Free Curbside Brush Chipping Returns to Big Bear and the Rim Communities This Summer

If storm damage, tree trimming, or general fire-safety cleanup has left a pile of brush on your property, the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council (MRFSC) wants to haul it away — for free. The council is running its curbside chipping program through September for residents of the Big Bear Area and the Rim Communities, giving homeowners a no-cost way to reduce the wildfire fuel load around their properties[1].

The program is made possible by a CAL FIRE California Climate Investment Fire Prevention grant, which covers the cost of the contractor crews that do the actual chipping[1].

How it works — and what to do first

Here is the most important rule: do not sign up until your brush is already stacked at the curb or roadside. If the crew arrives and your material isn't ready, they will not come back[1]. Once your pile is set, register online or contact MRFSC directly, and a contractor will typically complete your street's list within three weeks of the registration deadline — though weather, high demand, and abatement project backlogs can affect that timeline[1].

Registration requests must be submitted by 6:00 p.m. PST on the designated Sunday deadline for that cycle. Miss the deadline and your material may not be addressed until the following month — and you could face a citation under County ordinances in the meantime[1].

Schedule at a glance

Rim Communities — chipping runs twice a month. Upcoming registration deadlines are May 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 16 & 30, and September 13 & 27[1].

Big Bear Area — chipping runs once a month. Upcoming deadlines are June 14, July 12, August 16, and September 13[1].

What the crew will — and won't — chip

Branches and small trees up to 8 inches in diameter are fair game. The crew will not accept root balls, limbs or trunks larger than 8 inches across, pine needles, weeds, leaves, pine cones, loose bark, construction lumber, painted or treated wood, or any material mixed with rocks, dirt, nails, wire, or other hardware[1]. Keep those items out of your pile to avoid having the crew pass on your property.

What's next

The first Rim Communities deadline of the season is May 31, and the first Big Bear deadline is June 14 — so now is the time to get your brush stacked and your registration submitted. To sign up or ask questions, call MRFSC at 866-923-FIRE (3473) or reach out through the contact page on the MRFSC website[1].