2010 Defensible Space Hazardous Fuel Reduction Programs

  Click here for Chipping Program and Fuel Break photos

2010 Chipping Program Press Releases: South Santa Clara County,
East Foothills, Lexington Hills (PDF Files)  <<New

Morrill Road Shaded Fuel Break Photos, Press Release (PDF File)

2009 Chipping Program Press Releases: South Santa Clara County, Lexington Hills (PDF Files)

The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council has received federal grants for:

1. A Defensible Space Chipping Program for eligible residents, and

2. A Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors and/or others with physical and financial limitations which prevent them from preparing for chipping.

For 2010, the eligible Communities at Risk from wildfires are East Foothills, Gilroy, Lexington Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, San Martin, Saratoga, San Jose, and adjacent fire prone Wildland Urban Interface areas in Santa Clara County.

For more on Defensible Space, see Living With Fire in Santa Clara County below.

Defensible Space Chipping Program

Special Needs Assistance Program

Chipping Program Requirements:

• Chipping will only be done along road or driveway frontage which will allow the crew to work from the road or driveway.

• Piles must be within 5 feet of chipper access.

• Piles must be on the uphill side of road or driveway.

• Piles must be free of roots, stumps, rocks, mud, poison oak, blackberry and vines.

• Piles must be stacked with the cut ends facing the same direction, pointing toward the access route to the piles.

• All material chipped will be blown back onto the property.* The chips can be used for mulch.

• SCFSC cannot clean up timber harvest projects or vacant lots.

• Scotch broom,** leaves, pine needles, yard clippings or decaying wood cannot be chipped. Your local green waste program may be able to help with these materials.

Defensible Space Chipping Program Application Form (PDF File)

Photos of a Defensible Space Chipping Project

SNAP Program Requirements:

• Over 65 years old, or

• Physically Disabled (verified by receiving disability, handicap placards for vehicles, etc.)

• Financially unable to hire a contractor and under these low income guidelines:
   - 1 person: $40,000/year ($3,333/month), or
   - 2 people: $50,000/year ($4,167/month)

• Physically unable to create and maintain their Defensible Space on their own.

• SCFSC will work with the homeowner to determine the clearing that will be done.  The amount of work to be done cannot exceed two days of work for the clearing/chipping crew.

• All material chipped will be blown back onto the property.* The chips can be used for mulch.

Special Needs Assistance Program Application Form (PDF File)

Photos of a SNAP Project

For questions or to apply for one of these programs:

• Funding for these programs is limited – please let us know
  if you are interested.

• E-mail DSChip@SCCFireSafe.org or call (408) 975-9591 with your name, address and phone number. Specify the program you are interested in and we will send you the application form or you can download application forms from the links above.

• Fill out the form and fax to (408) 624-9316 or <<New Fax #
  mail to SCFSC at 16174 Highland Drive, San Jose, CA 95127.

If you have participated in our Chipping Programs, please complete our online
Chipping Satisfaction Survey.  Printable PDF version of the Satisfaction Survey.

2010 Chipping Programs Description (printable PDF version of this page).

Living With Fire in
Santa Clara County

New 2009 Edition

Learn how to make
 a Defensible Space
around your home!

Click here for our
new 20-page guide
for property owners
and residents.