EMCFSC Defensible Space and Hazard Tree Assistance Program

MADERA COUNTY, CA – The Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council (EMCFSC) is pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for Defensible Space Assistance and Hazard Tree Removal. Resources are available to assist low-income, tribal, elderly, or otherwise disadvantaged residents identified as vulnerable in Eastern Madera County (EMC) with establishing defensible space in compliance with regional code ordinances. The goal of this program is to connect the vulnerable populations in EMC’s high and very high severity risk zones with zero-cost defensible space work, hazard tree removal, and assistance in building a personalized wildfire risk mitigation strategy.

Not all homeowners will meet income requirements for free defensible space work. Treatment is specific to PRC 4291 code ordinance and can only be applied to 100′ surrounding a habitable structure. Grass trimming is unfortunately NOT a service funded under this program due to grant limitations. Brush removal, limbing, hazard tree removal, and egress and access improvement may all be considered under this program.

Wildfire Risk Assessments

While funding is available, EMCFSC may offer Comprehensive Wildfire Risk Assessments as a courtesy to EMC residents*, which will help them prioritize their home hardening and vegetation management actions. These inspections are non-regulatory and can help your plans align with best practice, based on your home’s uniqueness. There may be a wait period, as requests for inspections are served in order of receipt.

Funding is limited, so don’t wait to inquire. To see if you and your property qualify, please fill out the form, and a representative will reach out as quickly as possible with further questions and to schedule a site visit.

*Risk assessments will only be available to occupied residences, and may not be leveraged for home sales. If you are looking for a pre-sale, or contingency Wildfire Risk Assessment inspection, reach out to info@easternmaderacountyfiresafecounil.com to purchase a full-report inspection.

Please be aware that they are contacting and servicing homeowners in the order that their inquiry is received. Your patience is appreciated.

Please note, the property must be located in Eastern Madera County in a “high” or “very high” hazard severity risk zone as determined by CAL FIRE. Please visit the following link to determine your properties risk: Fire Hazard Severity Zones

If you have received funding previously you are not eligible for additional defensible space/hazard tree removal funding within this current grant. However, you are encouraged to spread the word about the program and that funding is available now.

Visit the program website for more details.

Reducing risk on private property is imperative to reducing our regional risk as a whole! And remember, wildfire won’t wait for you to be ready.

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