Placerville, Calif. (May 14, 2025) — El Dorado County residents are invited to participate in shaping the region’s wildfire preparedness strategy. The Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience, in collaboration with the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council, has released the Draft 2025 Western El Dorado County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for public review and comment through June 9, 2025.
The CWPP serves as a comprehensive roadmap to reduce wildfire risks, guide local mitigation projects, and foster fire-adapted communities. It addresses the unique challenges of the county’s west slope, characterized by rugged terrain, fire-prone vegetation, and a growing population nearing 200,000. The plan identifies 22 Communities at Risk, as designated by CAL FIRE, and outlines strategies to enhance public safety and resilience.
Key Components of the Draft CWPP:
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Hazard Assessment: Utilizes high-resolution data to identify areas with the greatest wildfire threat.
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Mitigation Strategies: Recommends actions such as fuel reduction, defensible space enforcement, and public education initiatives.gcsd.org
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Community Engagement: Emphasizes the importance of collaboration among local agencies, organizations, and residents.
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Alignment with State and Federal Plans: Ensures consistency with the California Fire Plan and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.
“Community input is vital to ensure the CWPP reflects shared priorities,” said Tanya Harlow, spokesperson for the Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience. “We encourage residents to review the draft and provide feedback to help us build a safer, more resilient El Dorado County.
How to Participate:
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Review the Draft CWPP: Available online at the El Dorado County CWPP webpage.
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Submit Comments: Email feedback to wildfireready@edcgov.us by June 9, 2025.
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Attend Virtual Workshops:
These workshops will provide an overview of the CWPP’s development process and offer an opportunity for residents to ask questions and share their perspectives.
The finalized CWPP will guide future wildfire mitigation efforts, support grant applications, and inform policy decisions aimed at protecting lives, property, and natural resources in El Dorado County.
Contact Information:
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Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience
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Address: 360 Fair Lane, Placerville, CA
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Phone: (530) 621-5569
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Email: wildfireready@edcgov.us
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El Dorado County Fire Safe Council
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Website: www.edcfiresafe.org
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Phone: (530) 647-1700
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Residents are encouraged to take an active role in wildfire preparedness by participating in the CWPP review process and implementing recommended safety measures.
— Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 14, 2025)
