Free Wildfire Home Assessments and Defensible Space Assistance Available in 2026

​Residents of Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, and Harbison Canyon have an important opportunity in 2026 to reduce wildfire risk around their homes through two grant-funded programs offered by the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County and the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County.

These programs are specifically focused on high-risk, rural and semi-rural communities like ours and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Home Assessment Program (HAP) – Free
The Home Assessment Program provides a free, on-site wildfire risk assessment of your home and surrounding property.

A trained specialist will spend approximately 30–45 minutes reviewing:

• Defensible space Zones 0, 1, and 2
• Landscaping choices and fuel reduction opportunities
• Home hardening and ember-ignition vulnerabilities
• Practical, property-specific recommendations

There is no cost to participate, thanks to grant funding. The goal is education, preparation, and helping homeowners understand what actions will most effectively reduce wildfire risk.

How to sign up:
Visit www.firesafesdcounty.org/hap and register online.

Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP) – For Eligible Homeowners
For homeowners who cannot complete defensible space work due to physical and economic barriers, additional help may be available through the Defensible Space Assistance Program.
This program can provide:

• One full day of defensible space work per property
• Brush and tree trimming or thinning
• Raking of dead vegetation and pine needles
• Chipping of removed vegetation
• Work completed by licensed, bonded, and insured contractors
• All work performed in accordance with CAL FIRE and local fire agency standards

Participation in the Home Assessment Program is required first. If a property meets eligibility criteria, homeowners may be referred directly to DSAP without needing to submit a second application.

Eligibility is limited and based on age, disability, and household income thresholds.

Why This Matters for Our Communities
Wildfire preparedness is not theoretical for Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, or Harbison Canyon—it is a reality. These programs bring professional expertise, practical guidance, and in some cases direct assistance, directly to residents who need it most.

Early participation increases the chance of securing an assessment and, where applicable, additional assistance.

Questions?
For help or additional information, residents may contact:
Morgan Dioli
Wildfire Resilience Program Manager
Fire Safe Council of San Diego County / RCD of Greater San Diego County
Phone: (619) 562-0096
Email: [email protected]
​
We encourage residents to review these programs carefully and share this information with neighbors who may benefit.

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.

---

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.