The Plumas County Fire Safe Council has officially opened applications for its 2026 Defensible Space Assistance Program, starting November 1. The initiative aims to help vulnerable residents protect their homes from the increasing threat of wildfires by creating essential buffer zones around their properties.
This year, the program is refining its focus to prioritize assistance for low-income seniors and residents with disabilities, ensuring that those most in need receive critical support. The changes come after a successful 2025 season that saw a record number of properties treated and a significant reduction in the program's waitlist.
Key Takeaways
- Applications for the 2026 Defensible Space Assistance Program in Plumas County are now open.
- The program assists residents aged 65 or older and those with disabilities in creating wildfire-safe zones around their homes.
- New application questions will help prioritize low-income residents and individuals with diminished physical abilities.
- The 2025 program successfully treated more properties than the previous year, reducing the community's overall fire risk.
A Proactive Approach to Wildfire Safety
As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense, communities across California are seeking effective strategies to mitigate risk. In Plumas County, the Fire Safe Council is taking a direct approach by helping residents create and maintain defensible space—a cleared area around a home that can slow or stop the spread of a wildfire.
This buffer zone is crucial for protecting individual homes and the entire community. By removing flammable vegetation like dry grass, dead leaves, and overgrown shrubs, residents can significantly improve the chances of their homes surviving a wildfire, even without firefighter intervention. The program provides the labor and expertise that some residents cannot manage on their own.
What is Defensible Space?
Defensible space is a homeowner's first line of defense against wildfire. It is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Proper defensible space also provides a safe area for firefighters to work in.
New Priorities for the 2026 Season
The Plumas County Fire Safe Council has updated its application process for the upcoming season to better serve the community. According to program manager Tommy Brenzovich, new questions have been added to help the council identify and prioritize the most vulnerable applicants.
“We may have to shift our priorities a little bit next year and place a greater value on treating primary residences of lower-income Plumas County residents, especially those with diminished physical abilities,” Brenzovich stated.
This strategic shift acknowledges that factors like age, disability, and financial hardship can be significant barriers to performing the physically demanding work of clearing vegetation. By focusing resources on these groups, the council aims to ensure equitable access to fire safety measures.
Brenzovich emphasized that the council remains a resource for all community members. “We are more than happy to share our defensible space knowledge and expertise with community members who may not necessarily fit into that category,” he added, encouraging everyone to seek guidance on protecting their properties.
Building on a Successful Year
The launch of the 2026 application period follows a highly successful 2025 season. The council reported that the number of clients who received assistance surpassed the total from the previous year, making a tangible impact on community resilience.
2025 Program Achievements
- Increased Capacity: The program treated more clients in 2025 than in any previous year.
- Waitlist Reduction: A majority of the applicants on the program's waitlist received treatment.
- Effective Partnership: The on-the-ground work was completed by crews from High Sierra Fire.
Brenzovich praised the efforts of the High Sierra Fire staff, whose work was instrumental to the program's success. “Their outstanding efforts made a huge impact on the fire resiliency of communities across Plumas County,” he said. He described the process of seeing properties move from initial application to the final, well-maintained phase as rewarding.
“It’s been exciting to watch properties transition from new clients to work in progress, and finally reaching the coveted maintenance phase after a few visits from the crew,” Brenzovich explained. This long-term approach helps ensure that properties remain fire-safe over time, rather than requiring a one-time, intensive clearing.
How the Program Works
The Defensible Space Assistance Program is designed for Plumas County residents who are 65 years of age or older and/or are living with a disability. It directly addresses the challenges these residents may face due to physical or financial limitations.
The Process for Residents:
- Application: Interested residents must fill out the 2026 application, which is available now.
- Assessment: The council reviews applications, using the new criteria to prioritize cases based on need.
- Work Completion: If approved, crews are dispatched to the property to perform the necessary vegetation management work.
- Maintenance: The goal is to bring properties to a state where they only require routine maintenance, which is less labor-intensive.
This systematic approach not only helps individual homeowners but also creates a patchwork of fire-resilient properties across the county, which can collectively slow a wildfire's advance and protect entire neighborhoods.
Residents seeking more information about the program or the application process are encouraged to contact Tommy Brenzovich directly at [email protected]. The council's proactive measures serve as a model for how communities can empower their residents to become active participants in wildfire prevention.