The Plumas Underburn Cooperative has made significant progress improving wildfire resilience across the county. In November, 2024, PUC volunteers joined two neighborhood underburns in Clio and Thompson Valley, specifically the Linden and Old Highway areas. Both areas have earned designation as Firewise Communities as a result of their commitment to fire safety and local ecosystem health.
Forty-seven people took part in the Thompson Valley underburn. Notably, 11 were aged 18 or younger. Personnel from CalFire, Plumas National Forest and Plumas County Firewise also participated. The work enhanced defensible space around several properties and improved fire resistance and forest health.
As winter progresses, PUC volunteers continue their work. The Genesee Woods Firewise Community burned approximately 100 piles Jan. 10, reducing fuel loads around local homes. Feather River College students worked with PUC volunteers Jan. 18, burning 60 piles under the area’s black oak canopy. That work prepares the campus for future prescribed or cultural burning. In Crescent Mills, PUC members held their regular meeting Jan.23 and helped one of its members with pile burning on their property.
For the 2025 season, PUC will prioritize applications for assistance to residents who need it the most. The PUC evaluates income, primary residences, and the homeowner’s overall sincerity regarding wildfire safety. The homeowner assistance program provides equitable assistance to as many Plumas County residents as possible. Assistance could be a defensible space treatment or a home visit to discuss enhancements to wildfire safety elements.
In addition, applications open Feb. 14 for the Plumas County Fire Safe Council’s chipping program. For more information or an application form for either assistance program, visit the council’s website.
Information provided by Plumas County Fire Safe Council
