Grant to help homeowners protect against fire available

Mendocino County is piloting a new Hazard Mitigation Grant program from FEMA and CALOES. The Redwood Complex Ignition resistant Construction project, also called the “Fire Safe Roof project,” will provide rebates to homeowners who replace eligible roofs with Class A fire-resistant materials.

A recording with more information about the program will be available online at firesaferoof.com in English and Spanish.

The grant can also be used to install fire-resistant attic vents and/or gutter covers. The roof is the most vulnerable section of a home during wildfires and a fireresistant roof is the most important structural protection to harden a home. The goals of the project are to help make homes

more resistant to wildfire in the high and very high fire hazard severity zones as designated by Cal Fire, to improve community resilience, and to prevent loss of life and property. The project is being administered by the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council.

To qualify for the grant, homeowners must own a home in the high or very high fire hazard severity zones in Mendocino County, which includes most of the county outside of the valley floors. Homeowners must also have a roof that does not meet the Class A standards for home hardening or a roof that would enjoy a significant increase in fire protection from a new Class A roof. The homeowner must also agree to maintain 100 feet of defensible space for the life of the roof.

The application is currently open and can be filled out online at firesaferoof.com. Loan assistance is available for all applicants, regardless of income or credit history, thanks to a loan program designed by the Savings Bank of Mendocino County.

The goal is to do roof and defensible space inspections and obtain quotes for the required work this fall and winter and start roof installation next summer, depending on various factors related to piloting a new program.

For questions or comments, contact Grant Manager Elizabeth Archer at (707) 485-4598 or elizabeth@firesafemendocino.org.