Defensible Space Assistance Program – Yr. 2023

El Dorado County Fire Safe Council
2023 Defensible Space Assistance Program
For Seniors, Veterans or Those with Low Income

This program is open year-round to new applications as long as funding is available. As long as the link is available, applications are being accepted. 

DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND AND WEATHER DELAYS, THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS TAKING AN AVERAGE OF 90 DAYS TO COMPLETE ONCE ACCEPTED.  WE ARE WORKING ON SHORTENING THAT TIMEFRAME.

To access the application please click here.

To check application status and for all other questions, please contact our Program Manager, Jessica at grantadmin@edcfiresafe.onmicrosoft.com. 

The El Dorado County Fire Safe Council (EDCFSC) has been awarded funding to help create defensible space around the primary homes of seniors, veterans or those with low income on the western slope of El Dorado County.  Applicants must be financially and physically unable to develop defensible space around their home.  Creating defensible space around their homes will improve the chance of the residence surviving a fire.  Removing excess vegetation could improve fire suppression efforts and provide a safe area for firefighters to defend the home and/or respond to emergency calls on the property. Participation in this program is voluntary and at no cost to the applicant.

After an application is received EDCFSC will conduct a defensible space evaluation.  Following the evaluation, a determination will be made as to if the application will be accepted.  If the application is accepted a contractor will be scheduled to do the recommended work.  

A licensed and insured land and tree service contractor will perform the work as determined by EDCFSC. The purpose of the work is to help create defensible space around the home.  In some cases, not all work recommended will be completed. The contractor will rake pine needles/leaves, weed eat, remove brush and limb ladder fuel from trees around the home.  They will NOT clean roofs or gutters.  Bark beetle killed trees and/or other trees that are recommended for removal are the owner’s responsibility.

The State of California requires a clearance of 100 feet from a structure or to the property line (Public Resources Code 4291 and El Dorado County Ordinance No. 5101).  This minimum is required to protect your home in the event of a wildland fire.  In some cases, based on the fuel type, topography and weather conditions, 100 feet of clearance may not be sufficient to protect your home.  The defensible space clearance provided by EDCFSC will focus on the 30-75 feet immediately surrounding your residence; in some cases, this clearing will not meet PRC 4291 and Ordinance No. 5101 clearance requirements.  It is still the resident or property owners’ responsibility to comply with fuel reduction requirements.  Funding is limited, applications will be evaluated and serviced on a first received, first served basis.  

Eligibility requirements:
* Veteran (or Veteran’s Widow/Widower): a copy of DD214, El Dorado County Veteran Identification Card or Department of Identification Card must be shown during the on-site defensible space evaluation.
                                                                  OR
*Senior: proof of age over 60 must be shown during the on-site defensible space evaluation.
                                                                  OR
*Low Income: Maximum Annual Household Income Limits-1 person = $31,950, 2 persons = $36,540, 3 persons = $41,100, 4 persons = $45,660.

This program is made possible with funding provided by these organizations: