DefEnsible Space Grant Funding

If you're a homeowner in a wildfire-prone area of California, you may be eligible for grant funding to help you meet state-mandated defensible space requirements—without spending thousands out of pocket.

What is Defensible Space?

Defensible space is the area around your home that’s cleared, managed, and maintained to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. California law requires property owners in wildfire zones to create and maintain defensible space. But the cost of brush clearing, tree trimming, or home hardening can add up fast.

The good news? Grant programs can cover some of that cost.

What Can Grant Funding Cover?

Depending on your eligibility and location, grant funding may cover:

• 🔧 Professional brush clearing and vegetation management
• 🌲 Removal of dead trees or ladder fuels
• 🏡 Roof and vent upgrades (home hardening)
• 🔎 Defensible space planning

Who’s Eligible?

Funding is limited and each county determines their own eligibility standards for grants. Most counties focus their grant funding on low-income homeowners with physical disabilities. There may also be grants available for large property owners that have land without structures.

You may qualify if you:
✅ Are a low-income homeowner AND
✅ Are a senior, veteran, or person with disabilities

Northern California Defensible space Grant Programs

Your county's Fire Safe Council is funded by state grants–in order to help their county residents stay safe. Start by getting to know your county's Fire Safe Council and check if they offer individual grants or services. Ask questions! Funding availability for these programs varies from year to year, and the application process can be competitive.

• Shasta County Fire Safe Council: https://www.shastafiresafe.org/
  
• Tehama-Glenn Fire Safe Council: https://www.glenncountyrcd.org/tehama-glenn-fire-safe-council
  
• Lassen Fire Safe Council: https://www.lassenfiresafecouncil.org
  
• Butte County Fire Safe Council: https://buttefiresafe.net/
  
• Trinity County Fire Safe Council: https://firesafetrinity.org/
• Siskiyou Fire Safe Council:  https://firesafesiskiyou.com/
  
• Modoc Fire Safe Council: http://modocfiresafecouncil.org
  
• Plumas County Fire Safe Council: https://www.plumasfiresafe.org/
  
• Humboldt County Fire Safe Council: https://humboldtgov.org/689/Fire-Safe-Council
  
• Mendocino Fire Safe Council: https://firesafemendocino.org/
  
• Sonoma County Fire Safe Council: https://www.firesafesonoma.org/
  
• El Dorado County Fire Safe County: https://www.edcfiresafe.org/
  

Here we have collected some great resources for anyone interested in learning more about wildfires and their impact on homes and property. You can find information on wildfires, including where they have occurred recently and what caused them to start. You'll also find tips on how to protect your home from wildfire damage. These include tips on creating a defensible space around your home, clearing brush from around the perimeter and adding fireproof materials to your home.

California Wildfire Preparedness Resources

• Ready.gov https://www.ready.gov/
• Butte County Fire https://www.buttecounty.net/fire
• Tehama County Fire https://www.tehamacountyfire.org/
• Shasta County Fire https://www.shastacounty.gov/fire

California Wildfire Disaster Resources

• California Fire Foundation https://www.cafirefoundation.org/what-we-do/for-communities/save
• Governor's Office of Emergency Resources https://wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov/2022-incidents/
• DisasterAssistance.gov/ https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• FEMA https://www.fema.gov/
• California Community Foundation https://www.calfund.org/wildfirerecoveryfund/
• List of California Based Wildfire Disaster Resources https://www.philanthropyca.org/resources/california-disaster-resources