N.C. Forest Service - Disaster Mitigation Program

How it works

The Disaster Mitigation Program (DMP) is a wildfire-risk reduction program run by the North Carolina Forest Service. It reduces heightened wildfire risk in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene by providing wildfire risk reduction treatments at no cost to eligible private and public landowners in 39 federally declared disaster counties designated as of Dec. 18, 2024, under FEMA Disaster 4827.

What the money covers

This is not a reimbursement or cost-share grant. Instead, the state provides no-cost field work that may include:

• Hazard reduction prescribed burning to reduce dangerous and excessive fuel loading
• Home ignition zone treatments to create defensible space around homes
• Restoration to fuel breaks and roads to reopen access routes and improve wildfire response capabilities

Amounts and matching

• No cost to qualified landowners
• The page does not state a cash award, reimbursement cap, or matching requirement
• The page says the DMP is not a cost-share program

How to request a project

• Contact your local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office
• If staff are unavailable, contact the district office overseeing the county office
• N.C. Forest Service personnel will visit the tract or residence, confirm eligibility, and submit the project for approval
• Landowners sign a no-cost N.C. Forest Service forestation or prescribed burn contract before work begins; witness signatures are required

Timing and deadlines

• Projects are ongoing, but work depends on weather, fuel conditions, and equipment availability
• Prescribed burn projects may be delayed until conditions allow safe burning
• The page says landowners will be contacted before mitigation crews begin moving on-site
• The page does not give an application deadline or funding expiration date

Rules and limitations

• Only one risk reduction action may be carried out on a single acre unless regional or state mitigation personnel give written approval
• Farm Bill programs such as EQIP, WHIP, CSP, and CRP must be checked to avoid paying twice for the same practice; double dipping is not permitted