Frequently Asked Questions

The highest-risk properties were identified through a 2018 curbside wildfire risk assessment of every home in the City of Ashland. Residents eligible to participate were contacted by the Fire Department via a notification letter.

Defensible space treatments included removing dead vegetation, cutting trees and shrubs, pruning branches to remove ladder fuels that allow fires to climb up into trees, and cleanup of bark mulch, leaves, and needles from the ground. Work would be done within approximately 100 feet of each participating structure. This work may have been completed by a contractor of your choosing or through your own labor.

The following activities are ineligible for reimbursement:

• Removal of deciduous trees or any living tree over 12 inches in diameter
• Replacement plants or landscaping
• Purchase or use of irrigation systems
• Burning of any kind
• Mowing or gutter cleaning

The Federal Emergency management Agency Company (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Grant program funds 75% of the cost of the proposed action and the remaining 25% of costs would come from homeowner contributions. Each eligible property could receive up to a maximum of $2,150 in reimbursement costs. Work could be completed by a contractor of your choosing or through your own labor.