by David Goldstein
Last season’s rains fueled the growth of fire-prone plants, prompting local fire departments to issue numerous brush clearance notices. Fire safe councils assist residents in complying with these notices, offering services ranging from expert advice to grant-funded programs.
The CREW, an acronym for Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers, is a key resource in many parts of Ventura County. This local nonprofit organization specializes in converting cleared brush into mulch. With grants from Cal Fire and the California Fire Safe Council, The CREW has cleared nearly 350 acres of hazardous vegetation, chipped over 22 tons of material, and provided chipping and brush clearance services to 400 properties, according to Greta Charness, The CREW’s development assistant.
Currently, The CREW is partnering with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to offer free services to Ventura County residents in Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as well as veterans and those facing significant physical or financial barriers to making their properties fire safe.
Residents can sign up for curbside chipping service and learn about upcoming drop-off chipping events on The CREW’s website at www.crewojai.org/chipping. The next event is scheduled for August 17. The site also provides information on acceptable materials and other guidelines.
To prevent mulch from becoming a fire hazard, fire safe councils offer guidance on proper mulch use. Wood mulch within “Zone Zero” (the area within five feet of a house) can be dangerous, as can excessive mulch in Zone 1 (up to 30 feet from structures and decks). However, strategically placed mulch in Zone 1 and beyond can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Communities can work with fire safe councils to host their own chipper events, benefiting from the councils’ expertise in securing grant funding, managing logistics, data collection, chip reuse options, and community engagement. Firewise USA-recognized communities receive priority for some funding sources, and local councils can assist in applying for Firewise USA recognition. Details and sample documents for this recognition are available at www.venturafiresafe.org.
The five fire safe councils in Ventura County are Ventura Regional, Ojai Valley, Bell Canyon, Oak Park, and Ventu Park. Contact the one in your area for assistance with turning overgrown trees and brush into mulch.
David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Agency Environmental Resource Analyst, can be reached at (805) 658-4312 or [email protected].
