Defensible Space Assistance Program

DSAFIE (Defensible Space Assistance for Income-Eligible) helps low-income seniors and persons with physical disabilities adhere to defensible space regulations, which are designed to protect homes and lives in wildfire-prone areas. If you are physically and financially unable to maintain the state-mandated 100’ of defensible space around your home, the DSAFIE program may provide FREE help.  PLEASE USE THE SIGN-UP BUTTON ABOVE TO ENROLL, OR CALL OUR OFFICE AT 707-462-3662.  Due to limited staffing, it may take a couple of weeks to receive confirmation of your application–but we will endeavor to answer all phone messages as soon as we can.

DSAFIE services may include:

  • Brush and tree trimming/thinning.
  • Roof and gutter cleaning.
  • Raking of dead leaves and pine needles.
  • Chipping of removed vegetation. (Unless agreed on prior to the work chips are usually left onsite.)
  • Work performed by insured contractors.

Guidelines:

  • You must be 65 years or older, or must be unable to complete this work due to physical disability.
  • You must be financially unable to hire a contractor.
  • You must be the legal owner of the property to be cleared, or be the party legally responsible for landscape maintenance.
  • You will need to sign a Landowner Access Agreement giving permission for our crew to enter and work on your property.
  • One-person household income: less than 45,000 (annually).
  • Two-person household income: less than 51,400 (annually).
  • Three-person household income: less than 57,850 (annually).
  • Four-person household income: less than 64,250 ( annually).

This service is supported by the County of Mendocino, through an allocation of PG&E disaster-relief settlement funds.