Free brush chipping still available for Big Bear and Rim Communities residents this summer

The Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council is still accepting registrations for its free curbside brush chipping program, giving Big Bear Valley and Rim Communities homeowners a no-cost way to clear defensible space around their properties before fire season peaks. The service, funded by a CAL FIRE California Climate Investment Fire Prevention grant, sends contracted crews to chip brush piles that residents stack at the curb or roadside[1].

Deadlines are coming up fast. For Rim Communities residents, chipping runs twice a month and the remaining 2026 registration deadlines are August 30, September 13, and September 27. Big Bear area residents get one more chance this year — the final deadline is September 13. All registrations must be submitted online by 6:00 p.m. PST on the applicable Sunday deadline[1].

How to sign up — and what crews expect

One important rule: do not submit the registration form until your brush pile is already at the curb or roadside. Crews will not backtrack if the material isn't ready when they arrive[1]. Once registered, contractors aim to complete their chipping lists within three weeks of the deadline, though weather, pile volume, and abatement backlogs can affect timing[1].

Chips can be blown back onto your property, left in a pile, or hauled away — but blowing and piling are not available for Big Bear area residents[1].

Not everything can go in the pile. The program does not accept root balls or limbs larger than 8 inches in diameter, pine needles, weeds, leaves, pine cones, construction lumber, painted or preserved wood, or any material containing rocks, dirt, nails, or other metal fasteners[1].

What's next

Register through MRFSC's online registration form before the applicable Sunday deadline at 6:00 p.m. PST. If you have questions or would rather register by phone, call MRFSC at 866-923-FIRE (3473)[1].