As Marin voters considered the proposed wildfire protection tax measure, the question arose as to what should happen to those who, whether due to age, income or both, could not bring their homes up to recommended fire safety standards.

Supporters of the 2020 measure, which received overwhelming voter approval, promised it would help those who needed assistance.

They keep this promise.

Property owners can apply for reimbursement of up to $2,500 for work to create a “defensible space” around their home.

A recent IJ article detailed the work that Dutch Knapp, a longtime Corte Madera resident, has done: removing vegetation within 5 feet of his home, replacing part of his wooden fence with a metal one, and installing gutter screens to protect them from potentially flammable leaves and twigs that might have been created by flying embers from a wildfire.

Some homeowners must meet fire protection requirements to maintain their fire insurance.

For some, the obstacle is financial. Others just need help figuring out what work needs to be done and how to get started.

The Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority is offering its assistance.

These compensation payments could be worth every penny in helping to contain the spread of a wildfire and protect the homes of homeowners and their neighbors, potentially saving lives.

The agency has already awarded $433,000 in grants, which means property owners are calling to get the agency’s recommendations and take action.

Josh Hampshire, the agency’s grant specialist, says the number of grants reflects public interest in being better prepared for wildfires.

They have witnessed the tragic loss of life and property in the devastating fires in North Bay over the past decade, and for years they have heard warnings from local firefighters who have witnessed the destruction caused by wildfires in other parts of the state that it could happen here, too.

Voter approval of the 2020 tax was a critical step in mobilizing the people of Marin to take action and implement preventive and protective measures.

The tax has played a key role in boosting local efforts to create wildfire breaks, which could improve firefighters’ chances of stopping the spread and violence of a wildfire.

The agency also worked to ensure that local homeowners do their part to make their homes more fire safe.