The South County Shaded Fuel Break will treat 339 acres to create a fuel break to mitigate the impacts of wildfire in Nevada County.

CAL FIRE recently identified this project as a top priority to protect one of California’s most wildfire-vulnerable communities. Funding for this project is provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Fire Prevention Program as part of the California Climate Investments Program.

Eligible property owners will receive information outlining how to participate in this critical fuel reduction program. The South County Shaded Fuel Break is a priority fuel reduction project in Nevada County that will slow the spread of wildland fires and improve ingress/egress routes in an emergency.

This opportunity is available to property owners within the South County Project area at no cost. The shaded fuel break defense zone will not remove all vegetation and is not intended to prevent the spread of wildfire entirely. The defense zone is designed to slow the spread of fire and provide a safe and effective location for evacuation and fire suppression activities, including staging ground resources for direct fire attack.

Nevada County Office of Emergency Services applied for and was awarded the CAL FIRE grant late last year and has partnered with Fire Safe Council of Nevada County to manage the program. A California Registered Professional Forester will develop a fuel reduction treatment plan for each property. Property owners will review and approve their custom plan before the commencement of fuel reduction. Work prescribed will be done in accordance with the California Forest Practice Rules and will promote overall forest health and fire resiliency.