Published November 6, 2025
In early June, crews began work on a shaded fuel break along the Chamise Trail in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, a proactive measure aimed at reducing wildfire risk for the nearby community of Los Altos Hills. The project involves clearing vegetation on both sides of the trail to create a defensible buffer between residential areas and surrounding wildlands.
By the time work concludes later this fall, the landscape will feature increased horizontal and vertical spacing between plants in shrub and wooded zones, along with mowed grasslands. These changes are designed to slow the spread of fire and improve access for emergency responders, while preserving the ecological integrity of the preserve.
This initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the Los Altos Hills County Fire District, which launched a fuel break program in 2022. That effort spans multiple key areas including Foothills Preserve, Hidden Villa, and Rancho San Antonio. Together, these projects form a strategic network of fire mitigation zones across the region.
The shaded fuel break along Chamise Trail not only enhances community safety but also reflects a growing commitment to sustainable land management and wildfire resilience. As climate conditions continue to challenge fire-prone areas, partnerships like this one are vital to protecting both people and natural habitats.