Frequently Asked Questions


Can I use a FSMO grant to replace my fence with a non-combustible one?

No.  The grants provided by Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda are for hazardous vegetation removal. Areas of your property that fall under home hardening, landscaping or annual maintenance do not qualify.

My neighbors and I already had work done. Will Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda reimburse us?

No.  FSMO awards grants after a project has been approved through the application process. If you have already done work, it may qualify for reimbursement through the City of Orinda’s Measure R Program.

Can a FSMO grant be awarded to local private swimming pools or country clubs that are out of compliance with Moraga-Orinda Fire District Exterior Wildfire Hazard Abatement Requirements?

No.  The Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda 2024 State Fire Capacity Grant only allows work on private residential properties.

Can a Homeowner Association (HOA) within the Moraga-Orinda Fire District boundaries apply for a FSMO grant?

Maybe.  If the work is related to defensible space in the common property area it may be considered.  Typical landscaping work is not eligible for this grant.  A grant would only be considered if the project is outside the scope of the landscaping provided as part of the HOA dues.

Can an individual property owner apply for this grant?

No. The Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda 2024 State Fire Capacity Grant requires a minimum of five (5) nearby properties to be eligible for consideration.  The purpose of this grant is to encourage neighbors to work together to prepare for wildfire. 

Must the minimum five individual properties be next to each other?

No.  The properties need to be in the same in the same “neighborhood” and within a short drive from each other.  The purpose of this requirement is to reduce costs, allowing the Fire Fuels Contractor(s) to efficiently perform the work and therefore pass these savings along to the group of properties.  The other reason for requiring proximity is that it is a more effective way to reduce fire danger.

What is the role of the grant Neighborhood Leader or Coordinator?

Coordinate the proposed neighborhood grant with FSMO from start to finish.  This includes:

  1. Identify the residential properties within the grant request.

  2. Help each resident define the defensible space scope of work on their properties.

  3. Submit the grant request including documentation as needed to support request.

  4. If grant awarded, select the Fire Fuels Removal contractor(s) to perform the work.

  5. Obtain Right of Entry approval for all residential properties within the approved grant.

  6. Provide oversight of the work within the approved grant, coordinating between property owners and selected Fire Fuels Removal contractor.

  7. Confirm defensible space work is complete on each residential property.

  8. Coordinate payments from individual residents directly to the selected Fire Fuels Contractor once work is complete.

  9. Provide FSMO with all necessary documentation to close out the approved grant.