It can be challenging for residents to maintain the legally required 100 feet of defensible space around your home. Removing hazardous vegetation can leave piles of dry brush and tree limbs that can create their own fire concerns. With the limits, dangers, and air quality concerns that can come with pile burning, chipping the stockpiled materials is a great alternative.
To assist homeowners with achieving their fire safe goals, No-cost chipping services are available to residents in high-fire risk areas in Santa Cruz County The Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County works closely with local Fire Safe Councils, the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCD), CAL FIRE and other local agencies to connect residents with program resources. Chipping programs are currently offered by the following organizations and are funded through grants and private donations. Choose the link below for programs in your specific region of the county to find out if your property or neighborhood is eligible and for details on how to apply
Bonny Doon Fire Safe Council (Bonny Doon Area)
South Skyline Fire Safe Council (Upper Summit Area – Covers North Santa Cruz County)
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (serves high-fire risk areas in Santa Cruz County not covered by other FSCs)