Sunshine Fire marks the start of wildfire mitigation season
Boulder County launches 2017 wildfire mitigation assistance programs for residents
Boulder County, Colo. - The Sunshine Fire, fire bans, and red flag warnings are clear signals that it is time to implement and maintain mitigation measures and prepare in advance for future wildfires. Technical and financial assistance are available to help residents in unincorporated Boulder County. Two programs – Wildfire Partners and Community Chipping – are now accepting applications for 2017.
Wildfire Partners is an award-winning mitigation program supported by 35 partner organizations. More than 1,100 homeowners have joined this unique partnership since 2014. Participants receive an individual home assessment, a customize report identifying the weak links in home defenses, follow-up inspections, on-going support, and up to $2,500 in funding to hire a Wildfire Partners Forestry Contractor. Wildfire Partners Mitigation Specialists provide valuable help and guidance to homeowners so they are truly prepared for the next wildfire.
Interested residents of unincorporated Boulder County or the mountain towns of Jamestown, Lyons, Nederland, or Ward can learn more and apply at www.WildfirePartners.org. City of Boulder residents and areas outside Boulder County are not eligible at this time.
Boulder County is also accepting applications for its Community Chipping Reimbursement Program. Community chipping events are an easy way to dispose of slash and an opportunity to connect neighbors.
In 2016, 245 homeowners in 10 communities participated in the Community Chipping program and every application received by the county was funded. Boulder County has supported homeowner associations, community groups, and fire districts in the mountains to set up chipping programs since 1993. Communities that have not organized chipping events in the past are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications for chipping funding are due April 5. For more information or to apply, visit www.bouldercounty.org/property/forest/pages/chippingreimbursement.aspx.
|
