DefEnsible Space Grant Funding

California homeowners: You may qualify for free Defensible Space services through grants

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.


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


Each county distributes it's Fire Safe Council grant money differently and some may not offer grants to individual homeowners at all. Funding availability for these programs varies from year to year, and the application process can be competitive. Also, each program's specific requirements and terms may change, so check with the funding organization for the most up-to-date information.


defensible space Services

Grind Fire Defense provides defensible space services. There are 4 areas or zones to consider when creating a defensible space.

beautiful house with blue sky and big front yard

Zone 0

Ember Resistant

The immediate surroundings of your buildings and structures from structure to approximately 5' out.

beautiful front yard with trees and drive way

Zone 1

Lean, Clean & Green

Extends 30 feet from buildings, structures, decks, etc. or to your property line, whichever is closer.

great example of yard with defensible space

Zone 2

Reduce Fuel

Zone 2 extends from 30 to 100 feet from your structures, decks, etc., or to your property line.

two men cutting down brush and trees

Zone 3

Egress and Extend

Zone 3 is an access zone, adjacent to roads and driveways. Also called ingress and egress.

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


California Wildfire Disaster Resources