Colfax Homeowners: Get 90% Coverage for Fire Protection Upgrades Through FEMA Grant

Wildfire protection doesn’t have to drain your savings account. Colfax homeowners now have access to a FEMA grant program that covers 90% of the costs for fire hardening measures on residential properties. The program emerged from lessons learned during the devastating 2021 River Fire, which threatened the community and exposed how vulnerable many homes were to rapid-spreading flames. Today, it stands as a practical solution for protecting your most valuable asset.

The process begins with a contractor visiting your property to conduct a thorough inspection and assessment. They evaluate your land, trees, brush, landscaping, and the home itself, then recommend specific improvements from FEMA’s approved list. These can include land clearing and brush removal, ember-blocking vent covers, roof upgrades, window replacements, and siding updates. Every homeowner within Colfax city limits qualifies, regardless of income level. So far, 10 residents have already used the program to harden their homes against fire damage.

Mayor Caroline McCully emphasizes that the strategy starts with your land. Clearing trees, brush, and grass is the first critical step, followed by home-specific improvements to block embers and resist fire exposure. With 90% of costs covered, the financial barrier that typically prevents families from implementing these upgrades has been removed. If you live in Colfax and have been considering fire protection improvements, this is the moment to reach out and start the application process. What fire safety upgrades have you been thinking about for your home?