Updated: 7/15/25
We want to sincerely thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate the complexities of the FEMA PJ0497 Hazard Mitigation project. As a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we recognize the significant delays that have occurred and deeply appreciate your commitment throughout this process.
The Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC) has been operating under ongoing uncertainty surrounding FEMA and other federally funded programs. These challenges include frequent changes and limited access to clear information, which have made it increasingly difficult to move forward with confidence.
After much deliberation, we’ve made the difficult decision to step away from FEMA funding for this project. This choice was not made lightly, but it is necessary to ensure we can continue to serve our communities now and into the future.
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We are actively working to fold as many FEMA participants as possible into alternative grant programs. However, these sources are far more limited and require us to be strategic in how we prioritize properties across Butte County.
We are currently coordinating the implementation of two project categories - Defensible Space Clearance and Hazard Tree Removal. Please note that while we have secured limited supplemental funding, assistance is currently being prioritized based on the constraints of the grant boundaries. The BCFSC remains dedicated to finding solutions and securing alternative funding to continue supporting landowners like you.
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Hazard Tree Removal
The BCFSC is currently reassessing properties previously enrolled in Phase I of the FEMA project to determine whether marked trees still qualify under new funding criteria. We are currently reaching out to FEMA participants within the Camp and North Complex Fire Footprint. Due to limited funding, the BCFSC may not be able to remove all hazardous trees marked during Phase I.
Defensible Space
The BCFSC has secured approximately 30% of the funding needed for defensible space work through our Resident Assistance Program (RAP) and is continuing to assess properties based on funding constraints. This funding source has specific eligibility criteria. We are prioritizing support for those who meet one or more of the following: elderly, disabled, or low income.
We will reach out directly to Phase I FEMA project participants as we move forward with prioritized implementation.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The BCFSC is committed to securing funding and will provide updates on this webpage as well as communicate directly with project participants as new information is made available.
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In the meantime, if you have a hazardous tree on your property that you believe poses an immediate threat and you are able to remove or mitigate it, we strongly encourage you to act as soon as possible.
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The BCFSC relies on state and federal funding to implement wildfire safety projects including the FEMA PJ0497 Hazard Mitigation grant. For this reason, we cannot guarantee that the defensible space clearance and hazardous tree removal operations defined in Phase I will be completed. Despite these challenges, the BCFSC remains deeply committed to our communities. From the canyons to the ridgelines, we continue to stand rooted in resilience, recovery, and restoration.
Thank you for your understanding and ongoing commitment to wildfire safety in Butte County.