In efforts to combat wildfire risk in San Luis Obispo homes and communities, the city is hosting a free chipping day for eligible residents on Dec. 2.
This event is funded by the State of California, and aims to support wildfire preparedness by removing hazardous vegetation from resident’s homes. A local, licensed and insured contractor will come on-site to chip properly stacked materials, and either haul them away or leave the resulting woodchips on the property per the homeowner’s request.
Hazardous vegetation can include tree trimmings, undesirable brushes and dead and down branches. Undesirable chipping materials such as root balls, palm fronds and material larger than six inches in diameter will be left behind.
Homes that are eligible to participate in this event are properties within the Moderate, High and Very High Hazard Severity Zones.
In May, the city proposed a new map of fire hazard zones, which went into effect in July. Following the new zoning announcement, residents were concerned about the cost of removing vegetation to comply with San Luis Obispo’s wildfire urban interface (WUI) laws. WUI is a combination of state and local regulations that required defensible space, which includes clearing vegetation up to 100 feet from a home in High and Very High fire hazard severity zones.
This no-cost Free Chipping Day, offers an opportunity for homeowners to protect their properties and communities. It will also enhance safety, support local wildfire mitigation efforts and meet wildfire preparedness goals.
To check for eligibility and to sign up for Free Chipping day, you can visit this website.