Claremont canyon area of berkeley. The area is flush with trees including tall eucalyptus. Something kauffman and neighbors think should have been removed years ago. But money from fema has yet to come through. There is delay in that. Were very afraid that the fema will give the money only for trimming the trees and not removing them, which would be a disaster. The eucalyptus thought to be a major contributor to the Oakland Hills fire that destroyed 3,000 homes in october, 1991. Over two decades, uc berkeley and regional parks initiated programs to clear fire hazards, including many eucalyptus trees. Having tall trees for shade results in a lower fire risk. Dan garcetti is leaving the charge to save an estimated 1 million eucalyptus in the east bay hills, he says clear cutting two wo not reduce the fire danger. It increases the risk because it promotes growth of species such as hemlock, poison oak and thistle that, thrive in open, sunny environments a fema spokesperson says the agency