Fire Safe Moraga Orinda
FSMO completed a number of projects over the summer through programs funded by the Contra Costa Community Impact Fund and Pacific Gas & Electric. They are also in the final stretch of exhausting funds from the 2024 California Fire Safe Council Grant.
A textbook example of cleared underbrush and limbing up of trees.
In June, FSMO worked with the Lomas Moragas HOA in Moraga and East Bay Tree Service to clear the property of hazardous fire fuels. Juniper, mature rosemary, and volunteer plants were removed to keep vegetation with high oil content off of the property. The majority of the work was removing 25 large Monterey Pines. The non-native species were a popular landscaping choice back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. For the past several years the mature trees have been reaching the end of their lifespans. They die and turn brown quickly, making them extremely hazardous in wildfire conditions.
PG&E Carroll Ridge Project
In late May, PG&E, MOFD, and FSMO teamed up to tackle the clearing of overgrown vegetation on the north slope of Carroll Ridge above Campolindo High School. The weeklong project, contracted with BurnBot, Inc., used mechanical masticating equipment to quickly chew through the dense undergrowth. Operated by remote control, the small-car sized masticators turned coyote brush into wood chips in a matter of seconds.
In November of 2026, FSMO plans to begin Phase II, which will continue west along the ridge to clear an additional 25 acres.
Helping Vulnerable Residents
Although Moraga and Orinda are considered to be affluent communities there are residents who require a helping hand. Whether living on a fixed income, having physical challenges or simply being unable to manage a vegetation removal project, these neighbors found assistance though the FSMO Vulnerable Residents program. The Contra Costa Community Impact Fund facilitated by Supervisor Candace Anderson granted FSMO $40,000 to help vulnerable residents with vegetation removal efforts. to date, 10 properties have been brought into compliance with MOFD’s fire code.
City of Orinda Contracts with FSMO
In August of 2026, the City of Orinda finalized a contract with Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda to manage several aspects of their wildfire and preparedness initiatives. FSMO is now managing the Individual Incentive program, which offers up to a $1500 reimbursement for qualifying fire fuels reduction work. The City will also begin offering a Neighborhood Defensible Space Grant Program. Modeled on FSMO’s successful CFSC Grant Program, it will give homeowners working in groups, cost-sharing incentives up to $10,000 to remove hazardous fire fuels from their properties. FSMO will also take over Orinda’s Education and Outreach efforts related to wildfire preparedness.