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Defensible Space Special Assistance
Yuba Watershed Protection & Fire Safe Council · Nonprofit program
Free defensible-space assistance; no dollar amount stated
The Yuba Watershed Protection & Fire Safe Council provides no-cost defensible space work for eligible residents who are low-income seniors or low-income disabled people and cannot do the work themselves. The program is temporarily suspended and is scheduled to return as a refreshed program in October 2026.
Program details
How it works
The Defensible Space Special Assistance Program (DSSAP) is designed to help create defensible space around homes. Work is performed by professional contractors who are bonded and insured, and the council also provides on-site education about effective defensible space.
The page says the program is temporarily suspended, with a new refreshed program coming in October 2026. It also says services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as funding becomes available.
What the service covers
The program provides fuel-reduction work around the property, including:
- brush trimming and thinning
- tree trimming and thinning
- chipping of removed vegetation, which is left onsite
Work is completed according to State Public Resource Code 4291 and is prioritized by defensible-space zones:
- Zone 0 (Ember-Resistant Zone), 0–5 feet: reduce ember vulnerability using ember-resistant materials
- Zone 1 (Lean, Clean and Green Zone), 5–30 feet: reduce fire spread from surrounding vegetation; remove debris and dead material; keep vegetation green and irrigated when appropriate
- Zone 2 (Reduced Fuel Zone), 30–100 feet: reduce fire spread and ladder fuels; remove dead plant material, lower tree branches, and other ladder fuels
The program does not include removal of household trash or other non-vegetative materials around the home. If the crew cannot access the home because of large accumulations of non-vegetative debris, safety concerns, or other access issues, services cannot be provided.
Amounts and matching
No cash payment, reimbursement amount, or homeowner match is stated. The service itself is free to eligible applicants.
How to apply
The page includes an “Apply Here” link and a printable DSSA program mail-in application. Applicants are instructed to open and complete the form, then print or save it and email or mail it to Sandie@yubafiresafe.org or P.O. Box 44, Browns Valley, CA 95918.
Timing and deadlines
The program is temporarily suspended. The page says a new refreshed program is coming in October 2026, but no exact opening date or application deadline is listed.
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