PLACERVILLE, Calif. — El Dorado County has again earned statewide recognition for its wildfire preparedness efforts, receiving designation as a Fire Risk Reduction Community from the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The designation places El Dorado County among only six California counties to receive the recognition during two consecutive evaluation cycles, underscoring years of coordinated planning aimed at reducing wildfire risk across one of the state’s most fire-prone regions.
For residents throughout western El Dorado County, the foothill communities, and the Tahoe Basin, the recognition reflects ongoing investments in wildfire mitigation following a series of destructive fire seasons that have reshaped local emergency planning, including the 2021 Caldor Fire.
“This recognition reflects El Dorado County’s continued commitment to reducing wildfire risk through strategic planning, collaboration, and action,” Chief Administrative Officer Sue Phillips said in a county news release. “We are proud to be recognized again by the State for our work to make our communities more resilient.”
Recognition Built on Local Collaboration
According to the county, the designation recognizes public agencies that demonstrate comprehensive wildfire planning, mitigation and community engagement in areas located within State Responsibility Areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
The application was developed by El Dorado County’s Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience in partnership with the Planning and Building Department, CAL FIRE’s Amador-El Dorado Unit, local fire districts and other community partners.
County officials said the application highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including:
- Implementation of the updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
- Hazardous fuel reduction projects.
- Deforts to expand defensible space around homes and neighborhoods.
- Programs supporting home hardening against wildfire.
- Public education and community outreach.
- Cross-agency coordination before, during and after wildfire events.
Those efforts have become increasingly important as El Dorado County continues balancing growth with the challenges posed by increasingly severe wildfire conditions throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Potential Benefits for Homeowners
Beyond statewide recognition, county officials say the designation may provide tangible benefits for residents.
Under regulations adopted by the California Department of Insurance, insurance companies are required to consider a community’s Fire Risk Reduction designation when developing their rating plans. While discounts are not automatic, homeowners may qualify for reduced premiums depending on their insurer’s policies.
Residents are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to determine whether the designation affects their individual coverage or rates.
The recognition also strengthens El Dorado County’s competitiveness when applying for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants, potentially bringing additional funding for fuel reduction, forest health projects, evacuation planning and community resilience programs.
Building Long-Term Wildfire Resilience
Wildfire Resilience Officer Tanya Harlow said the designation reflects years of collaboration among county agencies, fire districts and local residents.
“Earning this designation for a second time reflects the significant progress we’ve made through the dedication of our County departments, fire agencies, community partners, and residents,” Harlow said. “While we’re pleased with the designation, we recognize the job is never done. By collaborating with our partners on planning, mitigation, preparedness and education, we will continue to reduce wildfire risk and help make our communities safer and stronger.”
The announcement comes as El Dorado County continues implementing projects identified in its Community Wildfire Protection Plan and encouraging homeowners to create defensible space, harden homes against wildfire and participate in neighborhood preparedness efforts.
For communities from Cameron Park and Shingle Springs to Pollock Pines, Grizzly Flats, Georgetown and South Lake Tahoe, county officials say wildfire resilience depends on continued cooperation between government agencies and residents alike.
Additional information about wildfire preparedness programs, defensible space resources and resilience initiatives is available through El Dorado County’s Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience.
Sources: El Dorado County Chief Administrative Office news release (July 22, 2026); California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection; El Dorado County Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience.
