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Wildfire Mitigation Contractors in Modoc County, CA
Modoc County in 30 secondsContractors, local rules, where to get help
3 wildfire mitigation contractors are listed for Modoc County, 2 with a clear CSLB license.
- Fire hazard zones
- Look up your address
Under County Code 8.31.010, Modoc County adopts CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, including future updates. CAL FIRE's current State Responsibility Area map has been in effect since April 1, 2024, and the State Fire Marshal released new Local Responsibility Area maps in 2025. Look up a parcel on CAL FIRE's FHSZ viewer.
- Defensible space rules
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County Code Chapter 8.31 (Ord. 298-A, 2008) adopts the state fire hazard severity maps and applies them two ways. On State Responsibility Area lands, the state's Minimum Fire Safe Regulations (14 CCR, PRC 4290) apply. On Local Responsibility Area lands rated Very High, the PRC 4291 vegetation clearance rules apply. PRC 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures (or to the property line), an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet, heavier fuel reduction from 5 to 30 feet, limbs cut back 10 feet from chimneys, and roofs kept clear. Violations are infractions with $100–$500 fines, rising to a misdemeanor on a third conviction within five years.
- Chipping
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The Modoc Fire Safe Council's Residential Chipping Program runs June 1 to October 31, depending on funding. It chips slash piles from homeowners' defensible space work and is open to all Modoc County homeowners with a residence on the property, with a 50% cost share. Piles must be no taller than 4 feet, with material up to 10 inches in diameter. Separately, the Landowner Assistance program creates up to 100 feet of defensible space at no cost for qualifying elderly (65+), disabled, or low-income homeowners (May 1 to October 31).
- Fire Safe Council
- Modoc Fire Safe Council
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The state's 100-foot defensible space rule (PRC 4291) covers Modoc County's State Responsibility Area, and County Code Chapter 8.31 extends it to locally protected Very High hazard areas; CAL FIRE's Lassen-Modoc Unit covers the county. The Modoc Fire Safe Council offers free defensible space work for qualifying seniors, disabled, and low-income homeowners. Contractors below are ranked by public Google rating.
Services in Modoc County
Defensible space rules in Modoc County
Fire hazard zones in Modoc County
Modoc County automatically follows CAL FIRE’s hazard mapping. County Code 8.31.010 adopts the state’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps and any future updates. The current SRA map has been in effect since April 1, 2024, and the State Fire Marshal released Local Responsibility Area maps in 2025. Look up your parcel on CAL FIRE’s FHSZ viewer.
Local rules and deadlines
Chapter 8.31 ties the maps to two state laws. On State Responsibility Area land, new development must meet the Minimum Fire Safe Regulations (PRC 4290). On locally protected land rated Very High, the defensible space clearance rules of PRC 4291 apply, and PRC 4291 itself covers every structure in the SRA. That means 100 feet of defensible space, an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet, and heavier thinning out to 30 feet, with PRC 4291.1 fines starting at $100–$500. CAL FIRE’s Lassen-Modoc Unit covers the county. Burn permits are handled online through CAL FIRE, per the county’s Home Fire Prevention page.
Free chipping and fire-safe programs
The Modoc Fire Safe Council, a nonprofit formed in 2000, runs two programs. Its Landowner Assistance program, running since 2004, clears up to 100 feet of defensible space at no cost for elderly (65+), disabled, or low-income homeowners from May through October. Its Residential Chipping Program chips homeowners’ slash piles from June through October with a 50% cost share.
County resources
Keep Chapter 8.31, CAL FIRE’s FHSZ viewer, and the Fire Safe Council on hand when planning clearance. The contractors listed below serve Modoc County and can help with brush clearing, thinning, and home hardening.
Frequently asked questions 5
Who enforces defensible space in Modoc County?
State law (PRC 4291) sets the rule, and CAL FIRE's Lassen-Modoc Unit is the state fire agency for the county. County Code 8.31 also applies PRC 4291's clearance rules to locally protected lands rated Very High.
What are the penalties for not clearing defensible space?
Under PRC 4291.1, a first violation is an infraction with a $100–$500 fine, and a second within five years is $250–$500. A third within five years is a misdemeanor with at least a $500 fine, and CAL FIRE may do the work and bill the owner.
How much clearance do I need?
100 feet around each structure, or to the property line if that's closer. Do the most intensive fuel reduction within 30 feet and keep an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet. Also cut tree limbs back 10 feet from chimney outlets and keep the roof free of leaves and needles. The Fire Safe Council also encourages clearing brush 20 feet from roads.
Is chipping free in Modoc County?
Not entirely. The Fire Safe Council's Residential Chipping Program requires a 50% cost share. Its Landowner Assistance program, however, does defensible space work at no cost, including chipping the slash, for homeowners who are 65 or older, disabled, or low-income.
Do I need a burn permit to dispose of brush?
The county's Home Fire Prevention page directs residents to apply for a residential burn permit online through CAL FIRE (burnpermit.fire.ca.gov), check burn status for Modoc County, and call Air Pollution Control at 530-233-3436.