Since 1998, the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County (FSC) has been at the forefront of reducing wildfire risk to homes and properties. Formed through a collaborative partnership of fire agencies, natural resource organizations, residents and local governments, FSC’s mission has always been clear: help Nevada County residents minimize the threat of wildfires to their homes, their property and their lives. Through education and fuel reduction projects, and with the support of donors and funding organizations, they have made tremendous strides.
From Education to Action
As the first Education Chair of this new group,we focused on education – raising awareness about the need to remove dense vegetation around homes. Later the FSC launched a free and low-cost chipping program, helping thousands of residents reduce fuel loads on their property. Defensible Space Advisory Visits were also introduced, training community volunteers to assess properties for wildfire risk and provide one-on-one defensible space guidance.
Firewise Communities
In 2008, the FSC began to formally assist neighborhoods in forming Firewise Communities. As the Regional Firewise Coordinator, FSC continues to guide and support more than 130 Firewise Communities that share a commitment to wildfire preparedness. Pat Leach, with the FSC, was honored this past spring for her dedication and support of the Firewise Communities and deserves everyone’s additional thanks.
Scaling Up – Landscape-Level Resiliency
More recently, the FSC expanded its role – from individual/neighborhood programs to grant-funded projects designed to protect entire communities. With grants, they have treated over 10,000 acres of hazardous fuels through shaded fuel breaks and forest health initiatives that have:
– Improved evacuation safety on over 100 miles of roadways
– Supported prescribed burn training and implementation across hundreds of acres
– Reduced hazardous fuels near homes and neighborhoods
– Enhanced forest health and ecosystem resilience, making the landscape more resistant to fire.
Two Major Projects Currently Underway
These newer programs aim to reduce wildfire risk while building greater resilience at both the household and landscape levels:
– Deer Creek Shaded Fuel Break (1,600 acres funded with more in the planning stages): Creating a landscape-scale buffer roughly between Newtown Road and Morgan Ranch/Nevada City, in partnership with six Firewise Communities and the Nevada City Fire Safe Advisory Committee.
– Home Hardening Cost-Share Program: Assisting 150 homeowners with 90% reimbursement for ember-resistant retrofits such as vent upgrades, roof improvements, and defensible space.
Current Situation
Recently, however, the FSC faced a major funding setback that forced difficult decisions – reducing staffing, pausing the Green Waste Drop-off and Reduced-Cost Defensible Space Clearing programs, scaling back office space, and selling key equipment just to remain operational. Yet thanks to the continued support of volunteers, funders and partners, it remains steadfast in its mission. The FSC is continuing to pursuing new grants and partnerships and welcomes community donations.
The Path Forward
Our region remains one of the most wildfire-vulnerable areas in California. Thanks to the collective efforts of residents, Firewise leaders and other volunteers, funders, and the FSC, we have made amazing progress—much of it recently. But the work is far from finished. It is critical that we all work together, building a safer, more resilient, and truly Fire-Wise future for our community. We have much to thank the Fire Safe Council of Nevada County for! To learn more, get involved, or make a tax deductible donation, visit www.areyoufiresafe.com or call 530-446-1224. Please join us.