For immediate release May 18, 2026   Free Chipping Program Starts Monday, June 1 Reduce your wildfire risk by creating defensible space   SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. – Summit County’s free chipping program is an easy way to protect your home against elevated wildfire risk this summer. The chipping program helps property owners dispose of flammable wood slash, including branches and small trees. It runs from June 1 through July 24 and is available in every Summit County neighborhood.   Residents should stack their slash piles on the edge of their property (within 5 feet of the roadway) no later than 8 a.m. on the Monday of their neighborhood’s designated week. See when we’ll be in your area at summitcountyco.gov/chipping.   Why you should participate The easiest way to protect your property during wildfire season is by creating defensible space around your home. This includes clearing flammable vegetation such as branches and small trees. The chipping program provides free disposal of your slash piles.   Wondering where to start? Both fire agencies offer free home assessments to help you create defensible space and reduce your wildfire risk: Red, White and Blue Fire(south county) Summit Fire & EMS(northern and central county)   You don’t have to undertake a big project to make meaningful steps toward being fire wise. Check out RWB Fire’s Pre-Green Up Clean Up checklist for quick tips to protect your space.   What we can take Neatly stacked branches, logs and small trees no greater than 12” in diameter free of nails and wire Maximum trunk/branch length is 10 feet. Do not bag your slash!   What we CANNOT take No willows (they have a high moisture content and can actually help slow the spread of fire) No construction materials, treated lumber, fence posts or signs No rotted wood, root wads, stumps, dirt or rocks No grass clippings, weeds, leaves or trash   Summit County’s chipping program is made possible through the Strong Future wildfire mitigation fund and in partnership with CSU Extension.   Stay Informed Residents and visitors can receive wildfire, evacuation and other emergency alerts by signing up for SC Alert.     For more information on the chipping program, visit our website. Media interested in covering the County’s wildfire mitigation efforts should contact Adrienne Saia Isaac, communications director, at [email protected].    #     #     #