A $3.5 million state grant will help provide San Diego County residents with assistance in safeguarding their homes from the threat of wildfires, officials announced Thursday.
The funds, allocated through Senate Bill 85, will partner the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County, with the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County.
The funding will benefit owners within the wildland-urban interface areas of the Otay River, San Diego River, Sweetwater River and Tijuana River watersheds.
The programs provide aid to reduce wildfire risks by creating fire breaks and removing dead, diseased or dying trees.
Workshops and fire-preparedness training sessions will be available.
San Diego County residents may register for two free programs:
- No-Cost Chipping Program – curbside chipping for homeowners who have completed their defensible-space preparation.
- Defensible Space Assistance Program – a service to assist low-income elderly or disabled residents in creating defensible space around their homes.
The funds were provided by the San Diego River Conservancy under the Wildfire Early Action Plan.
Residents interested in further information may contact the Fire Safe Council at 619-562-0096.
Updated 6:20 p.m. May 21, 2021