The Plumas County Fire Safe Council announces that it is accepting applications for the 2026 Defensible Space Assistance Program starting Nov. 1. This year’s application includes new questions to better capture the needs of clients and to help the council provide assistance to those who need it most, said program manager Tommy Brenzovich.
“We may have to shift our priorities a little bit next year and place a greater value on treating primary residences of lower-income Plumas County residents, especially those with diminished physical abilities,” he said. “We are more than happy to share our defensible space knowledge and expertise with community members who may not necessarily fit into that category. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.”
The Defensible Space Assistance Program supports Plumas County residents who are 65 years of age or older and/or living with a disability. The program is designed to assist those who may need help maintaining defensible space around their homes due to physical or financial limitations. Defensible space is an essential step in reducing wildfire risk and improving community safety, said the council.
Brenzovich shared that High Sierra Fire staff finished their work for the 2025 Defensible Space Assistance Program. “Their outstanding efforts made a huge impact on the fire resiliency of communities across Plumas County,” he said. “Once again, our final number of clients treated exceeded last year’s total. Thank you to everyone who participated this year. It’s been exciting to watch properties transition from new clients to work in progress, and finally reaching the coveted maintenance phase after a few visits from the crew.”
In addition, crews were able to treat a majority of the applicants on the program’s waitlist.
More information is available from Brenzovich at [email protected].
