The Plumas County Fire Safe Council has launched a significant effort to reduce wildfire hazards in the region by awarding its first contract for a hazardous fuels reduction program. This initiative will cover approximately 868.3 acres, with the City of Portola contributing three parcels to the project.
Scheduled to commence next week, the fuels reduction operations will focus on the Grizzly Ranch and Iron Horse/A-15 areas. According to the Fire Safe Council, this initial phase is expected to considerably lower the wildfire risk for several communities, including the City of Portola, Iron Horse, Clio, Lake Davis, and areas along Grizzly Road.
The hazardous fuels reduction project aims to remove excess vegetation and other potential fire hazards to create defensible spaces around communities, making it easier for firefighters to protect homes and properties in the event of a wildfire.
The Plumas County Fire Safe Council’s Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program has worked since 2002 to lower wildfire risks by coordinating fuel reduction projects across 13 communities. Initially starting with a 62-acre demonstration, the Council has since treated nearly 14,000 acres of both private and public lands. The projects, mainly funded through grants, aim to reduce fire risks to structures, lower fire severity, and boost community resilience. The approach involves thinning trees and removing ladder fuels. While these treatments have been effective in reducing “high-risk” areas to “low-risk,” ongoing maintenance is necessary and challenging due to funding constraints.
For more detailed information about the Plumas County Fire Safe Council’s initiatives and their impact, you can visit their website here or read more about ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts here.
