ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Property owners across much of Western North Carolina can now receive free wildfire mitigation work through a new North Carolina Forest Service program designed to reduce fire risks left behind by Trop[ical Storm Helene.

The Disaster Mitigation Program offers wildfire risk reduction treatments at no cost to eligible private landowners and state or local government agencies in 39 North Carolina counties included in the federal disaster declaration following the September 2024 storm.

Helene left more than 800,000 acres of downed and damaged timber across the state, creating large amounts of dry fuel that can increase the risk and intensity of wildfires.

To help address that threat, the Forest Service is offering several types of mitigation work, including prescribed burns to reduce hazardous fuel buildup, home ignition zone treatments that create defensible space around homes and other structures, and restoration of fuel breaks and roads to improve access for firefighters during emergencies.

The program is not a cost-share initiative. Qualified landowners pay nothing for approved projects.

To be eligible, projects must be located entirely or partially within one of the 39 counties covered by the federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene. Work may take place on private property and state or locally owned land, but federal property is not eligible.

The Forest Service said projects will focus on reducing wildfire threats near homes and critical infrastructure. Priority will be given to properties located closest to areas with the most severe storm damage.

The highest priority will go to homes and infrastructure within one-half mile of forests where more than 75 percent of the trees were damaged. Areas within one-half mile of severe damage and within one mile of moderate damage also will be considered, along with locations already identified as having an elevated wildfire risk.

Landowners interested in the program should contact their local North Carolina Forest Service county ranger’s office to schedule a site visit. Forest Service personnel will inspect the property, verify eligibility and submit qualifying projects for approval. Before work begins, landowners must sign a no-cost contract with the agency.

Officials noted that prescribed burning projects will be scheduled only when weather and fuel conditions allow for safe burning. Mechanical fuel reduction projects will depend on equipment availability and seasonal conditions.

The Disaster Mitigation Program is one of several Helene recovery efforts offered by the North Carolina Forest Service. The agency also provides guidance on timber salvage, reforestation, invasive species control, prescribed fire and other forest recovery practices, along with information on financial assistance programs available to woodland owners.