Defensible Space Assistance Program
If you have used this service before, please read this page thoroughly as our program has changed. In 2025, assistance is only available in the five priority areas in the map below.
The Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP) is designed to assist homeowners that need to create defensible space, and are not able to do so because of physical, economic or other barriers. For example, low-income homeowners and physically disabled or elderly individuals who are unable to pay a contractor. It is imperative that all homeowners maintain at least 100 feet of defensible space around their homes to aid in protecting themselves and their communities from the devastation of wildfire.
Prior to receiving service through DSAP, you must participate in our Home Assessment Program. Service is provided in priority areas once per year. The property owner must be the individual to apply for the home assessment. Each application will be carefully considered, an application for the Home Assessment Program does not guarantee you service through DSAP.
Visit our Home Assessment Program page to apply.
DSAP Services Provided:
- Our program is designed to assist you in getting your property in compliance, as we can only complete one day of service per household, we do not guarantee we will complete 100 feet of defensible space, depending on how much work your property may need, terrain, and other factors.
- One-day defensible space work per property including brush and tree trimming/thinning, raking of dead leaves/pine needles, and chipping of removed vegetation.
- This program does not include hazard tree removal or landscaping services, all services provided are for fire prevention/mitigation.
- Chipped vegetation will be left onsite.
- Work completed will be according to CAL FIRE and local fire agency ordinances.
- Performed by professional contractors, who are bonded and insured.
Guidelines:
- You must be the legal owner of the property.
- Your property must be located within the priority areas above.
- You must first participate in the Home Assessment Program and have a visit completed by one of our trained staff members.
- You must be unable to complete this work due to economic barriers:
- One-person household: Income <$63,660 (annually).
- Two-person household: Income <$72,720 (annually).
- Applicants who are both disabled and/or elderly and experiencing financial barriers are prioritized.
- Applicants who have recently received a notice to abate from a fire protection district are prioritized.
Notes:
- This program is funding dependent and services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as program funds are available. Currently, we are currently accepting applicants in Ramona, Wynola, Warner Springs, Julian, and Fallbrook.
- This program is offered by the Fire Safe Council San Diego County in partnership with the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County. Funding is provided by San Diego Gas and Electric and California Fire Safe Council’s SFC Grant Program.
- In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
- Completing an application is NOT a guarantee of service.
- Low income threshold is determined by the 2024 San Diego County Area Median Income (AMI), to be eligible for our program, participants must meet the low income guideline or 60% of the County’s AMI. Proof of monthly/yearly income by income tax return, or other comparable means may need to be shared. Income that will be considered is total gross income (income prior to deductions, not gross adjusted income).