French, Scotch, and Spanish broom are highly invasive shrubs that spread quickly across open space, roadsides, and hillsides. Originally introduced for landscaping and erosion control, these plants outcompete native vegetation by forming dense stands that block sunlight and consume water and nutrients. Broom produces large amounts of dry, woody material and drops abundant seeds that can remain viable in the soil for decades, allowing infestations to rapidly return if left untreated.

From a wildfire perspective, broom significantly increases fire risk by adding heavy fuel loads and creating ladder fuels (as pictured below) that can spread fire from the ground into the tree canopy and carry fire quickly toward homes and infrastructure. Removing broom helps break up these fuel pathways, reduces flame lengths, and improves defensible space around communities. Broom removal also creates opportunities for native plants to re-establish, improving ecosystem health, supporting wildlife, and increasing long term landscape resilience to wildfire and drought.

Broom pull days are community focussed events led by San Rafael Fire Department employees that focus on reducing broom populations throughout various areas of the city. These events are important to mitigate fuel loading and reduce invasive species cover. We also are able to provide individual broom pullers for rent from our downtown station 51 if you are interested in pulling broom on your own property.

Join the City of San Rafael Fire Department and local volunteers to remove invasive french, scotch and spanish broom from your neighborhood. Broom pulling is easiest and most effective in Winter months when the ground is soft and it is easy to remove the full tap root. No experience is necessary. 

All ages welcome (under 18 with guardian). All participants must complete a Volunteer Registration Form before working. Wear a hat and bring gloves, sunscreen, and water. Due to recent rains the ground may be slippery, so please wear good shoes as well. The San Rafael Fire Department will supply tools, tarps and instruction. Email srfd.dspace@cityofsanrafael.org or call our Wildfire Mitigation Team at 415-485-3054 for more information.