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.

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.

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.

Komodo Demo

Ken Periat, Los Robles Road captain, demos a sample of the Komodo Fire Retardant at the Community BBQ, May 3, 2026.