2008 Defensible Space Chipping Programs

Click here for Chipping Program and Fuel Break photos

Click here for a US Forest Service Grant Press Release (PDF File)  <<New

Click here for a Press Release for Wildfire Awareness Week 2008 (PDF File)

Click here for a Press Release on our 2007 Chipping Program accomplishments (PDF File)

Click here for a presentation on the Lexington Hills Chipping Projects (Big PDF File)

The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council has received federal grants for:

1. A Defensible Space Chipping Program for eligible residents, and

2. A Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors and/or others with physical and financial limitations which prevent them from preparing for chipping.

For 2008, the eligible Communities at Risk from wildfires are East Foothills, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Lexington Hills, Morgan Hill, San Martin, parts of San Jose, and adjacent fire prone Wildland Urban Interface areas in Santa Clara County.

For more on Defensible Space, see Living With Fire in Santa Clara County below.

Defensible Space Chipping Program

Special Needs Assistance Program

Chipping Program Requirements:

• Chipping will only be done along road or driveway frontage which will allow the crew to work from the road or driveway.

• Piles must be within 5 feet of chipper access.

• Piles must be on the uphill side of road or driveway.

• Piles must be free of roots, stumps, rocks, mud, poison oak, blackberry and vines.

• Piles must be stacked with the cut ends facing the same direction, pointing toward the access route to the piles.

• All material chipped will be blown back onto the property.* The chips can be used for mulch.

• SCFSC cannot clean up timber harvest projects or vacant lots.

• Scotch broom,** leaves, pine needles, yard clippings or decaying wood cannot be chipped. Your local green waste program may be able to help with these materials.

Defensible Space Chipping Program Application Form

Photos of a Defensible Space Chipping Project

SNAP Program Requirements:

• Over 65 years old, or

• Physically Disabled (verified by receiving disability, handicap placards for vehicles, etc.)

• Financially unable to hire a contractor and under the Santa Clara County low income guidelines of:
   - 1 person: $29,400/year ($2,450/month), or
   - 2 people: $39,600/year ($3,300/month)

• Physically unable to create and maintain their Defensible Space on their own.

• The amount of work to be done cannot exceed one day of work for the clearing/chipping crew.

• SCFSC will work with the homeowner to determine the clearing that will be done.

• All material chipped will be blown back onto the property.* The chips can be used for mulch.

Special Needs Assistance Program Application Form

Photos of a SNAP Project

For questions or to apply for one of these programs:

• Funding for these programs is limited – please
  let us know if you are interested.

• E-mail DSChip@SCCFireSafe.org or call (408) 975-9591
  with your name, address and phone number. Specify the
  program you are interested in and we will send you the
  application form or you can download application forms
  from the links above.

• Fill out the form and fax to (408) 272-4040 or mail to
  SCFSC at 16174 Highland Drive, San Jose, CA 95127.

If you have participated in our Chipping Programs, please complete our online
Chipping Satisfaction Survey.  Printable PDF version of the Satisfaction Survey.

2008 Chipping Programs Description (printable PDF version of this page).

US Forest Service Grant Press Release

2008 Wildfire Awareness Week Press Release

2007 Press Release for our Chipping Programs. 
Chipping Program and Fuel Break photos.

Press Release on our 2007 Chipping Program accomplishments.

Living With Fire in
Santa Clara County

New, Improved Edition

Learn how to make
 a Defensible Space
around your home!

Click here for our
new 20-page guide
for property owners
and residents.