Free county chipping program opens for 2023 season

The County of Sonoma has begun accepting applications for its seasonal Chipper Program, which provides free chipper services to residents seeking to make their property more wildfire safe. Provided through the Permit Sonoma Fire Prevention Division, this free service assists property owners in creating defensible space, which can be critical in preventing the spread of a wildfire to a home.

The program, which is anticipated to be open through November depending on the weather, is available on a first-come, first-served basis for properties in the unincorporated areas of the county. The free chipping service helps create defensible space around homes and roadsides and reduces vegetation along access routes. The Chipper Program can help save residents hundreds of dollars and the difficulty of renting a private chipper. The Chipper Program completed more than 385 jobs last year.

The Chipper Program encourages residents to correctly set up woodpiles as well as comply with all other conditions of the program. If woodpiles are not set up according to guidelines, that may result in a delay or cancellation of a service request. If there is capacity, participants may be able to receive a second visit later in the season but must request that on their application.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to review the program guidelines and submit their online applications as soon as possible.

To learn more about the program, visit permitsonoma.org/chipperprogram. 

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Media Contacts:
Bradley Dunn, Permit Sonoma Policy Manager 
Bradley.Dunn@sonoma-county.org
(707) 321-0502
2550 Ventura Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Stuart Tiffen, Communications Specialist 
stuart.tiffen@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-1860
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403