By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 8, 2025) — PLACERVILLE, Calif. — In a concerted effort to bolster wildfire preparedness, leaders from state, local, and federal agencies convened in Placerville on Friday, April 4, for a roundtable discussion. The meeting underscored the critical importance of collaboration and proactive measures in mitigating wildfire risks in El Dorado County.
Ken Pimlott, representing the county’s Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience, emphasized the region’s vulnerability:
“We know we’ve experienced devastating wildfires here in the county over the last several decades, and the next one we know is coming. We just don’t know when.”
The roundtable highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the county’s resilience:
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Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) Update: El Dorado County is actively seeking public input to update the Western El Dorado Community Wildfire Protection Plan. This community-driven document aims to identify and evaluate local wildfire hazards and outline actionable strategies for mitigation.
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Wildfire Awareness Season: The Board of Supervisors has proclaimed May through October as Wildfire Awareness Season, urging residents to prepare for potential wildfires by creating defensible spaces and implementing home-hardening techniques.
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Fire Risk Reduction Recognition: El Dorado County has been honored by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, earning a spot on the Fire Risk Reduction List. This distinction not only acknowledges the county’s adherence to best practices but also offers potential benefits such as insurance discounts for residents and prioritization for certain wildfire prevention grants. In Edc
Tom Meyer, Program Manager for the Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience, highlighted the significance of community involvement:
“Engaging our community is essential to developing a well-informed and actionable plan. We strongly encourage our community members to provide input by taking the survey and attending one of the upcoming CWPP public workshops.”
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in local initiatives to enhance the county’s wildfire preparedness. For more information on defensible space, home hardening, and other resources, visit the Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience’s website at wildfireready.edcgov.us.
