Nevada City, Calif. — May 1, 2025 — The City of Nevada City is taking proactive steps to enhance wildfire safety for its residents by conducting annual Defensible Space Inspections and hosting numerous events to help the community be as prepared and educated as possible for the fast- approaching fire season. Beginning May 1, the Office of Emergency Services’ (OES), certified Defensible Space Inspectors will commence inspections of all parcels within City limits. These defensible space inspections are designed to be educational, assisting residents in identifying and addressing conditions that could increase ignitability of a home during a wildfire.
May is Wildfire Preparedness Month, which is used to increase community awareness and individual responsibility. Since education plays a crucial role in wildfire preparedness, the City will host various events to raise awareness about the risks of wildfires and empowering residents to take necessary measures to protect their properties and community at large.
The City strongly emphasizes educating residents and enforcing the Zone Zero/Ember Resistant Zone (0–5 feet) regulations around structures. In light of devastating events like the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, the importance of these measures has never been timelier. These supercharged fires highlight the critical need to minimize flammable materials around homes to prevent similar tragedies. Community members are urged to take proactive steps with the call to action: “Be the Hero, Clear Zone Zero!” To support this initiative, the City offers an assistance program for low- income individuals, residents with Access Functional Needs, and those aged 65 and older.
Additionally, the City provides a Home Hardening Micro Grant, reimbursing up to $100 for projects that seal door sweeps, fill voids, and replace screening with 1/8–1/16 inch fire-resistant alternatives. This initiative underscores the importance of individual actions in strengthening community resilience against wildfires.
Want to get the most out of your inspection? Schedule yours to walk alongside an Inspector! For Nevada City residents within city limits, email or call Camille Oneto at 530-265-2496 x 131 or email camille.oneto@nevadacityca.gov to schedule an inspection.
Each resident has a responsibility to contribute to community safety by maintaining their property and participating in preparedness activities. Here is a list of upcoming events the City is hosting for Wildfire Preparedness Month:
- May 3rd, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Rood Center: Free Waste Drop-Off (Including E-waste) for residents within city limits
- May 4th, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Hirshman’s Trail Across the Elks Lodge: Biochar Workshop (a requirement for future use within city limits)
- May 8th, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m., City Hall: Ready, Set, Go Evacuation Series Pt. 2
- May 10th, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Greater Champion Mine Firewise Wildfire Defense Workdays
- May 24th, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Pioneer Park Wildfire Defense Workdays
- May 31st, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Deer Creek Southside Firewise Community Wildfire Defense Workdays
These events are made possible through our partnership with Neighbor-to-Neighbor, a program of California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. For detailed information about the events and to register, visit https://x.gldn.io/e/Nevada_City_ It takes the entire community to enhance wildfire safety in Nevada City. Contribute by signing up!
For more information on wildfire preparedness resources, emergency information and the Vegetation Ordinance, visit the City’s website and access the “Wildfire Preparedness” section at NevadaCityCA.gov/Wildfire-Preparedness.