🔥 Napa County Fire Safety Resources for Circle Oaks Residents (2026)

Wildfire preparedness is a year-round responsibility in Napa County. With fire season approaching, there are several free resources and programs available to help Circle Oaks residents reduce risk and protect their homes.

Below is a summary of key programs and actions you can take now.

🌿 Free Chipping Program – Applications Open March 30

Napa County Fire Department offers a FREE chipping service to residents in unincorporated areas (including Circle Oaks).

Chipping Program _ Napa County, CA - 2026.pdf

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Chipper Days - 2026 - NAPA COUNTY FIRE DEPT..pdf

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Program Overview

• Available April through October

• Designed to support 100-foot defensible space clearing

• Helps reduce wildfire risk around your home

Key Guidelines

• Maximum: ~3 hours per visit (approx. 50’ x 3’ x 10’ pile)

• Branches must be under 6 inches in diameter 

• Place piles within 5 feet of a road or driveway 

• Stack with cut ends facing the road 

• Submit all piles in one reservation

Important Restrictions

• No poison oak, vines, or thorny material

• No construction debris, stumps, or dirt

• No mechanically piled brush

👉 This program is highly in demand, so apply early once your piles are ready.

🏡 Defensible Space: Your First Line of Defense

Creating defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and neighborhood from wildfire.

Dspace-Guide-1 - NCFF 2026.pdf

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What is Defensible Space?

A managed area around your home that:

• Slows fire spread

• Reduces ember ignition

• Improves firefighter safety

  
  

🔴 Zone 0 (0–5 Feet): The Most Critical Area

👉

This is the highest priority zone immediately around your home.

Key Actions

• Remove all dead vegetation and debris

• Use non-combustible materials (gravel, concrete)

• Clear under decks, stairs, and balconies

• Keep branches 10 feet away from chimneys

• Move firewood, furniture, and combustibles away

💡 Even though Zone 0 may not yet be legally required everywhere, it is critical for preventing home ignition.

🟠 Zone 1 (5–30 Feet): Reduce Fire Intensity

• Trim tree branches at least 6 feet from ground

• Maintain 10 feet between trees

• Remove dead plants, leaves, and needles

• Keep grass trimmed to 4 inches or less

  
  

🟡 Zone 2 (30–100 Feet): Slow Fire Spread

• Space trees and shrubs apart

• Maintain vertical separation between vegetation

• Keep wood piles at least 10 feet cleared

• Remove excess debris (but small natural coverage can remain)

  
  

🌱 Smart Plant Choices

When landscaping:

• Choose California natives (low resin, drought-tolerant)

• Avoid highly flammable plants (like conifers)

• Use high-moisture plants where possible

  
  

⚠️ Important Reminders

• The chipping program is not for general land clearing 

• Wood chips must be kept 100 feet away from structures 

• The service is a community resource, not an entitlement 

Zone-0-Checklist.pdf

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