FSMO Awards First Grants

In 2025 Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda was awarded a $100,000 grant from the California Fire Safe Council State Fire Capacity Grant Program. This money is being used to help offset the costs of ten projects or more with a maximum match amount of $10,000 each. Three projects were completed in 2025: One in Orinda, one in Moraga, and one in unincorporated Bollinger Canyon. Among the criteria for the awarded projects were the amount and species of vegetation being removed, proximity to an evacuation route, an “in-need” participant, and a minimum of five dwelling units participating.

In the Meadow Lane neighborhood, 80cu/yds of material was removed, including a row of Italian Cypress, juniper, overgrown shrubs, and dead tree branches. The Valley Hill neighborhood in Bollinger Canyon spent close to $30,000 on their project, receiving the maximum assistance of $10,000 from FSMO. They were able to clear overgrown areas along the evacuation route as well as dangerous vegetation close to structures. Finally, the Crestview neighborhood’s project had a total cost of $20,000, receiving $10,000 in assistance from FSMO. A neighbor who was originally not participating was so impressed with the work being done, they decided to join in as well! FSMO looks forward to completing the next three approved projects in the coming months and as many more as funding will allow through 2026.

In late 2025, funding from Contra Costa Community Impact Fund was awarded to FSMO in the amount of $40,000. This money will specifically aid our most vulnerable residents. These include the elderly and those without the financial, physical or mental ability to manage the wildfire risk on their property. FSMO, in conjunction with the Moraga Orinda Firesafe Network and MOFD, will be implementing outreach efforts to identify and assist those who qualify for this special assistance.