The Charity
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Santa Clara County FireSafe Council
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Mobilizing the people of Santa Clara County to protect their homes, communities and environment from wildfires
Bring Light Activity
6 Donors
3 Projects since June, 2007
2 Active Projects since November, 2007
Charity Info
Based in: San Jose, California
Year founded: 2002
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Project Info
The significance of trees and wildlands extends far past their esthetic value. Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, helping combat Global Warming. According to “Benefits of Community Trees”, (USDA Forest Service General Technical Report, David J. Nowak), an acre of trees absorbs enough carbon dioxide over one year to equal the amount produced by driving a car 26,000 miles. Trees recharge ground water and stream flow by preventing and reducing soil erosion and water pollution. Animals and wildlife benefit greatly from trees as they provide habitat, including shelter and food.
Our Santa Clara County FireSafe Council (SCFSC) mission includes protecting the environment from wildfires and this means taking steps to protect our valuable trees, wildlands, and habitats in our communities.
According to the CAL FIRE (CDF) statistics for 2006, there were 7,454 wildfires that destroyed 221,639 acres throughout California. Many areas of Santa Clara County are at risk for wildfires because they have expansive accumulations of natural fuels due to terrain, vegetation and limited accessibility conditions. In addition, increased residential development in the wildland/urban interface sets the stage for wildfire devastation to these communities and our environment.
While many wildfires are caused by nature (e.g., lightening), the majority of wildfires are caused by human error and careless behavior. Our goal is to address the need for Defensible Space through Hazardous Fuel Reduction (HFR) projects to reduce natural fuel accumulations, and educate the community, including children and young adults, about wildfire prevention.
Through our Hazardous Fuel Reduction Chipping Program, SCFSC will chip brush that has been cleared 100’ from permanent structures and/or 30’ from any roadside or driveway used for evacuation purposes. We also provide Defensible Space cleanup and chipping through our Special Needs Assistance Program for residents who are physically unable to clear their property, have no other person to assist in the clearance and cannot afford to hire a contractor to do the work.
As of September 2007, our 2007 Hazardous Fuel Reduction Chipping Programs have helped protect over 4,000 people, 1,400 homes, $1,435M in property values, and more than a hundred acres, including invaluable numbers of trees and wildlife.
Your contributions will be used to match federal funding received from the U.S. Department of the Interior to enable SCFSC to complete 50 Hazardous Fuel Reduction Chipping projects including Special Needs Assistance projects and provide community outreach and education to enable property owners to create and maintain Defensible Space around their homes and educate the community on the importance of wildfire prevention.
The Santa Clara County FireSafe Council is a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. Our mission is “Mobilizing the people of Santa Clara County to protect their homes, communities and environment from wildfires.” Our participants include state, county and city fire agencies, volunteer fire organizations, local utility companies, parks and open space organizations, city and county government representatives, neighborhood associations, and concerned individuals who share our concerns and are dedicated to the education and prevention of wildfires.
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