California Wildfire Mitigation Program

Home Hardening Initiative

The Shasta County Fire Safe Council is pleased to partner with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to develop a state home hardening initiative to retrofit, harden, and create defensible space for homes at high risk to wildfires.

This initiative focuses on communities with high social vulnerability and provides financial assistance for home hardening activities to low- and moderate-income households.

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Are you a contractor interested in working with us on defensible space/fuel break and vegetation reduction projects?

program Highlights

The Community Wildfire Mitigation Program (CWMP) is focused on reducing wildfire risks and enhancing neighborhood safety through targeted home hardening and defensible space projects. Highlights include:

Community-Wide Protection: Strengthening one home helps protect the entire neighborhood.
Minimal or No Cost: Eligible households pay nothing; others contribute only a small fraction.
Expert-Managed Projects: Just apply, and the program handles the rest.

This program is available to eligible residents to support a safer, more wildfire-resilient community.

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what’s Included?

The program provides a range of wildfire mitigation measures, depending on household needs to enhance home safety, which may include:

Installation of a Class-A Fire Rated Roof.
Creation of a 5-foot non-ignition zone around homes, including any fencing within this area.
Enclosed eaves to prevent ember intrusion.
Fire-resistant vents for added protection.
Upgraded double-paned windows for improved resilience.
A 6-inch non-combustible barrier at the base of exterior walls.
Tree trimming, removal, and brush clearing up to 100 feet to establish defensible space.

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Who Can Apply?

This pilot program is currently available to residents in select areas, including Lakehead, Whitmore, and Oak Run.

If you live in one of these communities, don’t miss out! Apply today via the options below to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to enhance your home’s wildfire resilience and contribute to a safer neighborhood.

Option 1: Apply at the CalOES Website
Option 2: Download the paper application below:

CWMP Homeowner Application 07.08.2025 ENGLISHDownload

F2 – Homeowner Application – CA Wildfire Mitigation Program – SPANISH PDFDownload

Please mail completed paper applications to:
Attn: CWMP Project
Western Shasta RCD
PO Box 904
Anderson, CA 96007

CWMP FAQs

Is My Entire Property Going To Be Assessed?

The defensible space zones around the structures on your property will be assessed, typically within a 100-foot diameter around each structure.

Do I Get to Choose What Work Gets Done on My Property?

If your home is preliminarily approved, you will receive an individualized home assessment report detailing the required, recommended, and optional measures for program participation. A Scope of Work will then be developed between all parties prior to implementation.

What Can I Do If My Application Gets Denied?

If your application is denied, you have the opportunity to appeal the decision. If you wish to appeal, your program liaison can provide more information on the appeal process.

What If I Have Unpermitted Structures on My Property?

Program staff will work closely with County staff to determine the best approach for carrying out the home hardening work, if possible.

Who Is Coordinating This Project?

This project is being organized by multiple agencies. Cal OES and FEMA are funding the program. Cal OES developed the program framework and is providing technical assistance for local implementation. CAL FIRE designed the home assessment and prioritized the list of potential retrofits for home hardening. The Shasta County Fire Safe Council and Western Shasta Resource Conservation District are coordinating local efforts.

How Was My Area Selected?

CalOES and CAL FIRE reviewed data on high-risk fire severity areas, along with other socioeconomic factors.

Do You Need To Come Inside My House for the Assessment?

There is never a time when assessors will enter the home.

Do You Need to Come Inside My House To Complete the Actual Retrofits?

Contractors may need to enter the structure if certain retrofit measures are required for your property, such as replacing windows, doors, vents, etc.

If you have any other questions, contact:
safehomes@shastafiresafe.org
(530) 776-5144

California Wildfire Mitigation Program

Home Hardening Initiative

Are you a contractor interested in working with us on defensible space/fuel break and vegetation reduction projects?

program Highlights

what’s Included?

Who Can Apply?

CWMP FAQs

CAL FIRE: Home Hardening Demonstration Burn