By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council (MRFSC) is offering mountain residents a number of free fire abatement programs this summer, including free curbside chipping of downed tree limbs and branches, monthly through September.
Items not acceptable for curbside chipping include trash, leaves, grass, dirt, rocks or anything with nails, wires or metal embedded in it. Additionally, materials like small twigs and branches less than four feet in length or greater than three to six inches in diameter, stumps, root balls and construction lumber are not suitable for chipping due to their potential to clog the chipper. To register for curbside service, visit www.FreeChipping.org.
MRFSC also offers removal of hazardous dead trees through a Cal Fire grant. This grant program is designed to help subsidize the cost to the property owner. The amount contributed will depend on the gross household income.
A tree that is at least 67-percent dead is eligible; the mortality will be confirmed by the inspectors. The tree must be at least 10 inches in diameter and at least 20 feet tall. And it must have a “target” – something it could damage if it fell in any direction.
Trees that threaten SCE’s power lines are not eligible under this grant program. Homeowners should call SCE at (800) 640-3652 to see if they can help removal such trees at no charge.
The fire safe council is also picking up green waste in areas where it is no longer collected as part of regular trash service. This service will be offered monthly through September.
Free document shredding will be offered on Aug. 16 and Oct. 11 in the parking lot at Rim of the World High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Manila folders, envelopes, magazines, paperback books, paper clips, staples and binder clips are OK and do not need to be removed. However, cardboard, metal and hard plastics cannot be shredded.
A home insurance workshop is scheduled for July 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at Leisure Shores in Crestline. Participants should bring a copy of their most recent insurance policy. Registration is required at www.firesafenow.org, where additional information is available on all the programs offered by MRFSC.
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