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The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
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Title: |
Western Placer and Western Nevada Counties, CA -- Chipping Program
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Type: |
Homeowner assistance
Fuelbreaks
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Jurisdiction: |
County
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State: |
California
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Program Description: |
Background
Western Placer and Western Nevada counties are characterized by single family homes on parcels that are three acres and greater. There are 47,000 improved properties within 12 high-fire risk focus areas. These two counties are among the fastest growing areas in California. New residents require significant education regarding the importance of creating defensible space around their structures; California PRC 4291 requires property owners to create defensible space.
Introduction
The California Fire Plan Assessment identified debris burning escapes as the leading source of ignitions in the area. A complication of fuel modifications is the disposal of the resulting woody debris.
A chipping program has been implemented to reduce property owners dependence on burning, thus reducing this risk as an ignition source. An additional benefit of the chipper program is that the chipped material is deposited back on the site; in this way nutrients from decaying woody debris is retained and the landfills are not clogged with these materials. Numerous cooperators have contributed to the program including federal, state, county and local governmental agencies; several firesafe councils, homeowner's associations, and fire districts; and non-governmental environmental organizations.
Homeowner Notification and Education
Fire Safe Councils in the area have been proactive in educating the public about the chipping program through media advertising, forums, and utilizing already established neighborhood association contacts. Once residents are aware of the chipping option to dispose of woody debris resulting from fuel modifications, wider community compliance follows. Project administrators report that the program has been well received by the public.
Project Implementation
As fuel reduction work is completed in neighborhoods, the local Firesafe Councils are notified through a Chipping Hotline that has been established for this purpose. An inspection is then conducted to assess the adequacy of the removal work. If the fuel modifications are adequate, the program manager will organize a crew and dispatch a chipper to reduce the piles to mulch. In Western Place County, the County owns the chipper and oversees the projects; prison inmates provide labor. In Western Nevada County, the Firesafe Council oversees work conducted by a contractor. One desired outcome of this program is that in the future, property owners will be motivated to voluntarily conduct and fund chipping operations; that the properties treated will serve as demonstration sites and will encourage neighbors to take responsibility for their own defensible space.
Funding and Accomplishments
Between March 2001 and June 2001, 1653 properties were treated and 30 miles of fuels reduction work was completed along roads and ridge lines. Funding was from $136,317 in NFP grant monies and $143,955 in matching contributions from homeowners. Prior fuel reduction efforts by the California Department of Forestry and local organizations included investments totaling $205,000 for chipping fuels at 1597 homes in the two county area.
Contact information: California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection; Sean Griffis, Phone:530-823-4904; E-mail: [email protected] |
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