06/05/2026
N.C. Forest Service announces Disaster Mitigation Program. The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) is launching a new Disaster Mitigation Program (DMP) to help reduce heightened wildfire risk in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Risk reduction services available through the DMP include hazard reduction prescribed burning to reduce dangerous and excessive fuel loading, home ignition zone treatments to create defensible space around homes, and restoration to fuel breaks and roads for reopening access routes to improve wildfire response capabilities.
Wildfire risk reduction projects will be prioritized based on proximity to homes and infrastructure, severity of storm damage, wildfire risk and access limitations for emergency response.
While there is no cost to landowners for the risk reduction measures implemented through this program, all prospective projects require a site visit and assessment conducted by NCFS personnel, followed by review and approval before work begins.
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The program is designed to partially compensate private landowners with at least 10 contiguous acres of moderate to catastrophic timber loss from Hurricane Helene. Learn More about Eligibility and How to Apply
