Sonoma County Chipper Program Opens Early, Reducing Wildfire Risk

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A free residential curbside wood-chipping program for residents in unincorporated areas of Sonoma County has launched early again this year. By doing so, the county aims to reduce residential wait times, expand service and mitigate the risk of wildfires.

Each year, the Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division helps some 800 residents from Cloverdale to Sonoma and Kenwood to Jenner create defensible space around their homes and reduce vegetation along important access routes. Once approved, properties in unincorporated Sonoma County are eligible to receive up to two hours of complimentary chipping and a second visit if necessary. Visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

“By reducing vegetation and creating defensible space around structures, property owners play an active role in helping their communities stay safe,” said Sonoma County Fire Marshal Steve Mosiurchak.

In addition to home hardening, having 100 feet or more of defensible space has been demonstrated to help save homes in the event of a wildfire, Mosiurchak said. Likewise, thinning vegetation on access roads can provide safer and more efficient access for residents and firefighters.

Residents interested in participating are asked to read the guidelines and prepare their piles. Once their piles are ready for chipping, residents can apply online.

The chipper can handle freshly cut tree limbs or brush up to 4 inches in diameter and 10 feet long. Piles that have been in place for a long time and/or contain old, dry material, may not be suitable for chipping.