nearly 30 properties near the Stockton airport. Steve Dalton also said a partner in the company said because of financial problems, the company can't afford to cut back the grass and weeds.

Property owners are responsible for cutting grass in vacant lots but they're given a month of warnings before county crews step in and do the work themselves. That work won't start for another week so lots throughout the area surrounding Pock Lane are overgrown.

Property owners who fail to cut their grass don't get away with not cooperating. They'll be billed by the county for work done.

Dalton said about 2,000 property owners each year get notices in the mail to cut their vegetation. About 200 will ignore the notices and get billed later for county work.