Defensible Space Contacts and Links

The following links and contacts are resources for people who have questions or need assistance in creating defensible space around their houses and structures.

Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space Online:

Living with Fire in Santa Cruz County; A Guide for Homeowners

http://www.rcdsantacruz.org/PDF/Resources/Brochures/LivingwithFireinSantaCruzCounty_6-2004.pdf

General Guidelines for Creating Defensible Space

http://www.fire.ca.gov/cdfbofdb/pdfs/4291finalguidelines2_23_06.pdf

Local Fire Departments (In alphabetical Order):

Aptos/La Selva Beach Fire Protection District: (831) 685-6690
Ben Lomond Fire Protection District: (831) 336-5495
Branciforte Fire Protection District: (831) 423-8856
Boulder Creek Fire Department: (831) 338-7222
Cal-Fire/Santa Cruz County Fire Department: (831) 335-5353
Central Fire Protection District (serving Capitola, Live Oak, Soquel): (831) 479-6842
Felton Fire Protection District: (831) 335-4422
Santa Cruz City Fire Department: (831) 420-5280
Scotts Valley Fire Protection District: (831) 438-0211
University of California Santa Cruz Fire Department: (831) 459-3473
Watsonville Fire Department: (831) 728-6060
Zayante Fire Protection District: (831) 335-5100

Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County

Workshops, consultations, neighborhood assistance, handouts
http:// www.rcdsantacruz.org

820 Bay Ave, Suite 128 and 136, Capitola, CA

County of Santa Cruz Planning Department

Matt Johnston - for questions regarding permit requirements and defensible space in sensitive habitats. 831-454-3114

Local Expertise

Richard “Rich” Casale – offers free advice regarding post fire treatment and general fire questions;
District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
831-475-1967
Richard.Casale@ca.usda.gov

Biotic Consultants – the County of Santa Cruz maintains a list of consultants with expertise in the various sensitive habitats throughout the county. The list is available as a handout at the Planning Department, or online at http://www.sccoplanning.com/html/env/bio_consultants.htm .