OSJ Road Firewise | Wildfire Preparedness & Community Safety

FREE Zone 0 Wildfire Mitigation Help for Eligible Santa Cruz County Homeowners

Could you—or one of your neighbors—use some help clearing the first five feet around the home? A new Santa Cruz County program is providing FREE Zone 0 vegetation clearing for eligible homeowners, with priority for seniors and people with access or functional needs. They’re looking for their first 20 properties now.

Soquel–San Jose Road Fuels Reduction Project: Upcoming Town Halls

A major roadside fuels reduction project is coming to Soquel–San Jose Road. Landowners are invited to learn what’s planned, meet the project team and ask questions at three upcoming town halls—including an October 1 meeting at Mountain School for our local area.

MURS Radios

What happens when the power is out and cell phones and internet stop working? Santa Cruz County already has a backup communications system connecting local communities to the County Emergency Operations Center—and we want OSJ Road Firewise folks to be part of it. Learn how MURS and ham radio work together, join the next countywide communications exercise, and find out how you can help connect our community.

Stuck in Traffic on Old San Jose Road... What If We Had to Evacuate?

What happens if everyone on Old San Jose Road needs to leave at the same time? A look at our road’s history, current evacuation concerns, and a new countywide effort focused on safer, more resilient roads.

CA Insurance Dept presentation

California Firewise Regional leads were provided a CA Insurance Dept presentation by one of their representatives. The good news was the list of 5 admitted CA Insurance carriers who are starting to write more policies in High Risk areas. The bad news is the expected rate increase for the FAIR Plan starting in October that may average up to 30% across the state depending on your location. Slide presentation linked here.

2026 Fall Reimbursement Chipping Program

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County's Community Chipping Programs incentivize the creation of defensible space around homes in high wildfire-risk areas. Residents who clear defensible space around their homes are eligible for reimbursement of chipping costs up to $250 per property and $80 per 500 linear feet of private road.

2026 Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Program

The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Program is provided free of charge from the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County (FSCSCC). Upon request, a volunteer HIZ Assessor will visit the site and conduct a guided walk through with the resident in order to provide real-time feedback and address any questions or concerns specific to the property. The assessment provides educational information related to Home Hardening and Defensible Space to the resident.

Sign Installation Begins

Improving neighborhood visibility for first responders during emergencies by installing Firewise community signs on six streets throughout our community.

2026 Donation Campaign Launches

As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on community support to fund communications, neighborhood projects, work parties, and wildfire preparedness efforts. Our suggested annual contribution is $50 per household, although donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Every dollar stays within our community and helps support projects that make OSJ Road Firewise Community safer and more resilient to wildfire. Together, we can help protect our homes, families, and neighborhood. Thank you for your support.