OSJ Road Firewise | Wildfire Preparedness & Community Safety

OSJ Road Firewise 2026 Boundary Map

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Free Webinar: FAIR Plan Increase, Insurance Alternatives & Home Hardening

On the FAIR Plan? A 29% average rate increase takes effect October 15. This free Oct. 13 webinar covers insurance alternatives, wildfire mitigation discounts, home hardening, and steps homeowners can take to potentially reduce insurance costs.

FREE Zone 0 Wildfire Mitigation Help for Eligible Santa Cruz County Homeowners

Could you—or one of your neighbors—use some help clearing the first five feet around the home? A new Santa Cruz County program is providing FREE Zone 0 vegetation clearing for eligible homeowners, with priority for seniors and people with access or functional needs. They’re looking for their first 20 properties now.

Soquel–San Jose Road Fuels Reduction Project

Own property along Old San Jose Road? Free roadside hazardous fuels reduction work is getting underway, beginning near the Summit. Property owners are encouraged to submit their right-of-entry forms by the end of October. Find out whether your property is included and how to participate.

MURS Radios

We’re learning how to connect OSJ Road Firewise to Santa Cruz County’s emergency radio network, but we’re missing one important piece: a local ham radio operator! Learn what we discovered during the October 4 communications test, how you can help, and about upcoming free radio training and an emergency evacuation webinar.

Stuck in Traffic on Old San Jose Road... What If We Had to Evacuate?

What happens if everyone on Old San Jose Road needs to leave at the same time? A look at our road’s history, current evacuation concerns, and a new countywide effort focused on safer, more resilient roads.

2026 Fall Reimbursement Chipping Program

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County's Community Chipping Programs incentivize the creation of defensible space around homes in high wildfire-risk areas. Residents who clear defensible space around their homes are eligible for reimbursement of chipping costs up to $250 per property and $80 per 500 linear feet of private road.

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Santa Cruz County Firewise Communities Map

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Fire season is no longer a season.