Free Curbside Chipping Returns to Big Bear This Summer — Register by May 31

Rim Communities and Big Bear Area residents looking to clear brush and reduce fire risk around their properties have a free tool available this summer: the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council's Curbside Chipping Program. The first registration deadline for Big Bear area residents is June 14, but those in the Rim Communities can sign up as early as May 31.[1]

The program, funded at no cost to participants through CAL FIRE's California Climate Investment Fire Prevention grant program, sends contracted crews to chip brush and branches that residents pile at the curb or roadside.[1] The process is straightforward: stack your material at the road's edge, submit your registration before the deadline, and contractors will complete the chipping within three weeks.[1]

Schedules vary by area. Rim Communities residents can register for chipping twice a month, with deadlines running through September 27. Big Bear chipping runs monthly, with registration deadlines on June 14, July 12, August 16, and September 13.[1] Note that Big Bear area residents can only have chips hauled away — the chip-blowing and piling options offered elsewhere are not available here.[1]

A few things to keep out of your pile: root balls or trunks wider than 8 inches, pine needles, pine cones, loose bark, leaves, weeds, construction lumber, painted or preserved wood, and any material with rocks, dirt, nails, wire, or other metal mixed in.[1] Also keep in mind that registration requests must be submitted by 6:00 p.m. PST on the Sunday deadline — late submissions may push your pickup to the following month, and leaving brush piled roadside too long could result in a citation under County ordinances.[1]

To register, visit the MRFSC website or call 866-923-FIRE (3473) with any questions.[1]