BIG BEAR, CA/November 20, 2019– The Big Bear Valley has enjoyed a grant-funded Curbside Vegetation Chipping Program since 2005. Several thousand tons of vegetation have been collected and chipped each year since the program’s inception. The program has ended for the season due to weather conditions, but we hope to have new grant funds available to resume in the spring. Fire Chief Jeff Willis states, “The community has done an outstanding job in creating defensible space by utilizing the chipping program. It is vital to firefighting tactics and keeping our community safe.”
Big Bear Fire Department extends its appreciation to the entire Big Bear Community for its hard work and commitment towards creating and maintaining a Firewise and Firesafe Community.
As a reminder, while creating defensible space, the primary goal is to remove overgrown, dense brush, small trees, limbs, and dead material. Due to the success of the program Fire Hazard Abatement notices being sent to property owners have reduced year over year, and tons chipped increases year over year.
Funding for the chipping program is provided through the California Firesafe Council, and your local Big Bear Fire Department. For more information on the chipping program go to www.BigBearChipping.org. For creating defensible space, please contact the Big Bear Fire Department at www.BigBearFire.org or (909) 866-7566.