Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Program
Experience and research has revealed that embers and small flames are the leading cause to home ignition in wildfires. Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind and can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris and other objects.
The Home Ignition Zone Cost-Share Program is designed to help homeowners prepare for and minimize the risk of wildfire damage to their homes. SCD’s Home Ignition Zone program focuses specifically on the area within 0–5 feet from the home and/or structure and is limited homeowners who live adjacent to forest land or other undeveloped, natural areas.
Assessments:
Our Free Assessments can take up to an hour and include:
- Basics of wild fire behavior and how homes ignite
- Important home ignition risks
- Easy steps to reduce threat of unnecessary losses
- Firewise funding opportunities
Click here to sign up for your free risk assessment.
Click here for a print out of HIZ practices and specifications.
Each Home Ignition Zone project will begin with a visit from an SCD Forester. The SCD Forester will perform an evaluation of wildfire hazard risks within the home ignition zone. During the HIZ contract development all wildfire risks will be prioritized, and practices should be installed in the order of highest risk.
Cost-Share Limits
SCD provides 75% cost-share for projects up to $7,500 ($5,625 max district input). Homeowners are required to contribute 25% of the total project cost with cash or in-kind donations of labor, materials or equipment.
Payment of Allowable Costs
SCD will pay only for allowable costs. A cost is allowable if it’s reasonable, necessary to complete the approved scope of work, documented adequately, and incurred during the period of performance set forth in the cost-share agreement. Costs outside the period of performance are not allowable. A cost is considered reasonable if the nature of the work or materials and the cost reflect what a prudent person would pay under the circumstances.
Donated Equipment or Tool Use
Donated equipment or tool use occurs when a third party donates the use of equipment or tools with a replacement value of $500 or more. The maximum rate allowable may not exceed the rental rate for comparable equipment or tools in the project area. Donated equipment or tool use does not include operator services.
Donated Materials and Supplies
Materials and supplies are considered donated when they are given to the project at no cost. The reported value of donated materials is the market value of the materials or supplies at the time used.
You Must Pay First
SCD pays all cost-share agreements through reimbursement. You may request reimbursement only after you’ve paid your contractors and vendors.
SCD Pays Promptly!
SCD is provided 30 days to pay a properly completed reimbursement invoice. In most cases, reimbursement requests are paid within 10 days of receipt. Properly completed invoices include all necessary documentation, signatures, and backup documents. Incomplete reimbursement requests won’t be paid until satisfactory documentation to support the request is provided.
Donated Labor
Donated labor is time provided by a person without compensation. Labor donations are valued at an hourly rate of pay. The hourly rate for persons age 18 and over is $22.00 per hour; if the person is 17 years of age or younger, the rate is the published Washington State minimum wage.
Donated Labor Documentation Records must be maintained to verify volunteer hours spent on a project. These records must include the following information: • Individual’s name • Contact information • Dates of service • Worksite or location name • Description of work performed • Hours worked • Individual or crew leader signature and date.
Your Information is Public
All information and documentation submitted to the SCD is subject to public review (Revised Code of Washington 42.56).