Monday, 17 September 2007 01:53

Amador Fire Safe Announces BLM Program That Could Help Some Local Residents

The Amador Fire Safe Council announces that there may be help for homeowners adjacent to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands concerned about fire safety. The Folsom office of the Bureau of Land Management announces a new variance program for these home owners. The program applies to homeowner living adjacent to a BLM property and offers eligible for a variance. 

This means that if the homeowner has done everything they can to meet PRC 4291, the 100 foot defensible space law, but are up against the mutual property line with BLM, they can apply for this variance and get permission to work on BLM's property to enhance their defensible space. All work on BLM property must be within 100' of the mutual property line.  The homeowner would be responsible for any costs. 

There would be no restrictions on using federal or state funds if, for instance, a homeowner qualified for the Amador Fire Safe Council's low income senior/disabled grant and already had their 4291 compliance around the house.  The Fire Safe Council  would then be able to work on the BLM lands within 100' of that mutual property line.  The Amador Fire Safe Council’s office has the application form to request the variance, or the homeowner can call BLM directly at 916-985-4474. The Fire Safe Council can not help the homeowner get the variance, but can supply the homeowner with the application and contact information. For more information contact the Folsom Field Office of the BLM or the Amador Fire Safe Council at 296-6220