The Plumas County Fire Safe Council reports that outreach and networking served as the heartbeat of Firewise communities this past season. Across Plumas County, neighbors have been organizing events, contributing to chipping days and sharing resources that bring people together around wildfire awareness and preparedness, said the council: “From Zone Zero education to 100-foot cleanups to three-year action plan implementation, these efforts show how local action and collaboration build resilient communities countywide.”
The council is highlighting stories of neighbors in action, a handful of the many ways Firewise leaders have been inspiring their communities and driving meaningful change. Fire safe outreach coordinator Amber Hughes offers thanks to all the Firewise leaders and volunteers whose dedication shaped these successes. “From small daily actions to large community gatherings, these efforts are adding up — showing that resilience is built step by step, neighbor by neighbor, across Plumas County,” she said.
More information about Firewise efforts in Plumas County is available from Hughes at [email protected].
Valley Ranch Firewise: Emergency evacuation town hall
In a county defined by its forests and spread-out communities, distance may separate towns, but the ties of neighbors helping neighbors keep people close, said Hughes. That sense of connection was on full display Sept. 10, when Valley Ranch Firewise hosted a community presentation on emergency evacuation.
Guest speakers included Lori Pini, from the Plumas County Office of Emergency Services; Deputy Chandler Peay, from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office; Lt. Ryan Pederson, from the California Highway Patrol; and Chief Ed Ward, from the Graeagle Fire Protection District.
Organizers said residents walked away with a clearer understanding of how Plumas County responds in an emergency, what individuals can do to be ready and the importance of swift action if evacuation orders are given. The message resonated across the room: “When told to go, go!”
Sloat, Cromberg and Camp Layman: Community reporting and outreach
This season, residents of Sloat, Cromberg and Camp Layman have been reporting their fuel reduction hours, an important way to document ongoing wildfire preparedness work, said Hughes.
A recent Firewise event brought 25 people together, creating space for learning and connection. In addition, the community keeps preparedness top of mind through a weekly email network reaching 150 members, sharing Firewise messages that encourage awareness and action.
Through reporting fuel reduction hours, hardening homes and sharing educational resources, area residents are demonstrating how steady, local effort can make a lasting impact, said Hughes: “Each contribution, whether it involves trimming trees, clearing debris or sharing preparedness knowledge, strengthens their collective capacity to meet future challenges.”
Lake Almanor Country Club Firewise: Steady progress all season
The Lake Almanor Country Club Firewise Committee has kept up a strong pace of action, said organizers. Leaders launched with a Firewise information booth at the Peninsula Fire District’s Memorial Day pancake breakfast, followed by a well-attended town hall meeting in June covering Assembly Bill 38 compliance inspections, the “Surviving Wildfire” guidebook, insurance updates and more.
Throughout the season, the committee maintained momentum with monthly Firewise articles, board reports and encouragement for lot cleanup reports for 2025. They also marked the completion of Year 2 in their three-year action plan, a significant milestone that reflects consistent commitment and forward progress, said Hughes.
Graeagle Firewise: Pancake breakfast partnership
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Graeagle Firewise joined forces with the Graeagle Fire Department at the department’s annual pancake breakfast fundraiser in July. The event not only brought the community together but also underscored the strong partnership between Firewise leaders and local first responders, including the support of Fire Chief Ed Ward.
A team of five Firewise volunteers — Diane Bowman, John Cunningham, Wendy Trafton, Linda Rutherford and Van Bowman — staffed an outreach booth. They shared home hardening information, encouraged property owners to install reflective address signs for quicker navigation by first responders and connected with many part-time residents who were in town for the holiday.
The fire safe council reports that the impact was immediate: 22 reflective sign orders were placed during the event, with proceeds benefiting the Graeagle Fire Association. Requests have continued to come in weekly since then. Van and Diane Bowman report they have been making the signs and personally delivering them, using each visit as another chance to share Firewise tips and resources.
“The positive response highlights how simple, practical steps — paired with community events — can expand Firewise engagement and deepen community preparedness at the local level,” said Hughes. Those who wish to get involved can contact [email protected].
Hamilton Branch Firewise: Building preparedness together
Hamilton Branch Firewise organized a July gathering in the Hamilton Branch firehall, where residents welcomed a lineup of guest speakers:
- Lori Pini, manager, Plumas County Office of Emergency Services
- Nina Peay, resource and call coordinator, Plumas Rural Services
- Mara Rouse, community disaster program manager, American Red Cross
- Nick Garcia, battalion chief, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
The event covered a range of topics, including evacuation preparation, volunteer needs, underburn assistance, new Zone Zero legislation and the importance of reflective address signs. The meeting wrapped up with lively conversation, shared food and a renewed sense of purpose for working together on preparedness, said organizers. Those interested in getting involved can contact Jan Davies at [email protected].
Portola Firewise: Outreach in action
Portola Firewise created multiple opportunities this season to bring neighbors together and open meaningful community discussions about readiness and resilience, said organizers.
In July, in partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they hosted a wildfire preparedness fair and community barbecue. Families enjoyed food, fire engines on display and the chance to meet with local agencies, said organizers. Special guests included the Plumas County Fire Safe Council, Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, Plumas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Plumas Office of Emergency Services, Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District and more.
Organizers said neighbors learned about evacuation planning, grab-and-go kits, first aid, pet and livestock evacuation and how to submit Firewise investment hours — all in a fun, family-friendly setting.
In August, Portola Firewise members also joined the Rotary Fly-In Breakfast as guest participants. Alongside air district representatives, they helped share information on wood stove changeouts, chimney sweep vouchers and upcoming free green waste weeks in October.
Together, these events demonstrate how Portola Firewise is expanding its reach, forging new partnerships and keeping preparedness visible in everyday community experiences, said Hughes. Those interested in getting involved can reach out to Mikki Battaglia at [email protected].
Plumas Eureka Estates Firewise: Educating neighbors
The Plumas Eureka Estates Firewise team connected with neighbors by participating in two fundraising events supporting the Plumas Eureka Fire Department — the pancake breakfast in May and the hot dog barbecue in August.
At each event, a Firewise booth featured a large map display showing the location of recent fires throughout Plumas County. The map sparked conversations, helping many realize how vulnerable the community is to wildfire. Volunteers shared the Plumas Eureka Estates evacuation plan and distributed Firewise brochures on defensible space, home hardening and wildfire preparedness. Tote bags filled with resources encouraged residents to take steps that reduce the risk of wildfire ignition and spread, said organizers.
The booth also highlighted information from the Plumas County Fire Safe Council and distributed copies of the 2025 Firewise certification. Residents were encouraged to complete Firewise USA volunteer work sheet forms to support the 2026 certification process, available at the Plumas Eureka Community Services District office. Families with children received coloring books, stickers and a visit from Sparky while parents explored resources and information.
The booth was staffed by local Firewise board members, with special thanks to Charlie Giguiere, Kim Train, Bill Grijalva and Jeff Johnson. Plumas Eureka Estates community members interested in getting involved can contact Jeff Johnson at 775-722-0758.
Seneca Firewise: Resilience in a landscape changed by fire
Seneca Firewise closed out the season with a September gathering that reflected both the challenges of the past and the strength of a rural community coming together, said organizers. Set against the backdrop of a landscape still scarred by the Dixie Fire, neighbors and partners met outdoors at the Gin Mill’s picnic area for a day of discussion and connection.
Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Jeremy Beatley shared insights into the challenges of the Dixie Fire, particularly evacuation, and described new processes now in place to make future evacuations more efficient and accurate.
The group also heard from Cal Fire’s Kasey Criss and Kelly Holt, of diversified resources, who discussed fire response and ongoing timber cleanup in the Seneca area. Westwood Firewise lead Melissa Wynn joined to offer regional perspective, and Sierra Institute’s Kelly Makela introduced herself in her new role while opening conversations on the North Fork Recovery Project and committing to continued information sharing.
The day ended with a community barbecue, where 25 participants shared food, stories and a renewed sense of connection, said organizers. “In a place so deeply shaped by wildfire, Seneca’s gathering underscored how resilience is built, neighbor by neighbor, conversation by conversation,” said Hughes.
