San Andreas, CA — As it remains under two local states of emergency due to the Butte Fire and rising drought-related tree deaths, Calaveras County fire prevention groups are due to make a timely update to the community wildfire protection plan (CWPP).
As the last plan was drafted five years ago just before the onslaught of the current drought, it could be argued that it is overdue for some major re-tooling, which is being made possible due to funding from State Fire Fee collections. Ahead of the update, the Calaveras Foothills Fire Safe Council (CFFSC) will, during the first two weeks of March, host four public meetings aimed at gathering comments, suggestions and other input from residents.
CFFSC Project Coordinator Bill Fullerton states that, through the CWPP update, the fire council will collect and prioritize local fuels reduction projects, which will enable the tapping of federal and state grant funding sources. Ahead of its adoption, the CWPP must be vetted and formally approved by CAL FIRE, the county fire chiefs and the board of supervisors.
During the community meetings Fullerton says that members of the public will have the opportunity to see what the plan encompasses, provide fuels reduction project ideas and speak with local fire officials on related issues impacting their neighborhoods. He adds that while each of the four meetings is scheduled in a different location across the county, residents are welcome to attend any or all of the gatherings (details are listed below).
Tuesday, March 1, at 6 p.m. — Ebbetts Pass Fire Station #1 (1037 Blagen Road, Arnold)
Monday, March 7, at 6 p.m. — Murphys Fire District Station #1 (37 Jones St.)
Thursday, March 10, at 6 p.m. — San Andreas Fire District Station #1 (37 Church Hill St.)
Monday, March 14, at 6 p.m. – West Point Fire District Station #1 (195 Spink Road)