California Wildfire Mitigation Program
Create Defensible Space or Harden a Home Against Wildfire.
- Run by
- California Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE
- Service area
- Only designated demonstration-project areas. Participation status varies by community.
Program at a glance
- Benefit
- Not published.
- Who
- Only designated demonstration-project areas. Participation status varies by community.
- Where
- Only designated demonstration-project areas. Participation status varies by community.
- Qualifying project
- Create Defensible Space or Harden a Home Against Wildfire.
Quick check
Do the main rules appear to fit?
Your answers stay in this page session. The program makes the final decision.
Answer each question for a cautious result.
The rules remain visible here even if the interactive check is unavailable.
The finished result
What project qualifies?
Assessment-approved vegetation, access, and building work reduce ignition and fire-spread risk.
Assessment-approved vegetation, access, and building work reduce ignition and fire-spread risk.
Create Defensible Space or Harden a Home Against Wildfire
Assessment-approved vegetation, access, and building work reduce ignition and fire-spread risk.
See the full project guide →What the project may require
A product can be one part of the work. The approved project, timing, design, and proof control.
Complete the approved property project
requiredCreates the finished outcome the program supports.
Create Defensible Space or Harden a Home Against Wildfire.
Official path: official page
How to apply or check the program
- 1
Confirm the property
Verify the service area, account, ownership, applicant, and property type with California Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE.
- 2
Open the current official program source
Use the official program link below.
- 3
Collect the before-project evidence
Proof of legal ownership. Community-specific application. Right of entry. Property assessment.
- 4
Get approval when required
Get written approval before removing, buying, signing, or installing anything the program treats as project work.
- 5
Complete only the approved scope
Keep design changes and material substitutions in writing.
- 6
Submit the completion package
Access for approved work and verification. Project-specific closeout documents.
Details to confirm
- Availability must be checked at the community level.
- Zone 0 rules were still pending final Board consideration scheduled for August 19, 2026 at the verification date. Do not describe them as final.
Examples that do not qualify
- Buying gravel, soil, mulch, or another product by itself does not create eligibility.
Questions people ask
Is this a rebate for buying gravel or another material?
No. The program supports the qualifying property project described above. A material purchase matters only when it serves the approved design and follows the program’s payment rules.
Can I start before applying?
Get written approval before removing, buying, signing, or installing anything the program treats as project work.
Does appearing eligible guarantee funding?
No. Current status, funding, ranking, inspection, and final approval can still affect the outcome.
Who decides whether a material substitution qualifies?
The program or its designated designer. Ask California Office of Emergency Services and CAL FIRE to approve the exact substitute in writing before ordering.
Last verified 8/11/26
Official sources
Use these official sources for current rules, availability, and application details.
- California Wildfire Mitigation Program official source 1 — ca.gov
- California Wildfire Mitigation Program official source 2 — ca.gov
- California Wildfire Mitigation Program official source 3 — ca.gov
- California Wildfire Mitigation Program official source 4 — ca.gov
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