California Sustainability Group
HILLTOPPERS FIRE SAFE COMMITTEE PROJECT
GRANT 5GG23238
August 2024: Awarded $2,989,297.82 Grant
The Hilltoppers Fire Safe Committee Project is a joint project of seven communities, namely Laguna Sur, Monarch Summit I, Monarch Summit II, Pacific Island Village I, Pacific Island Village II, Pacific Island Village III, and Villa Pacifica. The project's goal is to protect 967 structures and families, as well as reduce the risk of a vegetation fire on Pacific Island Drive, which is an important access road to the ridge.
These seven communities are situated upslope from the surrounding Wildland Urban Interface. The primary focus of the grant is to remove hazardous fuel that can no longer be maintained to the OCFA vegetation management standards. The grant will remove plant material, mainly Acacia redolens, and species found on the OCFA Vegetation Management Guidelines Removal List, such as junipers and cypress, from approximately 1,905,084.5 square feet or 43.76 acres. To ensure the safety of the residents in the communities located in the CAL FIRE Very High Severity Zone, the hazardous fuel will be removed from the following areas: perimeter slopes, slopes adjacent to Pacific Island Drive, interior slopes not meeting defensible space requirements, and slopes not passing the real estate defensible space inspections. This will help reduce the fuel load along evacuation routes and minimize the risk of fire.
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In addition, the grant will remove 198 tree species on the OCFA Vegetation Management Guidelines mandatory removal list, such as Mexican fan palms, junipers and cypress trees. Tree removals will take place outside of nesting season.
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The project is anticipated to start in the summer of 2025! Please check back for updates and planting plans!
PROJECT FUNDING
CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides funding for wildfire prevention projects and activities in and near wildfire threatened communities that focus on increasing the protection of people, structures, and communities. Funded activities include Hazardous Fuels Reduction, Wildfire Prevention Planning, and Wildfire Prevention Education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Wildfire Prevention Grants are funded in whole or part by Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds appropriated by the California Legislature to CAL FIRE, who is responsible for administering funds allocated from the CCI Program.
The Hilltoppers Fire Safe Committee Project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
PLANTING PLANS
COMING SOON
Home Hardening Links
The area within 5 feet of your home is crucial for wildfire protection. Learn how to keep your home and family safe with these tips and articles.
01
Are You Wildfire Ready? Ready, Set, Go! gives you the tools to protect you, your family, property and community from wildfires.
02
In California, wildfires are not a matter of “if” but “when”. Stay safe with this 3-step wildfire preparation plan.
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Fire demonstration shows survivability of structures with at least 5 feet of absolute clearance
