Nevada County, CA –Outstanding contributions by Firewise Community leaders, Firewise Communities and Firewise volunteers were recognized last Saturday at the Wildfire-Ready Festival & Expo at Western Gateway Park. The awards were a highlight of the event.
“Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County (Coalition), formed last year by experienced Firewise leaders, knows that while communities understand wildfire risk, generating engagement and action remains a challenge,” said Jo Ann Fites-Kaufman, Wildfire-Ready Coalition president.
“There are many hardworking Firewise Community leaders and communities, but several really stand out—not only in what they do, but in how they inspire and help other communities beyond their own.”
Firewise Community Leader Awards
Theo Fitanides – Redbud FWC leader: Theo was recognized for engaging his new FWC. He has recruited more volunteers than anyone else to support educational efforts, especially notable given the small size of the Redbud FWC. He represents a younger generation stepping up to lead community wildfire safety.
Jeff Peach – Banner Mountain FWC leader: Jeff has led the large Banner Mountain FWC for many years and helped many FWCs operate more efficiently by sharing best practices for completing annual NFPA Firewise USA® reporting. As a founding member of both the Nevada County Coalition of Firewise Communities and the Wildfire-Ready Coalition, his leadership benefits all Firewise Communities in the county. Recently, he took the bold step of deciding to disband the Banner FWC so that smaller ones could form in its place, bolstering engagement.
Kristen Cook – You Bet FWC leader: Widely known across Nevada County for effective wildfire visual, social media, and outreach communications, Kristen has led numerous initiatives to benefit her community and others. She initiated a GMRS radio network for immediate, localized fire information that supports rapid emergency response. Her “block captain” model has been adopted by many FWCs. She developed a practical, hands-on evacuation safety program. As a long-time Coalition member and co-founder, she has shared best practices countywide for years.
Firewise Community Awards
Lower Colfax FWC: Led by Dario Davidson for nearly 20 years, the community has sustained regular roadside work parties and prescribed burns. Nevada County OES Director Alex Keeble-Toll noted, “Lower Colfax Firewise Community has been instrumental in the success of the Woodpecker Ravine Phase 1 and Phase 2 shaded fuel breaks. Bringing grant funding to the table only works if you can get residents on board. Their work—combined with over 1,000 acres of treatment—exemplifies action at the individual, community, and landscape scale.”
You Bet FWC: You Bet is notable for its high level of engagement, as exemplified by its 120-member neighborhood radio network. They practice regularly and have used the network for early detection of fire starts, from vehicle fires to illegal campfires.
Redbud FWC: This new, small FWC has quickly mobilized, expanding work parties and educational gatherings while contributing to major Wildfire-Ready events, especially last February’s Hearts on Fire celebration. They organized and set up the exhibit of more than 50 pieces of wildfire-resilience-inspired art.
Wildfire-Ready Coalition Volunteer Awards
Individual volunteers also were recognized for going above and beyond in their contributions to Coalition programs:
- Dario Davidson: For dedicated mentoring and leadership of educational workshops; his experience helping more than 70 Firewise Communities form is invaluable.
- Joanne Drummond: For extensive efforts at educational events and community outreach.
- Karen Wcislo: For contributions to the Firewise Communities Committee and educational events.
- Melissa Cade: For outreach, community mapping, and bringing a younger generational perspective.
- Sam Gitchell: For cataloging and tracking the art for the Hearts on Fire exhibit.
- Sandie Hewston: For contributions to quarterly meetings, development of a tabling “event kit,” and leadership on special projects.
- Terry Hastings: For board leadership, communications, newsletter publication, Wildfire Ready Homes program leadership, and tireless volunteer support.
“The Wildfire-Ready Festival & Expo provided a great setting to present these awards. We are thankful to all our sponsors for supporting wildfire-readiness,” said Fites-Kaufman.
Firewise Community awards: Home Hardening Solutions, Inc. and MEC Builds (Gold-level sponsors). Firewise Leader awards: Mountain F. Enterprises, Inc., Powell Arbor Solutions, and Witzke Family Insurance (Silver-level sponsors).
Wildfire-Ready Coalition Volunteer awards: Acton Arboriculture, California Wildfire Sprinkler Systems, Ladris, JR Squared Construction, Inc., Diamond Pacific, PG&E Right Tree–Right Place, and Sierra Land Improvement, Inc.
Other Event Winners
The event also featured two firefighter competitions and a “Go-Bag Showdown.” A CAL FIRE firefighter won the hot dog eating contest, and the Tahoe National Forest won the bucket brigade. Joanne Drummond won the Go-Bag Showdown.
About Wildfire-Ready Coalition
Formed in March 2025, Wildfire-Ready Coalition of Nevada County is a volunteer-driven nonprofit helping residents, businesses, and communities become better prepared for wildfire through education, Firewise Community support, collaboration, and action.
With growing support, the Coalition is looking towards developing a Fire Adapted Youth Corps to help low-income seniors with basic home hardening and defensible space. See more about us on our Facebook and Instagram pages.