You cannot outrun a wildfire. What will you do if you don’t have a way to escape?
According to CALFIRE, Nevada City is in a Very High Severity Zone. Other agencies have rated Nevada City at 90% to 100% risk of wildfire.
Therefore, under a Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N) grant from the Governor’s Office, Sierra Roots and the Nevada City Office of Emergency Services are hosting a brainstorming session from 10 a.m. to noon at Seaman’s Lodge in Pioneer Park. The session is designed to create a rescue plan for people in Nevada City who will need transportation – and for those who are willing to provide it.
As a nonprofit serving homeless people within the spheres of influence of Nevada City and Grass Valley, Sierra Roots is charged with getting homeless people in Nevada City out of harm’s way in a wildfire emergency.
However, “We intend to offer rides to anyone who needs it,” said Tom Durkin, N2N project lead for Sierra Roots.
“In the spirit of community solidarity, some of our unhoused folks with vehicles are volunteering to help with an evacuation, because in a fire emergency, we’re all in this together,” he said.
In addition to offering an opportunity for riders and drivers to get to know each other, the Saturday morning program will provide maps and informational materials. Nevada City Mayor Gary Petersen, Community Risk Reduction Officer Evan McLenithan, Specialist Camille Oneto from the Nevada City Office of Emergency Services and representatives from Nevada County will offer their insights on how to execute a safe and orderly evacuation .
“Right now, there is no evacuation plan for people without transportation. That’s why this meeting is so critical. It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Durkin.
The meeting is free, and refreshments will be served.
KNOW & GO
WHO: Sierra Roots and Nevada City Office of Emergency Services
WHAT: Community planning meeting for wildfire evacuation of people without transportation
WHERE: Seaman’s Lodge, Pioneer Park, Nevada City
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 12
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFORMATION: tomdurkin@sierra-roots.org, 530-559-3199 or camille.oneto@nevadacityca.gov, 530-265-2496, ext. 131