Paved road clearing consists of trimming tree branches over roadways, limbing up tree branches off of the ground, removing ladder fuels and encroaching vegetation from roadsides and sidewalks and the clearing of vegetation around fire hydrants. The benefit for this clearing is to allow for a safe and efficient response by emergency personnel.

All City/County streets are broken into groups and, every month, a group of streets get cleared. Prior to the clearing, an informational letter is mailed describing the scope of work to the residents in the affected areas in order to allow time to comment and contact us directly.

For more information on this program please call us at (415) 380-1120.

Wildfires are a significant concern in our region. According to Cal Fire, Marin County has experienced over 20 major fires in the past decade, with vegetation management playing a critical role in emergency response. Clear roadways are essential for fire engines to reach affected areas quickly and for residents to evacuate safely when necessary.

The Southern Marin Fire Protection District (SMFD) is committed to keeping our community safe by ensuring emergency personnel can respond quickly and efficiently to protect lives and property.

SMFD reminds all property owners that maintaining roadside vegetation is your responsibility—even if that vegetation is located within the public right-of-way in front of your home.

This includes:

The goal: Ensure safe and efficient emergency response by maintaining clear access for fire trucks and evacuation routes for residents.

Because we understand the burden this work places on residents, SMFD operates the Paved Road Fuel Reduction Program at no cost to you. Our crews work systematically through City and County streets on a rotating monthly schedule to maintain vegetation clearance and ensure all roads remain passable and safe.

Tree branch trimming, limbing, ladder fuel removal, vegetation clearing, and fire hydrant clearance

Every month, a different group of streets receives clearing to maintain consistent safety standards

An informational letter is mailed to residents 2 weeks before work begins in your area

You have time to comment and contact us directly with questions or concerns about the work

When you receive our informational letter, please review the scope of work and let us know if you have any concerns. Have a specific tree or vegetation issue on your street? Contact us with your location and details.

While SMFD's Paved Roads Fuel Reduction Program helps maintain major thoroughfares, property owners are responsible for ongoing maintenance, especially for vegetation on private property that may impact roadsides:

2026 Summer Schedule:

City of Mill Valley:

May/June