Need to know

A pilot program can pay for contractors to create defensible space or make safety improvements to your home. The program is for residents with low or moderate income.  

The help is only for homes in these areas at these times: 

  • Dulzura. Can apply now. 
  • Potrero. Can apply now.   
  • Campo. Coming in future. 

Who can apply  

You must be the legal homeowner to apply. Your name must be on the deed.  

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen. 

Homes that qualify  

  • Single-family 
  • Multi-family, but not apartment complexes   
  • Duplexes 
  • Quadplexes 
  • Manufactured homes 
  • Mobile homes  
  • Does not have to be a primary residence 
  • Rental units are OK. The legal homeowner must apply. You can apply for more than one property.  

How it works 

If the state accepts your application, we will come to assess your home and create a report. We usually look at the outside of the home and do not need to go inside. 

You do not choose what work is done. The assessment report will include: 

  • Actions you must take 
  • Actions we recommend 
  • Other optional actions  

Actions include: 

  • Create defensible space. That means clearing trees, brush or other things that can burn away from your home. 
  • Retrofits. This is changing materials on your home or doing other work that better protects it from burning. It can include replacing your roof, doors, vents or other parts of the home.  

We will arrange for contractors to do the work. In most cases, you will not need to pay up front and wait to get reimbursed.  

Contractors usually work outside your home, but may need to work inside. It depends on the work. 

Apply

You apply to the state at wildfiremitigation.caloes.ca.gov.  

County Fire can help you with your application. To contact us: 

Appeals 

If the state denies your application, you can appeal. Contact County Fire for help. 

Insurance 

The improvements might help you get a discount on your insurance. You need to contact your insurance company to check. 

About the pilot 

The California Wildfire Mitigation Program identified areas with high wildfire risk and vulnerable residents. Visit the program website to learn more about how it chose areas. 

The state chose three San Diego County communities for the pilot. They may add more in the future. 

How the state chooses areas 

The state looks at two things. First, social vulnerability, which are factors that mean residents are at higher risk of harm from disasters. The factors the state considered are people: 

  • Over 65 
  • In poverty 
  • With a disability 
  • With limited English 
  • Without a car 

The numbers come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Social Vulnerability Index.  

Then the state looks at which of those areas are in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. 

Funding

This program was made possible by SB 85 which amended the 2020 Budget Act to provide $536 million for wildfire prevention and forest resilience efforts across California.

Outreach materials

Page last updated 09/28/2025