The Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council board has authorized assistance for those with downed trees and branches as a result of the winter storm, waiving the requirement for an abatement notice or insurance letter.

To begin the request for assistance, fill out the form on the fire safe council website, www.firesafenow.org, under Programs & Services, or call (866) 923-3473.  The process turnaround is subject to weather and contractor availability.  An application is required.  Assistance is on a percentage basis and subject to certain maximums per property.

“We are happy to be able to help those with the extraordinary fuel load caused by the storm,” said Laura Dyberg, the fire safe council president.

Funding for this assistance is available thanks to grants from Cal Fire’s California Climate Investment Program. This statewide program puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.