Unusually heavy weed growth triggered by a series of storms in January and February has prompted the Manteca Fire Department to move its weed abatement efforts up a full month. They will start on April 1 this year.“The change is necessary to address the significant amount of growth we have seen, which we attribute to the rainfall,” noted Manteca Fire Marshal Lantz Rey.Firefighters over a two-week period inspect all properties that they can see from their fire engine cab from streets as well as alleys. Properties found to be in violation of the city’s weed abatement ordinance will be sent a courtesy notice requesting the property owner to voluntarily comply by cutting or destroying the weeds or vegetation within 30 days.If property owners fail to comply, the city will hire an independent contractor to mow the property.