Help is available for Lake Tahoe Basin residents to make their homes and families safer in the event of wildfire. Free home inspections, tree removal permits and 50 percent rebates – up to $1,000 – for vegetation management such as tree removal are available in most Lake Tahoe communities.

A partnership of Tahoe Bbsin agencies called the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is encouraging property owners to take action now to establish defensible space around their home. Visit http://www.TahoeFireSafe.com for details.

Many of the steps needed to create defensible space can be completed by the homeowner, such as:

* Removing dead vegetation, including dead shrubs, dried grass, fallen branches, pine needles, pine cones, etc.

* Thinning brush and trees to create a separation. Most local fire protection agencies can provide free inspections and tree removal permits. Call (530) 543-3473 to learn more.

* Removing “ladder fuels” by pruning lower tree branches and brush underneath trees that allow wildfire to climb and spread.

Last year, more than 750 homeowners completed the Nevada Fire Safe Council’s defensible space program and received a rebate. Additionally, forest fuel reduction was completed on approximately 1,400 acres in and around Lake Tahoe communities by local fire crews.

The Five-Step Defensible Space Rebate Process:

1. Contact your local fire protection agency to schedule a defensible space inspection

2. Call the NVFSC to receive a free inspection voucher: (530) 543.3473 or apply online

3. Get any work done on your property recommended by your local fire agency as soon as possible

4. Contact the NVFSC to schedule a property evaluation

5. When the property passes the final evaluation, the NVFSC will mail a rebate check within 21 days of the completed evaluation

For more information, call (530) 543.3473 or visit www.nvfsc.org.