The Eastern Plumas Rural Fire Protection District’s future hangs in the balance as the county supervisors consider their options. In June, the district suspended its emergency response due to a lack of volunteers, and now, the supervisors must decide on the district’s reorganization and recruitment plans.
At the August 1st meeting, CAO Debra Lucero emphasized that Eastern Plumas Rural Fire was the only district that chose not to participate in forming the new Beckwourth Fire Protection District, a consolidation of smaller rural districts in the county’s eastern parts. Despite encouragement from LAFCo to join the consolidation due to apparent challenges in dysfunction and finances, the district declined the offer.
During the meeting, a board member from the district accused the supervisors of not giving them a fair chance to address their challenges. The board member noted that a final member continues not to be appointed, preventing the district from holding a quorum.
Supervisor Chairperson Greg Hagwood raised doubts about whether appointing a new member would solve the district’s underlying problems.
The supervisors now face the critical decision of either assuming control over the district or allowing it to continue its efforts to reorganize independently. However, CAO Debra Lucero warned that taking over the district could place a financial burden on the county that it may not be prepared to undertake.
As no immediate action was taken during the meeting, the board directed staff to evaluate possible next steps and schedule a vote in an upcoming meeting. The supervisors will reconvene on Tuesday, August 8th; whether this decision will return to the agenda has yet to be determined.
