BRUSH CLEARING

OJAI & SANTA PAULA WILDFIRE SAFETY CHIPPING PROGRAM

FREE DEFENSIBLE SPACE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS WHO ARE LOW-INCOME, DISABLED OR SENIOR CITIZENS (65+), OR VETERANS

In 2024, The C.R.E.W.

Assisted over 159 low income senior, disabled, and/or veteran residents with annual hazardous vegetation removal.
Cleared 221.39 acres of hazardous vegetation.
Chipped over 22 tons of material.
Provided chipping and brush services for 608 properties/ landowners/ residences.

The C.R.E.W. offers free defensible space services to qualifying residents, including low-income households, seniors (65+), veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are now accepting sign-ups from community spaces, nonprofits, and similar organizations, provided the work falls within 100 feet of a primary structure and meets defensible space requirements.

Through this program, eligible properties receive up to 100 feet of defensible space around the main residence or qualifying structure, including tree limbing up to 6 feet. This service helps homeowners, community organizations, and nonprofits meet fire department regulations and best practices for wildfire preparedness and fuel reduction.

This program does not cover deferred maintenance, communal property outside the 100-foot defensible space zone, easements, or hauling of debris. For the safety of our youth crews, all domestic animals and livestock must be secured in a corral or kept indoors while work is in progress. Additionally, brush clearance will not be performed within 15 feet of animal enclosures, pens, or corrals. Failure to comply may result in rescheduling or cancellation of services.

Complete the form below and we’ll follow up to schedule your clearance day! Call The CREW office at 805-649-8847 with any questions.

The Ojai and Santa Paula Wildfire Safety Program is offered to residents free of charge. This program is made possible by generous contributions and grants from CAL FIRE.

Full Name

I verify that I am (check all that apply) Required

Low income ($50,000 or less annually)

A senior citizen (65+)

Disabled

A military veteran

Phone

Street Address

Postal / Zip code

Approximate acres being cleared

How did you hear about the Ojai Valley Fire Safe program?

Without this clearning service, what methods or services would you use to satisfy the annual defensible space/fire clearance requirement?

I understand that I am signing up for 100ft of defensible space clearance, which includes brush and weed clearance , and limbing of trees up to 6ft off the ground within 100 ft of my primary dwellings foundation. No other service will be provided outside of the mentioned activities. I further understand , that C.R.E.W. will not remove debris that has been cleared or cut , and that any chipping that I may require will need to be done as a separate sign up under the chipping program. This program does not include deferred maintenance, communal property or easements, or hauling of debris. For the safety of our youth, all animals, domestic and livestock must be corralled or kept inside while C.R.E.W. is working on the property, failure to do so may result in rescheduling of the property.

Thanks for contacting us! We will get back to you soon

SUPPORT THE CREW

The C.R.E.W. provides employment and leadership training to teens and young adults through hands-on environmental work. Since 1991, C.R.E.W. members work year-round to maintain trails, restore habitats, and reduce the risk of wildfire, while building skills and developing relationships that last a lifetime.

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