August 13, 2026….. The Fire Safe Council of Nevada County (FSC) announced that two major projects – the Deer Creek Canyon Shaded Fuel Break project and the Home Hardening and Retrofit Program will not move forward. “Our efforts to obtain reimbursement from the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for past work on these projects have not been successful. CalOES requested highly detailed documentation for work completed more than a year ago which we no longer have. Without that documentation, Cal OES is unwilling to reimburse thousands of dollars in eligible project expenses,” stated Pete Williams, Chair of the council.
Even if reimbursements were possible, CalOES has indicated that continued funding for these and many other California projects is highly unlikely due to funding reductions and strained relationships between the State of California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “This is very tragic, as both projects would have provided a boost to the fire safety for residents in Nevada County,” said Williams. Letters explaining this situation have been sent to the 168 applicants who were pre-qualified for the Home Hardening program and to the 74 landowners in the Deer Creek Canyon Shaded Fuel Break project.
As a result of these financial challenges, the Fire Safe Council will be closing its office for the time being. Volunteers, however, will continue to provide some services to Nevada County residents including Defensible Space Advisory Visits and support for neighborhood Firewise Communities. “If we can help, please contact me at pwill4436@gmail.com or Steve Eubanks, Vice Chair at steubanks@gmail.com. We remain deeply committed to our mission of helping Nevada County residents become fire safe,” concluded Williams.