Oroville City Council
May 6, 2025

May 06, 2025~3:30 PM Oroville City Council Meeting Agenda Page 1 of 7

OROVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Council Chambers
1735 Montgomery Street
Oroville, CA. 95965
May 06, 2025

REGULAR MEETING
CLOSED SESSION 3:30 PM
OPEN SESSION 4:30 PM
AGENDA

PUBLIC ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION
Please review the options below for ways to participate or observe the Council Meetings.

To Observe the Meeting:

1. Live Feed: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAoRW34swYl85UBfYqT7IbQ/

2. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96870319529?pwd=dW9kMGRZSFo5MFFNQk5wVDUzRkRrZz09

3. Zoom Application: Meeting ID: 968 7031 9529 Passcode: 67684553

4. By Phone: Telephone: 1-669-900-6833 Meeting ID: 968 7031 9529 Passcode: 67684553 To Provide Comment to the Council:

1. Attend the meeting in person

2. Send an Email by 2:00 PM the day before the meeting to [email protected]. All comments emailed will be provided to the Council Members for their consideration.

If you would like to address the Council at this meeting, you are requested to complete the blue speaker request form (located on the wall by the agendas) and hand it to the City Clerk, who is seated on the right of the Council Chamber. The form assists the Clerk with minute taking and assists the Mayor or presiding chair in conducting an orderly meeting. Providing personal information on the form is voluntary. For scheduled agenda items, please submit the form prior to the conclusion of the staff presentation for that item. Council has established time limitations of three (3) minutes per speaker on all items and an overall time limit of thirty minutes for non-agenda items.

If more than 10 speaker cards are submitted for an item, the time limitation would be reduced to one and a half (1.5) minutes per speaker for that item. If more than 15 speaker cards are submitted for non-agenda items, the first 15 speakers will be randomly selected to speak at the beginning of the meeting, with the remaining speakers given an opportunity at the end. (California Government Code §54954.3(b)).

Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the Council is prohibited from taking action except for a brief response from the Council or staff to statements or questions relating to a non-agenda item.

CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL
Council Members: Chuck Reynolds, Scott Thomson, Tracy Johnstone, Janet Goodson, Shawn Webber, Vice Mayor Eric Smith, Mayor David Pittman
1 May 06, 2025~3:30 PM Oroville City Council Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 7

CLOSED SESSION
The Council will hold a Closed Session on the following:

1. Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), the Council will meet with the City Administrator and City Attorney regarding potential exposure to litigation – Two cases.

2. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, the Council will meet with the Personnel Officer to discuss Public Employee Performance Evaluations. Position Title: Department Heads and Contract Employees

OPEN SESSION

1. Announcement from Closed Session

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Adoption of Agenda

PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

1. BUTTE COUNTY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL WILL PRESENT INFORMATION ON FIRE WISE

COMMUNITIES
The City Council shall receive a presentation from the Butte County Fire Safe Council on Fire Wise Communities.

ACTION REQUESTED –
ACCEPT FOR INFORMATION.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – HEARING OF NON-AGENDA ITEMS
This is the time to address the Council about any item not listed on the agenda. If you wish to address the Council on an item listed on the agenda, please follow the directions listed above.

REPORTS / DISCUSSIONS

1. Council Announcements and Reports

2. Administration Reports
2 May 06, 2025~3:30 PM Oroville City Council Meeting Agenda Page 3 of 7

CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items 1 - 5 are adopted in one action by the Council. Items that are removed will be discussed and voted on immediately after adoption of consent calendar items.

1. EXTEND AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH JENNIFER ARBUCKLE

CONSULTING
The Council shall consider extending the professional services agreement with Jennifer Arbuckle Consulting for grant management and SB 1383 Compliance, extending the term through Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and Fiscal Year 2026/2027 at her current rate of $125/hour.

ACTION REQUESTED -
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.9367 – A RESOLUTION OF THE OROVILLE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT #3386 WITH JENNIER ARBUCKLE CONSULTING – (AGREEMENT NO. 3386).

2. PURCHASE OF ONE NEW COMMAND VEHICLE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT The Council shall consider the expenditure of funds to purchase a new 2025 Ford F-250 pickup to be used as a Battalion Chief command vehicle. The vehicle will be outfitted with emergency lighting, radios, camper shell and necessary command equipment. If approved, the new vehicle will replace the current 2019 Ford F-150, which will be reassigned as a utility vehicle within the department.

ACTION REQUESTED -
APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE 2025 FORD F-250 COMMAND VEHICLE WITH

ASSOCIATED EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

3. SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3235 BURLINGTON AVENUE The Council shall consider selling residential property located at 3235 Burlington Avenue.

ACTION REQUESTED -
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 9366 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING

AND DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND HOUSING

DEVELOPMENT, AMY BERGSTRAND, TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS 3235 BURLINGTON AVENUE, OROVILLE (APN.035-096-004) TO GARY AND REBECCA ASHWORTH FOR $170,000.
3 May 06, 2025~3:30 PM Oroville City Council Meeting Agenda Page 4 of 7

4. REQUEST TO WAIVE MUSEUM FEES FOR EVENT AT CHINESE TEMPLE City Council will have the choice to waive the standard $3 per person admission fee and special event fee of $110.24 for an Asian heritage event the docents would like to hold at the Chinese Temple Museum on Saturday, May 24, 2025, featuring a Tai Chi demonstration and children's origami instruction. The fee waiver would apply only for that day and is intended to encourage broader public participation.

ACTION REQUESTED –

CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE OR DENY THE FEE WAIVER REQUEST AND ALLOW CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO SIGN FORMS ACCORDINGLY.

5. 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM | HMONG VETERANS SPECIAL GUERRILLA UNITS

REMEMBRANCE DAY
The Council shall consider adopting the proposed resolution, honoring and recognizing May 15th as Hmong-American Veterans Memorial Day.

ACTION REQUESTED –
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 9374 – HONORING AND RECOGNIZING MAY 15TH AS HMONGAMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY.

REGULAR BUSINESS

6. 2025 COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN (CWPP) OVERVIEW The City Council shall receive an overview and consider approval of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Oroville City Fire Department is an active participant in the County wide CWPP, which is designed to enhance regional wildfire mitigation and coordination efforts.

ACTION REQUESTED -
APPROVE THE 2025 BUTTE COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN (CWPP) AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN.
4 May 06, 2025~3:30 PM Oroville City Council Meeting Agenda Page 5 of 7

7. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT WITH RUTH DUNCAN FOR POSITION OF FINANCE

DIRECTOR
The Council shall consider entering into a new employment contract with Ruth Duncan for the position of Finance Director.

ACTION(S) REQUESTED
APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT; AND
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 9373 - A RESOLUTION OF THE OROVILLE CITY COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF OROVILLE AND RUTH DUNCAN.

8. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT AMENDMENTS WITH CONTRACTED EMPLOYEES The Council shall consider contract amendments with all contracted employees, that would modify accrual language leave accruals, and language in the Non-Industrial Injury / Illness section of the agreements.

ACTION REQUESTED -
ADOPT RESOLUTIONS NO. 9368-9372

9. ALLEYWAY NAMING INITIATIVE
At the request of Council Member Goodson and Council Member Webber, the Council will consider the installation and naming of signage in alleyways located within City limits. It is estimated approximately 195 signs would be needed with a materials cost of $35,000. Labor is anticipated to be approximately five (5) hours per sign, or a total of 975 labor hours, or 24.4 weeks for one fulltime laborer. Additionally, admin time is anticipated to also be approximately five (5) hours per sign, or a total of 975 labor hours, or 24.4 weeks for one full-time admin person.

ACTION REQUESTED -
PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF.
5 May 06, 2025~3:30 PM Oroville City Council Meeting Agenda Page 6 of 7

10. AWARD CONTRACT TO MARK THOMAS & COMPANY, INC. FOR PRELIMINARY

ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR THE WASHINGTON AVENUE

AND TABLE MOUNTAIN BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT
The Council shall consider authorizing the Mayor to sign Agreement No. 3546 for preliminary engineering and environmental services for the Washington Avenue and Table Mountain Boulevard Complete Streets project.

ACTION REQUESTED -
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT NO. 3546 AND AWARD THE PROJECT TO MARK THOMAS & COMPANY, INC. FOR PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AND

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR THE WASHINGTON AVENUE AND TABLE MOUNTAIN COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Public Hearing Procedure is as follows:
- Mayor or Chairperson opens the public hearing and staff will present the item and answer Council questions.
- The hearing is opened for public comment limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. In the event of more than ten (10) speakers, time will be limited to one and a half (1.5) minutes.

Under Government Code 54954.3, the time for each presentation may be limited. - Speakers are requested to provide a speaker card to the City Clerk - Public comment session is closed and then the Council will debate and take action - Those wishing to speak at the public hearings below, but unable to attend before 5pm, may request that the council consider holding the public hearing after 5pm by emailing [email protected] or calling 530-538-2535. Please submit request 24 hours before the meeting.
- Individuals may email comments for council consideration to [email protected]

11. 5:00PM – PUBLIC HEARING - PROPSOSED UPDATES TO THE WEED ABATEMENT

ORDINANCE
As wildfire risks continue to grow, the safety of Oroville’s residents remains a top priority. Staff is requesting the Council consider updates to the current weed abatement ordinance to strengthen fire prevention efforts and better protect our community. These updates focus on addressing fire hazards more effectively, with a key emphasis on establishing defensible space around homes to reduce the risk of wildfire damage.

ACTION REQUESTED -

WAIVE THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE FOR WEED ABATEMENT AND DIRECT

STAFF TO BRING BACK FOR ADOPTION AT THE NEXT MEETING WITH PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE OF JANUARY 1, 2026.
6 May 06, 2025~3:30 PM Oroville City Council Meeting Agenda Page 7 of 7 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – HEARING OF NON-AGENDA ITEMS
This is the time to address the Council about any item not listed on the agenda. If you wish to address the Council on an item listed on the agenda, please follow the directions listed above.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS / CORRESPONDENCE

1. Future Agenda Items

2. Correspondence
i. PG&E Request to Change Rates Notice
ii. Fire Department Stat Report 05.01.25

ADJOURN THE MEETING
The meeting will be adjourned. A regular meeting of the Oroville City Council will be held on May 20, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Accommodating Those Individuals with Special Needs – In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Oroville encourages those with disabilities to participate fully in the public meeting process. If you have a special need in order to allow you to attend or participate in our public meetings, please contact the City Clerk at (530) 538-2535, well in advance of the regular meeting you wish to attend, so that we may make every reasonable effort to accommodate you. Documents distributed for public session items, less than 72 hours prior to meeting, are available for public inspection at City Hall, 1735 Montgomery Street, Oroville, California.

Recordings - All meetings are recorded and broadcast live on cityoforoville.org and YouTube. 7 Jim Houtman & Lauren de Terra
Butte County Fire Safe Council
Community Wildfire Preparedness & Resources
8 Item 1.

Meet the
Butte County
Fire Safe Council
• Office in Paradise, works county-wide
• 501 © 3 Non-Profit founded in 1998
• We are an “umbrella” for seven local Fire Safe
Councils.
9 Item 1.

Mission
Vision
Values
Our mission is to
provide safety in
Butte County
through wildfire
hazard education,
mitigation and
wildfire recovery.
10 Item 1.

Program Highlights
• Chipper Program
• Residents Assistance Program
• Hazardous Tree Removal
• Grazing
• Firewise USA
11 Item 1.

Community
Outreach and
Education
• Firewise USA Communities • Wildfire Ready Raccoon • School programs • Special events • Project tours • Doom the Broom invasive species removal
• Workshops, trainings, and
community group presentations
• Digital media 12
Item 1.

Chipper Program
• You stack it, we chip it!
• Currently available
county-wide.
• No-cost to residents.
• 46 sites completed in the
Oroville area in 2024/5.
13 Item 1.

Residents Assistance
Program (RAP)
• Defensible Space Clearance (0-
100ft)
• Residents must be low income,
elderly, or disabled
• Taking contact information for the
waitlist. Program resuming soon.
14 Item 1.

Hazardous
Tree Removal
• Town of Paradise Category 4 Tree
Program
• Camp & North Complex Footprint
15 Item 1.

Grazing • Strategic fuels reduction and maintenance projects • Paradise Grazing Festival- Sunday, June 1st
• Grazing & Goat Ownership Workshops
16 Item 1.

Current and Past Projects
Fire History 2000 - 2024
• Hand cut and chip
• Hand cut and pile
• Lop and scatter
• Mechanical pile
• Mastication
• Biomass Removal
• Herbicide
• Grazing
• Prescribed Burning
• Pile Burning
• Logging
• Forest Restoration
• 2024 – Completed 3500 Acres
• 2025 – Projected 6000 Acres
• Fire History1999 - Present:
•88% Butte County's Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
has burned
•51% of Butte County has burned
• In the last 25 years, over half of Butte County has
experienced wildfire
17 Item 1.

Butte County
Fire History
2000 -2024
Park Fire
2024
Cohasset CA
18 Item 1.

Hwy 32, Forest Ranch 19
Item 1.
20 Item 1.

Maple Creek Ranch, Cohasset 21
Item 1.
22 Item 1.
23 Item 1.
24 Item 1.

Firewise USA Communities
25 Item 1.
• Program under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). • CAL FIRE reviews and approves new community applications and issues certificates in California.
• Butte County Fire Safe Council supports local communities with development.

Why
• Collective safety at the community level.
• Goal to minimize wildfire risk on private property.
• Promotes neighborhood cooperation and creates a framework for action.
26 Item 1.
27 Item 1.

View Firewise USA community map
on the BCFSC website.

Buttefiresafe.net >> Programs >> Firewise USA
28 Item 1.
36 ‘In Good Standing’ Communities in Butte County
29 Item 1.

Oroville Area Communities
2 Certified
4 In Progress
30 Item 1.

Program
Components
• Map Boundary
• Risk Assessment
• Action Plan (2025-2027)
• Make account in Firewise Portal online
• Submission
- Upload documents
- Input volunteer hours
- Estimate vegetation removed
- One outreach activity required
31 Item 1.

Community Size
Minimum: 8 Dwelling Units
Maximum: 2,500 Dwelling Units
• Dwelling unit = Existing lived in
structure.

No businesses or under
construction houses included in
count.
• Trailers and mobile homes
included.
32 Item 1.

Risk Assessment
Identifies priorities for
improved wildfire safety based
on home construction,
defensible space, and
surrounding vegetation.

Does not replace CAL FIRE
defensible space inspections.

Individual properties are not
analyzed or reported on. Gives
a snapshot of community
averages.
33 Item 1.

Defensible Space Assessment Qualified Entity Training
15 BCFSC Staff and 11 Firewise USA leaders certified, Spring 2025 34 Item 1.

Action Plan
Categories

1. Education & Outreach

2. Home Hardening

3. Fuels Reduction/Defensible Space

4. Evacuation Planning & Preparedness
35 Item 1.

Education and Outreach Goals
36 Item 1.

Home Hardening Goals 37
Item 1.

Defensible Space / Fuel Reduction Goals
38 Item 1.

Evacuation Planning & Wildfire Preparedness
39 Item 1.

Certification
• CAL FIRE reviews and certifies new
communities.
(2-6 week review timeframe.)
• Certificates uploaded to the BCFSC
website.
• Needed for insurance discount.
• New certificates are emailed to
leaders and uploaded annually
after the November renewal.
40 Item 1.

Maintain
“In Good Standing” Status
• Track volunteer hours and financial investment.

Minimum Requirement:
1 hour per dwelling unit per year
• Activities that count towards investment:
- Work on individual property.
- Work in common areas.
- Any money spent on wildfire risk reduction.
41 Item 1.

Most are already doing the work!
42 Item 1.

New Risk Assessment Required
every 5 years.

New Action Plan Required every
3 years.

Volunteer hours and expenses
submitted annually.

Leader/Committee
Responsibilities
43 Item 1.

Benefits
• Save money on home insurance. • Improve collective safety, preparedness, and communication. • Develop a framework for action to motivate neighbors to work
towards a common goal with
measurable targets. • Recognition and increased
support from the Butte County Fire
Safe Council and our partners. 44
Item 1.

Frequently
Asked
Questions
Is participation mandatory? Do all my neighbors
need to participate for us to remain In Good
Standing?
No. The program takes the overall
hours/investment of the group. Your community
will not lose certification for non-participants.

Will I get an insurance discount?
Yes! Under the Safer From Wildfires Program with
the CA Department of Insurance, living within a
Firewise USA is a guaranteed home insurance
discount if your policy covers wildfire.
45 Item 1.

Frequently
Asked
Questions
Will my community get rejected if it is too
high risk or neighbors do not take care of
their property?
No! No community will be declined because of
risk or assessment findings. If the paperwork is
correctly filled out in the application, it cannot
be rejected.

Can I cut around neighbors who don’t
participate or include people I know outside
my area in the community.

No, the Firewise boundary must be a
continuous area. Include everyone whether
you know them or not. If they don’t want to
participate, they don’t have to. 46
Item 1.

Wildfire Preparedness
Ready – Set – Go Model

GET READY
•>Hardening Your Home
•>Defensible Space
•>Defensible Space & Drought
•>Fire-Smart Landscaping
•>Firewise Communities
•>Seasonal Actions
•>Dead Tree Removal
•>Debris Burning

GET SET
•>Wildfire Action Plan
•>Prepare Your Family
•>Create Your Go Bag
•>Insurance Preparedness
GO!
•>Go! Evacuation Guide
47 Item 1.

Home Hardening & Defensible Space
48 Item 1.

Home Hardening
•Direct flames: Typically coming from a
wildfire or a neighboring house
•Radiant heat: Typically coming from
nearby burning objects
•Flying embers: Embers can be
particularly destructive – capable of
igniting homes up to a mile away.
• Roof: Install a Class A fire-rated roof
(composite shingles, metal, or clay tiles).
• Gutters: Keep clean and install gutter
guards.
• Vents: Upgrade to ember- and flameresistant vents < 1/8 inch • Windows: Use dual-paned, tempered
glass to reduce breakage from heat.
• Siding: Replace with non-combustible
materials like stucco or fiber-cement.
• Decks & Fences: Use fire-resistant
materials and create separation from
structures.
49 Item 1.

Defensible Space
• Clear vegetation and debris within 5 feet
of all structures
• Maintain a lean, clean, and green zone
within 30 feet of the home
• Space trees at least 10 feet apart and trim
branches 6–10 feet up
• Keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less
• Remove dead plants, trees, and fallen
branches
• Use fire-resistant plants and mulch.
50 Item 1.
51 Item 1.
52 Item 1.

Wildfire
Prepared Home
Requirements
• A 0–5 foot noncombustible buffer around your home and decks is mandatory. All vegetation and trees, including overhanging branches, grass, artificial turf, wood mulch, wood and vinyl fencing, and stored items within this area must be removed.
• Annual self evaluation ($25) or professional evaluation ($100).
• 3-year Recertification
53 Item 1.

California
Department
of Insurance
• Sustainable Insurance Strategy
Insurance companies will be required to
write more policies in wildfire-distressed
areas and reverse the growth of the FAIR
Plan, California’s “last resort” insurance plan.
• File a complaint online
• Protects policyholders affected by wildfires
from non-renewals
• Butte County representative: Lisa Strange
[email protected]
54 Item 1.
55 Item 1.
56 Item 1.

Online Tools Available at
insurance.ca.gov
Top Ten
Tips
Insurance
Finder
Tool
57 Item 1.

Online
Resources
Be Ready Butte
https://bereadybutte.com/
Butte County Fire Safe Council
https://buttefiresafe.net/
Ready for Wildfire (CAL FIRE)
https://readyforwildfire.org/
United Policy Holders
https://uphelp.org/
58 Item 1.
59 Item 1.

Questions?
60 Item 1.

CITY OF OROVILLE

STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR PITTMAN AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: RONNIE BELSER, DIRECTOR OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
RE: EXTEND AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH

JENNIFER ARBUCKLE CONSULTING
DATE: MAY 6, 2025

SUMMARY
The Council shall consider extending the professional services agreement with Jennifer Arbuckle Consulting for grant management and SB 1383 Compliance, extending the term through Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and Fiscal Year 2026/2027 at her current rate of $125/hour.

DISCUSSION
Nearly all CalRecycle regulations are found in Title 14 and Title 27 of California Code of Regulations. Previously, there were four diversion programs in effect, however, a fifth program (SB 1383) came into effect January 1, 2022. Additionally, the City has also adopted Ordinance 13.08 to meet the necessary regulations mandated by SB 1383.

In October 2021, the Council entered into an agreement with Jennifer Arbuckle Consulting, a qualified professional consultant to provide grant management and implementation of SB 1383. This agreement was extended in September of 2022 for fiscal years 2022/23 and 2023/24. Additional services include stakeholder engagement, sustainable development, education, and marketing as well as support and guidance to allow for a smooth transition to the new Recycling Coordinator at the City. The Agreement was extended again in August of 2024. The Agreement included services at $125 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.

Funding in the budget was allocated for the fiscal years 2021/22 and 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25.

The Consultant will continue to provide services under the Agreement, including training, until the City's Recycling Coordinator is able to take over the tasks required. Ms. Arbuckle proposes to continue to work up to 20 hours per week at her current hourly rate of $125 per hour to continue to manage SB1383 compliance requirements, continue research, continue to identify grant opportunities, complete all necessary requirements and the necessary reporting for compliance. Accordingly, this agreement is not to exceed $130,000.00 for FY 2025/2026 and FY 2026/2027.

FISCAL IMPACT
61 Item 1.

Funding will be included in the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 budget. Consultant continues to identify grant opportunities to offset fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATION
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO.9367 – A RESOLUTION OF THE OROVILLE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT #3386 WITH JENNIER ARBUCKLE CONSULTING – (AGREEMENT NO. 3386).

ATTACHMENTS:

First Amendment to Agreement with Jennifer Arbuckle Consulting Second Amendment to Agreement #3386
Third Amendment to Agreement #3386
Resolution No. 9367
62 Item 1.
63 Item 1.
64 Item 1.
65 Item 1.
66 Item 1.
67 Item 1.
68 Item 1.
69 Item 1.
70 Item 1.
71 Item 1.
72 Item 1.
73 Item 1.
74 Item 1.
75 Item 1.
76 Item 1.
77 Item 1.
78 Item 1.
79 Item 1.
80 Item 1.

THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN

THE CITY OF OROVILLE AND ARBUCKLE CONSULTING
(Agreement No. 3386)
This Third Amendment (“Amendment”) dated May 6, 2025, is to Agreement No. 3386 (“Agreement”) between the City of Oroville and Jennifer Arbuckle Consulting. In consideration of the terms and conditions herein, the City of Oroville and Jennifer Arbuckle Consulting agree that Agreement shall be amended as follows:

1. Paragraph 5 shall be replaced with the following language: “TERM. The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date it is signed by the Clerk, below, attesting full execution of the Agreement by both parties (“Effective Date”), and ends on June 30, 2027, unless terminated earlier as provided herein. The following provisions will survive expiration or termination of this Agreement: Section 7.2 (Dispute Resolution), Section 10 (Indemnification), Section 11.4 (Professional Liability), Section 13.3 (Taxes) and Section 14 (General Provisions).

2. Conflicts between the Agreement and this Amendment shall be controlled by this Amendment. All other provisions within the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the date first written above.

CITY OF OROVILLE ARBUCKLE CONSULTING
By: _____________________ By: _____________________
David Pittman, Mayor Jennifer Arbuckle
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:

By: _____________________ By: ______________________
Scott Huber, City Attorney Brian Ring, City Clerk
81 Item 1.

CITY OF OROVILLE
RESOLUTION NO. 9367

A RESOLUTION OF THE OROVILLE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THIRD AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT #3386 WITH JENNIFER ARBUCKLE CONSULTING BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Oroville City Council as follows:
a. The Council hereby approves the Third Amendment to agreement #3386 with Jennifer Arbuckle Consulting.
b. The City Clerk shall attest to the adoption of this Resolution.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Oroville City Council at a regular meeting on May 6, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
________________________________
David Pittman Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:

Scott E. Huber, City Attorney Brian Ring, City Clerk
82 Item 1.

CITY OF OROVILLE

STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR PITTMAN & COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: CHRIS TENNS, FIRE CHIEF
RE: PURCHASE OF ONE NEW COMMAND VEHICLE FOR THE FIRE

DEPARTMENT
DATE: MAY 6, 2025

SUMMARY
The council may consider the expenditure of funds to purchase a new 2025 Ford F-250 pickup to be used as a Battalion Chief command vehicle. The vehicle will be outfitted with emergency lighting, radios, camper shell and necessary command equipment. If approved, the new vehicle will replace the current 2019 Ford F-150, which will be reassigned as a utility vehicle within the department.

DISCUSSION
The Fire Department is requesting to purchase one new command vehicle to replace the existing 2019 Ford F-150. This vehicle no longer meets the demands of our field command staff. Battalion Chiefs are frequently Incident Commanders of complex incidents and require a larger, more capable platform to effectively manage operations and carry an increasing array of equipment, communications tools, and command items.

The proposed 2025 Ford F-250 offers greater storage capacity, improved ground clearance, and is better suited for rugged terrain and extended deployments. Outfitting the vehicle with updated emergency lighting, radios, and incident command equipment will enhance their capabilities and overall operational readiness.

The existing 2019 Ford F-150 will be reassigned as a utility vehicle to continue supporting the fire department’s operational and future growth needs.

FISCAL IMPACT
Not to exceed expenditures of $147,000 from the capital asset replacement fund 7301- 8030
83 Item 2.

ACTION REQUESTED -
APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF ONE 2025 FORD F-250 COMMAND VEHICLE WITH

ASSOCIATED EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

ATTACHMENTS
Quote
84 Item 2.
85 Item 2.
86 Item 2.

CITY OF OROVILLE

STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR PITTMAND AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: AMY BERGSTRAND, DIRECTOR

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE/HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
RE: SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3235 BURLINGTON AVENUE
DATE: MAY 6, 2025

SUMMARY
The City Council shall consider selling residential property located at 3235 Burlington Avenue.

DISCUSSION
On April 2, 2024, City Council directed staff to initiate foreclosure related to the City of Oroville’s interest in the Deed of Trust against the property in default located at 3235 Burlington Avenue.

On September 10, 2024 the City took possession of the home and on September 17, 2024 City declared the property exempt Surplus Land Act in order to satisfy the requirements of Government Code Section 52441(f)(1)(B), which allows surplus land to be declared as exempt from the Surplus Land Act if the land is less than one-half acre in area and is not contiguous to land owned by the state or local agency that is used for open space or low and moderate income housing purposes. The City then may dispose of the property for less than fair market value and under conditions that the City deems to be the best suited to the provision of such housing.

Subsequently on October 16, 2024, the State Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Housing Policy Development approved this exemption.

On February 24, 2025, the property was listed with the City’s real estate broker for $170,000 and on April 10, 2025, received an offer for $170,000 from Gary and Rebecca Ashworth with a seller credit of $3,500 for closing costs and a 60-day escrow. Additionally, the offer included a potential mortgage subsidy loan from the City in the amount of approximately $67,500.

FISCAL IMPACT
The Housing Program Fund (220) will receive the net revenue from the sale of this property.

RECOMMENDATION
87 Item 3.

1. Adopt Resolution No. 9366 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, AMY BERGSTRAND, TO EXECUTE ALL

DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS 3235 BURLINGTON AVENUE, OROVILLE (APN.035-096-004) TO GARY AND REBECCA ASHWORTH FOR $170,000.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution No: 9366
88 Item 3.

CITY OF OROVILLE
RESOLUTION NO. 9366

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING DIRECTOR

OF BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, AMY BERGSTRAND TO

EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS 3235 BURLINGTON AVENUE, OROVILLE (APN.035-096- 004) TO GARY AND REBECCA ASHWORTH AMOUNT OF $170,000.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Oroville City Council as follows:

1. The Oroville City Council hereby approves the sale of the property located at 3235 Burlington Avenue, Oroville, to Gary and Rebecca Ashworth for $175,000.

2. The Director of Business Assistance and Housing Development, Amy Bergstrand is hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents and any amendments thereto necessary to initiate and complete sale of 3235 Burlington Avenue, (APN:
035-096-004) Oroville, California; and

3. The City Clerk shall attest to the adoption of this Resolution.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Oroville at a regular meeting on May 6, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

David Pittman, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:

David Ritchie, City Attorney Kayla Reaster, Deputy City Clerk 89 Item 3.
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Item 3.

CITY OF OROVILLE

STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR PITTMAN & COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: ALYSSA STUTZ, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
RE: REQUEST TO WAIVE MUSEUM FEES FOR EVENT AT CHINESE
TEMPLE
DATE: MAY 6, 2025

SUMMARY
City Council will have the choice to waive the standard $3 per person admission fee and special event fee of $110.24 for an Asian heritage event the docents would like to hold at the Chinese Temple Museum on Saturday, May 24, 2025, featuring a Tai Chi demonstration and children's origami instruction. The fee waiver would apply only for that day and is intended to encourage broader public participation.

DISCUSSION
The Chinese Temple regularly charges a $3 per person admission fee to help support ongoing operations and maintenance. Additionally, the City has a $110.24 Special Event fee. The docents have requested the City waive these fees for one day—Saturday, May 24, 2025—so they may host a special event at the museum as a way of celebrating Asian heritage month. Planned activities include a traditional Tai Chi demonstration and an interactive origami workshop for children.

This event is intended to promote cultural education and community engagement, aligning with the museum’s mission to preserve and share Chinese-American heritage in the region.

FISCAL IMPACT
On a typical Saturday, the museum averages approximately 15 paid visitors, equating to roughly $45 in admission revenue. By waiving all fees, revenue lost may amount to approximately $150. The cost of staff time and facility use is already budgeted for regular weekend operations, and no additional City resources are requested.

ACTION REQUESTED –
117
Item 4.

City Council to approve or deny the fee waiver request and allow City Administrator to sign forms accordingly.

ATTACHMENTS
None
118
Item 4.

CITY OF OROVILLE

STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR PITTMAN AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: BRIAN RING, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
RE: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM | HMONG VETERANS SPECIAL

GUERRILLA UNITS REMEMBRANCE DAY
DATE: MAY 6, 2025

SUMMARY
The Council shall consider adopting the proposed resolution, honoring and recognizing May 15th as Hmong-American Veterans Memorial Day.

DISCUSSION
As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Hmong community’s contributions and journey toward freedom and cultural preservation, it is appropriate and meaningful for the City of Oroville to formally recognize May 15 as Hmong-American Veterans Memorial Day. This proclamation honors the Hmong veterans, their families, and the enduring legacy they have created in our community and beyond.

The proclamation reaffirms the City’s appreciation of the Hmong people’s sacrifices, perseverance, and ongoing efforts to promote justice, equality, and dignity for all.

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

ACTION REQUESTED –
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 9374 – HONORING AND RECOGNIZING MAY 15TH AS HMONG-AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL DAY.

ATTACHMENTS
119
Item 5.

Resolution No. 9374
120
Item 5.

Hmong-American Veterans Memorial Day
Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Hmong Freedom
Resolution No. 9374
Whereas, fifty years ago, a courageous people known for their resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit embarked on a journey of sacrifice and hope, fighting tirelessly to reclaim their freedom, preserve their culture, and build a brighter future for generations to come; and Whereas, the Hmong community’s unwavering dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices in the face of unimaginable hardship have left an indelible mark on the history of our nation, exemplifying the true meaning of courage, patriotism, and the pursuit of liberty; and Whereas, their sacrifices in the jungles of Southeast Asia, their loyalty to principles of freedom, and their relentless fight against oppression have inspired countless others and have contributed greatly to the fabric of our shared history and collective destiny; and Whereas, the City of Oroville recognizes that the legacy of the Hmong people is a testament to the enduring human spirit—the resilience to overcome adversity, the commitment to community, and the hope for a future where justice and dignity prevail for all; and Whereas, we honor the elders whose sacrifices paved the way, the warriors who fought bravely for liberation, and the young generations who carry the torch of hope, cultural pride, and perseverance into the future; and
Now, therefore, I, David Pittman, Mayor of Oroville, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2024, as Hmong-American Veteran’s Memorial Day, in the City of Oroville, a day to celebrate the extraordinary journey of the Hmong people, their sacrifices, and their enduring contributions to our society.

Let this day serve as a profound reminder that freedom is a sacred gift, bought through sacrifice, nurtured through perseverance, and protected by unity. It is a day to honor those who fought for liberty, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the dignity of all peoples.

May the spirit of resilience and hope that defines the Hmong people continue to inspire us all to stand together in the pursuit of peace, understanding, and a future where every individual’s right to freedom and dignity is upheld and celebrated.

Given under my hand and the seal of the City of Oroville this 17th Day of May, 2025.

In deepest respect and solidarity, we honor the 50 years of struggle, sacrifice, and triumph of the Hmong community. May their legacy continue to shine as a beacon of hope and resilience for all humanity.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of May, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAINED:

ABSENT:
121
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___________________________________________
__________________________________________
Brian Ring, City Clerk David Pittman, Mayor
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CITY OF OROVILLE

STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR PITTMAN & COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: CHRIS TENNS, FIRE CHIEF
RE: 2025 COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN (CWPP)

OVERVIEW
DATE: MAY 6, 2025

SUMMARY
The City Council shall receive an overview and consider approval of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Oroville City Fire Department is an active participant in the County wide CWPP, which is designed to enhance regional wildfire mitigation and coordination efforts.

DISCUSSION
A Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is a strategic, community-driven planning document developed in collaboration with local fire agencies, government officials, and other stakeholders. The primary goal of a CWPP is to reduce the risk of wildfire to life, property, and natural resources within a defined community or region. The CWPP identifies wildfire risks, such as dense vegetation, steep terrain, and limited access routes, while mapping vulnerable areas like homes, infrastructure, and natural resources that need protection. The plan also recommends specific actions for mitigating wildfire risks, including fuels reduction projects, defensible space programs, and home hardening initiatives. In addition, it outlines priorities for where and how to reduce fire hazards and helps improve coordination among local, state, and federal agencies.

One of the key benefits of the CWPP is that it provides our community with more control over where and how wildfire mitigation projects are implemented. Additionally, it makes it easier to secure funding through state and federal grants, such as CAL FIRE’s Fire Prevention Grants and FEMA mitigation programs.

FISCAL IMPACT
None
125
Item 6.

ACTION REQUESTED -
APPROVE THE 2025 BUTTE COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN (CWPP) AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN.

ATTACHMENTS
PowerPoint Presentation
2025 Butte County Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)
126
Item 6.
2025 Butte County
Community
Wildfire
Protection Plan
(CWPP)
127
Item 6.

Overview of CWPPs
• A CWPP is a plan to reduce threats to life and property from wildfire
• Established by Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA) 2002 o Must be collaborative
o Must identify and prioritize hazardous fuels treatments and methods to protect at-risk communities
o Must identify measures to reduce structural ignitability • Makes recommendations (does not mandate):
o Resilient Landscapes
o Fire Adapted Communities
o Safe and Effective Wildfire Response
128
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Brief History of Butte’s CWPP
First adopted in 2006
• Also serves as the CAL FIRE Butte Unit’s Fire Plan
Reviewed annually as part of CAL FIRE’s Fire Plan cycle Updated for signatures approximately every 5 years
• Current CWPP was signed in 2021
2025 is the first complete rewrite in nearly 20 years
• Butte County obtained rewrite funding through CAL FIRE’s CCI Program 129
Item 6.

What Makes Butte’s CWPP Unique?
Combined with CAL FIRE Butte Unit Fire Plan
• Dual purpose document meets both Fire Plan and CWPP requirements • Single, consolidated planning and development effort
Developed at the community level, but reviewed at the state level • Ensures local goals are aligned with statewide wildfire strategies Annual Fire Plan review by the State Board of Forestry
• Ensures document remains relevant
130
Item 6.

Butte CWPP Development Process
Task/Milestone Approximate Timeframe
 Butte County Secured Funding Through CCI Grant Program  Early Spring 2024  Stakeholder Outreach (BCCG Quarterly Meetings)  January 2024 to April 2025  Core Team Project Kickoff  Early June 2024
 Data Gathering  Throughout
 Core Team Meetings (Review Data and Risk Assessment, Recommendations)  Weekly Starting August 2024  Public Outreach (Community Survey + Social Media)  September 2024-February 2025  Core Team Draft CWPP Review  November-December 2024
 Public Review Period (Draft CWPP Review)  Feb 7 – 21 2025  Final CWPP and Presentation to Core Team  April 2025 CWPP Signatories Spring 2025
CAL FIRE and State Board of Forestry & Fire Protection (BOF) Review Summer 2025 Online Content (e.g. StoryMap) July 2025
Final Revisions to Online Content July-December 2025
131
Item 6.

Collaborative Efforts-Stakeholder Input
Stakeholder Outreach:
• Butte County, Town of Paradise, Cities of Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville • Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG)
• 30+ Federal, State, and Local entities (public, private, tribal, non-profit, others) • Quarterly Meetings January 2024 through April 2025
• Direct Outreach to Other Collaborators
• Presentations to:
• Paradise Chamber of Commerce January 28, 2025
• Chico Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Committee February 18, 2025 132
Item 6.

Collaborative Efforts-Public Input
Community Outreach:
• Media Releases September, October 2024 and February 2025 • TV, Radio, Newspapers, Social Media, etc.
• Community Workshops
• October 8, 2024, Chico Employment & Social Services Office • October 9, 2024, Oroville Employment & Social Services Office • Community Survey Open From September 11, 2024 to February 21, 2025 • 128 Survey Responses
• Public Review Period February 7, 2025 to February 21, 2025 • Public Meetings
• February 11, 2025, Oroville Library
• February 12, 2025, Chico Library
133
Item 6.

Key Changes from Last CWPP
Complete Rewrite:
• Focus on Countywide Stakeholder and Community Collaboration • Development of Risk Reduction Recommendations (Chapter 6) • Expanded Data-Driven Hazard Modeling (Chapter 8 & Appendix B) •Individual Community Assessments per NFPA (Appendix C) • Homeowner Resources (Appendix F)
• Post-Fire Resources (Appendix H)
• Updated Past/Present/Planned Fuel Reduction Project List (Appendix I) 134
Item 6.

Annual Review
Overall Document is Designed for a 5 to 10+ Year Useful Life As Part of CAL FIRE’s Annual Fire Plan Review Process:
• Entire Document is Reviewed for Currency/Relevancy
• Specific Attention to:
• All Fire Departments’ Priorities
• Ignition Analysis and Ignition Management Plan
• Risk Reduction Recommendations (Chapter 6)
• Past/Present/Planned Project List (Appendix I)
• Annual Accomplishment Reporting (Appendix K)
• LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) Maps Will Be Added in 2026 • Currently Being Finalized at Local and State Levels
• Placeholders on Pages 176 to 180
135
Item 6.

Next Steps
Local Approval
• Presentations to Signatory Entities
• Butte County Board of Supervisors
• Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Oroville City Councils
• Paradise Town Council
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
State Approval
• Submission to CAL FIRE For Review by State Board of Forestry 136
Item 6.

Future
Development of Online Platform (HubSite and StoryMap)
• HubSite (https://butte-county-cwpp-buttecountygis.hub.arcgis.com/) • Currently available
• Will host final CWPP document and annual updates
• Additional resources will be added in the future
• StoryMap
• On track to be available Summer 2025
• Provides easy access to key features of the CWPP
• Interactive online mapping
• More detailed mapping than PDF CWPP
• Will be updated alongside the PDF CWPP
Annual Review and Updates
137
Item 6.

Recommendation
Approve the 2025 Community Wildfire Protection Plan and authorize the Mayor to sign.
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We would like to formally thank the Core Team and all stakeholders for contributing their time and expertise throughout the planning process. Your participation has contributed to creating resilient landscapes, implementing public education, reducing structural ignitability, and ensuring safe and effective wildfire response.

For additional information, questions, or concerns regarding this project, please contact Project Manager Arianna Porter at [email protected] or the CAL FIRE Butte Unit at [email protected]. 141
Item 6.

BUTTE COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE

PROTECTION PLAN AMENDMENTS
Date Sections Updated Page Numbers
Updated Description of Update Updated By
May 2025 All All CWPP 5 Year Rewrite Core Team
142
Item 6.

The entities listed below participated in the development of and/or reviewed the final document and are in support of the 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan:

Garrett Sjolund
Unit Chief, CAL FIRE Butte Unit
Fire Chief, Butte County Fire Department
Fire Chief, Biggs Fire Department
Fire Chief, Gridley Fire Department
Fire Chief, Oroville Fire Department
Fire Chief, Paradise Fire Department
Steve Standridge
Fire Chief, Chico Fire Department
Tod Kimmelshue
Chair, Butte County Board of Supervisors
Kasey Reynolds
Mayor, City of Chico
Steve Crowder
Mayor, Town of Paradise
David Pittman
Mayor, City of Oroville
James “Bo” Sheppard
Mayor, City of Biggs
Mike Farr
Mayor, City of Gridley
Darrel Wilson
Chair, Butte County Fire Safe Council
Nick Burtman
Fire Captain
Wildland Fire Preparedness & Mitigation
Butte County Fire Department
Spencer Mallinger
Fire Captain
Pre-Fire Engineer
CAL FIRE Butte Unit
143
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CONTENTS
Executive Summary..........................................................................ES-1 Chapter 1 – Introduction ........................................................................ 1 Goal of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan................................... 2 Alignment with the National Cohesive Strategy ................................. 3 Alignment with Plans and Agreements .............................................. 4 Stakeholder Collaboration.................................................................. 5 Core Team ................................................................................... 5 Key Collaborators ........................................................................ 5 Public Involvement....................................................................... 7 Insurance............................................................................................ 8 Chapter 2 – Planning Area Overview and Values................................ 9 Planning Area..................................................................................... 9 Land Ownership.........................................................................11 Roads and Transportation .........................................................13 Recreation..................................................................................14 Wildlife........................................................................................14 Population.........................................................................................16 Social Vulnerability.....................................................................17 Community Values ...........................................................................21 Timber Industry ..........................................................................28 Water Infrastructure ...................................................................28 Tribal Resources........................................................................29 Area of Concern ...............................................................................30 Fuel Treatment Projects ...................................................................32 Evacuation Resources and Challenges ...........................................39 People........................................................................................39 Animals and Livestock ...............................................................39 Chapter 3 – Fire Environment..............................................................41 Wildland-Urban Interface..................................................................41 WUI Land Use............................................................................43 Engineering and Structural Ignitability .......................................43 Fire Ecology......................................................................................44 Fire Return Intervals ..................................................................44 Vegetation and Land Cover.......................................................48 Climate.......................................................................................55 Forest Health Considerations ....................................................59 Fire History .......................................................................................63 Fire Behavior Patterns ...............................................................63 Recent Fire Occurrence.............................................................64 Ignition Analysis .........................................................................68 144
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Chapter 4 – Fire Department Capabilities and Pre-Fire
Management Strategies ................................................................. 71 Mutual and Automatic Aid Agreements............................................71 Dispatch Agreements................................................................. 72 Fire Department Overview, Capabilities, Plans and Priorities .........72 Butte County Fire Department ...................................................75 City of Biggs Fire Department....................................................77 City of Chico Fire Department ...................................................79 City of Gridley Fire Department .................................................82 City of Oroville Fire Department ................................................84 Town of Paradise Fire Department............................................87 CAL FIRE Butte Unit..................................................................90 Unit Goals and Objectives...................................................92 Battalion and Program Plans and Priorities ........................92 Unit Programs....................................................................109 Fire Prevention Bureau...............................................109 Public Information and Education ........................109 Fire Marshal’s Office ............................................110 Defensible Space Inspection Program.................111 Training and Safety Bureau ........................................111 Fire Crew Program......................................................113 Magalia Fire Center..............................................113 Table Mountain Fire Center..................................114 Resource Management...............................................114 Chico Air Attack Base .................................................117 Emergency Command Center ....................................118 Ignition Management Plan.................................................119 Chapter 5 – Cooperator Fire Management Strategies.....................121 Butte County Collaborative Group..................................................121 Firewise Communities ....................................................................123 Chapter 6 – Risk Reduction Recommendations..............................125 Goal 1: Restore and Maintain Landscapes ....................................126 Recommendations for Hazardous Fuel Reduction..................126 Traditional Ecological Knowledge............................................127 Prescribed Herbivory ...............................................................127 Herbicide Application ...............................................................128 Goal 2: Fire-Adapted Communities................................................141 Recommendations for Public Education and Outreach...........141 Recommendations for Engineering and Reducing
Structural Ignitability................................................................. 141 Goal 3: Wildfire Response..............................................................149 Recommendations for Improving Fire Response
Capabilities ..............................................................................149 Chapter 7 – Monitoring and Evaluation............................................163 Fuels Treatment Monitoring ...........................................................165 Landowner Guidance...............................................................166 145
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Project Tracker.........................................................................167 CWPP Evaluation...........................................................................167 Timeline for Updating the CWPP and Unit Plan.............................167 Chapter 8 – Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment .......................169 Purpose ..........................................................................................169 Field-Based Community Hazard Assessments..............................170 Communities At Risk Designation..................................................172 Existing Hazards Information .........................................................172 California Fire Hazard Severity Zones.....................................172 Assessing Hazards vs. Risk.....................................................181 Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment...........................................181 Framework ...............................................................................181 Process Overview....................................................................182 Data Collection.........................................................................182 Highly Valued Resources and Assets (HVRAs) ......................186 Risk Modeling and Scoring ......................................................189 Validation and Calibration........................................................190 QWRA Results.........................................................................190 Abbreviations and Acronyms............................................................192 Glossary...............................................................................................194

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Planning and Policy Background
Appendix B: Mapping
Appendix C: Field Assessments for CWPP Community Polygons Appendix D: Project Outreach
Appendix E: Funding Sources
Appendix F: Homeowner Actions and Resources
Appendix G: Fuel Treatment Types and Methods
Appendix H: Post-Fire Response and Restoration
Appendix I: Fuel Treatment Activities
Appendix J: Fuel Treatment Effectiveness Reports
Appendix K: Annual Accomplishments
References...........................................................................................203 146
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FIGURES
Figure 1.1. The three primary goals of the National Cohesive Strategy and post-fire recovery.................................................... 3 Figure 2.1. Butte County CWPP planning area with fire protection responsibility areas delineated. .................................................10 Figure 2.2. Butte County CWPP planning area land ownership map. ...........................................................................................12 Figure 2.3. A typical road in a Butte County ridge community................13 Figure 2.4. Critical habitat in the Butte County CWPP planning area............................................................................................15 Figure 2.5. Diagram showing CDC/ATSDR indicators of social vulnerability. ...............................................................................18 Figure 2.6. Overall social vulnerability index (SVI) percentile ranking for the Butte County CWPP planning area. ..................19 Figure 2.7. Cultural and historic resources in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ................................................................23 Figure 2.8. Bedrock mortars, a cultural resource found within the Butte County CWPP planning area. ..........................................24 Figure 2.9. Natural resources in the Butte County CWPP planning area............................................................................................25 Figure 2.10. Forested land, an example of a natural resource within the Butte County CWPP planning area. ..........................26 Figure 2.11. The Oroville Dam and Hyatt Powerhouse, examples of socioeconomic resources within the Butte County
CWPP planning area. ................................................................26 Figure 2.12. Socioeconomic resources in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ............................................................................27 Figure 2.13. Diversion Pool after the Thompson Fire.............................29 Figure 2.14. Areas of concern for Butte County CWPP planning area............................................................................................31 Figure 2.15. Completed fuel treatments within the Butte County CWPP planning area. ................................................................34 Figure 2.16. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 1 of 4.................................. 35 Figure 2.17. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 2 of 4.................................. 36 Figure 2.18. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 3 of 4.................................. 37 Figure 2.19. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 4 of 4.................................. 38 Figure 3.1. Butte County CWPP planning area WUI map. .....................42 Figure 3.2. Factors associated with embers (firebrands) on the landscape...................................................................................44 Figure 3.3. Estimated theoretical fire return interval throughout the Butte County CWPP planning area. ..........................................46 Figure 3.4. Actual fire return interval in the Butte County CWPP planning area based on large fires (500+ acres) occurring from 1900 to 2024......................................................................47 147
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Figure 3.5. Vegetation types across the Butte County CWPP planning area. ............................................................................51 Figure 3.6. Fuel model classes across the Butte County CWPP planning area. ............................................................................54 Figure 3.7. Monthly average temperature and precipitation trends for Openshaw, California, based on RAWS data from
2014 to 2025. .............................................................................57 Figure 3.8. Monthly average temperature and precipitation trends for Jarbo Gap, California, based on RAWS data from 2003 to 2025. ......................................................................................57 Figure 3.9. Monthly average temperature and precipitation trends for Humbug Summit, California, based on RAWS data
from 2012 to 2024......................................................................58 Figure 3.10 Tier One High Hazard Zones for tree mortality in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ..........................................61 Figure 3.11. Tier Two High Hazard Zones for tree mortality in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ..........................................62 Figure 3.12. Wildfire history (2000–2024) in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ................................................................66 Figure 3.13. Wildfire history (1900–1999) in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ................................................................67 Figure 3.14. Butte Unit fires by type, 2015–2024. ..................................68 Figure 3.15. Butte Unit fire cause by class, 2015–2024.........................69 Figure 3.16. Butte Unit fire cause by class, 2015–2024, by responsibility area......................................................................69 Figure 3.17. Fire incidents from 2014 to 2024 across the Butte County CWPP planning area.....................................................70 Figure 4.1. Fire response areas within the Butte County CWPP planning area. ............................................................................73 Figure 4.2. Fire stations within the Butte County CWPP planning area............................................................................................74 Figure 4.3. CAL FIRE Butte Unit and battalion boundaries within the Butte County CWPP planning area. ....................................91 Figure 4.4. A CAL FIRE fuel reduction crew working on a hazardous fuel reduction project..............................................116 Figure 5.1. Fuel reduction before and after in Butte County oak woodlands................................................................................123 Figure 5.2. Firewise communities throughout the Butte County CWPP planning area. ..............................................................124 Figure 6.1. Image of cultural burning in Butte County. .........................127 Figure 6.2. California PRC 4291 Requirements vs. Butte County Chapter 38A.............................................................................143 Figure 7.1. Four-step CWPP evaluation process. ................................168 Figure 8.1. CAL FIRE’s FHSZs in the SRA within Butte County. .........175 Figure 8.2. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in
unincorporated Butte County. ..................................................176 Figure 8.3. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Chico........................................................................................177 148
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Figure 8.4. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Oroville.....................................................................................178 Figure 8.5. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Town of Paradise...................................................................................179 Figure 8.6. QWRA Framework..............................................................182 Figure 8.7. Burn probability in the Butte County CWPP planning area..........................................................................................184 Figure 8.8. Flame length in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ...185 Figure 8.9. Butte County CWPP planning area QWRA input – HVRA: infrastructure................................................................187 Figure 8.10. Butte County CWPP planning area QWRA input – building footprints.....................................................................188 Figure 8.11. Relative importance of collaboratively selected HVRAs for the Butte County CWPP planning area. ................189 Figure 8.12. Wildfire risk to structures and infrastructure in the Butte County CWPP planning area. ........................................191 TABLES
Table 1.1. Core Team List ........................................................................ 5 Table 1.2. Key Collaborators .................................................................... 6 Table 1.3. Tribes in Butte County and their Recognition Status............... 8 Table 2.1. Land Ownership in the Butte County Planning Area .............11 Table 2.2. Special-Status Species within Butte County..........................16 Table 2.3. Butte County Population by Jurisdiction, 2024......................17 Table 2.4. Estimated Socially Vulnerable Populations in Butte County........................................................................................20 Table 2.5. Acreage and Status of Treated Landscapes .........................33 Table 3.1. CWPP Planning Area Vegetation Types ...............................50 Table 3.2. Scott and Burgan 2005 Fuel Model Classes within the Butte County CWPP Planning Area...........................................53 Table 3.3. Mean Annual Temperature and Precipitation from RAWS in the Butte County CWPP Planning Area.....................56 Table 3.4. Significant Fires that Started in or Spread into Butte County Since 1999.....................................................................65 Table 4.1. CAL FIRE Butte Unit Mutual/Automatic Aid Agreement Participants ................................................................................72 Table 4.2. Butte County Fire Department Resources.............................76 Table 4.3. Biggs Fire Department Resources.........................................78 Table 4.4. City of Chico Fire Department Resources .............................81 Table 4.5. Gridley Fire Department Resources ......................................83 Table 4.6. Oroville Fire Department Resources .....................................86 Table 4.7. Town of Paradise Fire Department Resources .....................89 Table 4.8. CAL FIRE Butte Unit Response Resources ..........................90 Table 6.1. Recommendations for Resilient Landscapes ......................129 149
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Table 6.2. Recommendations for Creating Fire-Adapted
Communities (Public Education and Reducing Structural
Ignitability)................................................................................145 Table 6.3. Recommendations for Safe and Effective Wildfire Response.................................................................................151 Table 7.1. Recommended Monitoring Strategies ................................. 164 Table 8.1. Field-Based Community Hazard Assessment
Summaries...............................................................................171 Table 8.2. Communities at Risk within Butte County............................172 Table 8.3. Spatial Data Inputs for the QWRA.......................................183 150
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) serves as an update to the 2021– 2025 CWPP, emphasizing strategies to mitigate wildfire risks, reduce hazards, and protect human life and property. It offers a thorough assessment of wildfire risks, hazards, and protection needs across Butte County, uniting various stakeholders involved in wildfire pre-planning, management, and suppression.

By identifying gaps and potential planning deficiencies, the plan establishes a framework for future planning and the implementation of mitigation projects and other measures.

Butte County’s CWPP serves a dual role as both the countywide CWPP and the Unit Fire Plan for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Butte Unit. This combined approach, developed over a decade ago, streamlines planning and ensures alignment with the California State Board of Forestry’s 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California and CAL FIRE’s Statewide Strategic Plan, promoting a unified vision of community safety across local, state, and federal levels. The CWPP’s design allows for regular updates and validation by multiple agencies, keeping the plan responsive to current needs and incorporating innovative strategies for fire prevention, protection, and post-fire recovery.

The CWPP meets the requirements of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) as well as the CAL FIRE CWPP and Unit Fire Plan guidelines by:
• Including documentation that the plan was collaboratively developed and included public engagement
• Providing an assessment of wildfire hazard and risk
• Including prioritized actions to address hazardous fuels and reduce structural ignitability • Being approved by authorized representatives from local governments, fire departments, and

CAL FIRE
• Providing additional content to describe the planning area, plan goals and objectives, roles and responsibilities, response and suppression capabilities Butte County, located on the east side of the northern Sacramento Valley and spanning a little over one million acres, is home to approximately 205,928 residents and includes a mixture of State, Federal, and Local Responsibility Areas (Butte County 2024a). Butte County benefits from an integrated, cooperative, regional fire protection system that is both strong and cost-effective. Six entities—CAL FIRE, Butte County, City of Biggs, City of Gridley, City of Oroville, and Town of Paradise—operate as one, highly efficient department, and all fire protection agencies countywide, including Chico Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service, participate in seamless, decades-old resource-sharing agreements.

Butte County's fire ecology depends on maintaining natural fire return intervals, which are crucial for ecological health and preventing catastrophic fires. Historically, Indigenous communities managed these landscapes with frequent, low- to moderate-intensity fires, promoting biodiversity and reducing wildfire hazards. Preserving these intervals is essential for managing fuel loads, sustaining fire-adapted species, and enhancing forest resilience.

Recent fire activity has profoundly impacted Butte County residents, leading to devastating consequences such as loss of life, property destruction, psychological trauma, contaminated water supplies, and health issues from prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke. These challenges are among the many faced by communities as they navigate recovery from numerous recent wildfire disasters. Given that wildfire is a natural and recurring element in Butte County’s landscape, building community resilience is essential.

Adapting to live with fire requires proactive measures, including fire-resilient land management, 151
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community preparedness, and sustainable planning practices that recognize wildfire’s role in local ecosystems, while simultaneously prioritizing resident safety and well-being. By fostering resilience, the community can mitigate both the immediate and long-term impacts of wildfires, creating a landscape where ecological health and public safety are integral priorities.

The 2025 Butte County CWPP development process involved a core planning team (the Core Team) consisting of local and state agencies and groups with extensive experience in fire management and prevention. The planning process united wildfire responders and land managers in a collaborative effort to model and map wildfire risk, identify hazards, and incorporate stakeholder and public input. Community engagement and awareness were facilitated through public meetings, surveys, workshops, and online platforms. Additionally, the draft document underwent review periods for the Core Team, stakeholders, and public to provide their input on the 2025 Butte County CWPP.

The 2025 Butte County CWPP establishes a comprehensive framework for wildfire preparedness and management, aligning its objectives with the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, and California’s Forests and Rangelands: 2017 Assessment. These guiding documents represent the most current statewide strategies and assessments available to inform wildfire planning efforts.

The plan is outlined as follows:

Chapter 1: Introduction and Unit Overview
The plan begins with an introduction to its overarching goals and historical alignment with state and national wildfire strategies. The chapter also outlines the collaborative roles of local and public stakeholders.

Chapter 2: Planning Area Overview and Values
The planning area is clearly defined, and community values, past achievements in mitigation projects, and evacuation procedures are discussed.

Chapter 3: Fire Environment
The plan evaluates fire risks across the wildland-urban interface (WUI), providing a detailed analysis of fire ecology, historical ignitions, and trends.

Chapter 4: Fire Department Capabilities and Pre-Fire Management Strategies Fire departments provide a summary of the settings, objectives, and resources available to each department or battalion within the planning area. Additionally, mutual aid and dispatch agreements are discussed.

Chapter 5: Cooperator Fire Management Strategies
The collaborating entities within the planning area and their crucial roles in sustaining community-wide resilience to wildfire impacts are detailed.

Chapter 6: Mitigation Recommendations
Mitigation recommendations are identified and outlined in detail, with a focus on fire prevention and fuels reduction, educational outreach, structural preparedness, and response capabilities.

Chapter 7: Monitoring and Adaptation
Provisions for ongoing monitoring and evaluation are provided to ensure the timely adaptation and effectiveness of fuel treatments, risk assessments, and hazard mitigation actions. 152
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Chapter 8: Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment (QWRA) The plan uses a QWRA to equip land use managers, fire officials, and planners with essential data for crafting targeted wildfire mitigation strategies.

CWPPs do not have the authority to mandate the implementation of any recommendations. However, the core message of this document is that the most effective fire mitigation can be achieved through the joint actions of individual property owners and partner, local, state, and federal governments. The true value of CWPPs lies in their ability to provide a framework for collaboration among the public, governments, agencies, and other partner entities to develop solutions and strategies for wildfire management and mitigation.

This CWPP should be regarded as a dynamic document that necessitates regular updates, particularly after significant fire events. Consistent revisions are essential to incorporate changes, modifications, or new information. These updates are crucial for effectively reducing wildfire risks across Butte County and ensuring the CWPP's core ideas and priorities remain relevant for the long-term benefit of the communities it serves.

The plan has been formally adopted by the Butte County Board of Supervisors and all additional signatories as noted on the signatory page. As part of the annual CAL FIRE Fire Plan update cycle, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit will oversee the plan's governance to ensure project progression and will facilitate ongoing maintenance and updates to keep the plan current and effective. 153
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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
The United States is facing urgent forest and watershed health concerns.

In recent years, wildfires have shown a trend of increasing severity, with the total acres burned and the average acres burned per fire rising significantly over time (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] 2024). Since 2000, there has been a clear increase in the total acreage burned, with particularly high spikes observed in 2007, 2012, 2015, and 2020 (NOAA 2024). From 2013 to 2022 an average of

7.2 million acres were impacted annually due to wildfire, more than doubling the annual average of acres burned in the 1990s (Congressional Research Service 2023). The 2015 fire season had the most acreage impacted in a single year (between 1960 and 2022) at

10.13 million acres. 2020 was the second most extensive year for wildfire with 10.12 million acres burned (Congressional Research Service 2023).

These statistics demonstrate that wildfires are becoming larger and harder to control.

The California’s Forests and Rangelands: 2017 Assessment remains the most current comprehensive evaluation of the state’s forest and rangeland conditions, highlighting critical challenges such as increased wildfire severity, pest outbreaks, and ecosystem degradation (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection [CAL FIRE] 2017). While an updated assessment is underway (CAL FIRE 2023b), recent strategic documents like the 2020 California Forests and Rangelands Strategy and California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan underscore the urgency of implementing robust wildfire mitigation and resilience measures (CAL FIRE 2020b). These include addressing forest density, prioritizing vegetation treatments, and increasing adaptive management to mitigate wildfire risks and climate impacts (CAL FIRE 2020b).

California faced an especially severe 2024 fire season, with 8,024 wildfires burning 1,050,012 acres statewide, damaging 432 structures, destroying 1,716 structures, and resulting in one civilian fatality (CAL FIRE 2025a). This marks a significant increase compared to the 5-year average, with the acreage burned being over 30 times that of the total fires in 2023. This trend highlights the growing intensity and frequency of wildfires across the state.

Over the past 14 years, wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres in Butte County. In 2024 alone, the CWPP planning area experienced 269 fires, with the Park Fire being the largest at 429,603 acres (including portions in Tehama County). The Park Fire is recognized as the largest arson-caused wildfire in California's history. Butte County has also faced several fires listed among CAL FIRE’s top 20 deadliest, most destructive, and largest wildfires in state history (CAL FIRE 2024a). 155
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The 2018 Camp Fire remains the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history, causing 85 fatalities and destroying more than 18,000 structures (Link and Maranghides 2023). The 2020 North Complex Fire ranks as the fifth largest and fifth most destructive fire in state history, burning 318,935 acres and destroying 2,352 structures (Eco Flight 2020). The 2021 Dixie Fire, which burned 963,309 acres, holds the record as the largest single-start wildfire in California's history (CBS News 2021).

Historically, California experienced an average of 1.8 million acres burned annually prior to EuroAmerican settlement (Stephens et al. 2007). Much of this fire activity consisted of low-intensity, ecologically beneficial burns driven by natural ignitions and intentional burning practices by Native Americans (Stephens et al. 2007). In contrast, recent decades have brought more high-severity fires to Butte County, including the Park Fire, Camp Fire, North Complex Fire, and Dixie Fire, underscoring the increasing severity and impact of modern wildfire events (CAL FIRE 2024a).

Over the past century, fire suppression policies have resulted in a continuous buildup of fuels, leading to larger and more intense wildfires (U.S. Forest Service [USFS] 2003). These fires are increasingly challenging and costly to control, particularly during very dry, windy conditions or during widespread lightning events like those that occurred in northern California in 1999, 2008, and 2020. Under these conditions, local, state, and federal firefighting resources can be quickly overwhelmed.

As wildfire severity increases, communities need a plan to help prepare for, reduce the risk of, and adapt to wildland fire events. Community wildfire protection plans (CWPPs) help accomplish these goals.

A CWPP provides recommendations that are intended to reduce, but not eliminate, the extreme severity or risk of wildland fire. This CWPP functions as both the community's wildfire protection plan and the Unit Fire Plan for the CAL FIRE Butte Unit, aligning local priorities with CAL FIRE’s statewide goals. This promotes coordinated fire safety efforts across local and statewide levels of government. The CAL FIRE Butte Unit, along with its goals, priorities, programs, accomplishments, and fire response capabilities, is described in Chapter 4.

GOAL OF A COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION
PLAN
The goal of a CWPP is to enable local communities to improve their wildfire mitigation capacity, while working with government agencies to identify high fire risk areas and prioritize areas for mitigation, fire suppression, and emergency preparedness. Another goal of the CWPP is to enhance public awareness by helping residents better understand the natural and human-caused risk of wildland fires that threaten lives, safety, and the local economy. The minimum requirements for a CWPP, as stated in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA), are:

Collaboration: Local and state government representatives, in consultation with federal agencies or other interested groups, must collaboratively develop a CWPP (Society of American Foresters 2004).

Prioritized Fuel Reduction: A CWPP must identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuels reduction and treatments and recommend the types and methods of treatment that will protect one or more communities at risk and their essential infrastructure (Society of American Foresters 2004).

Treatments of Structural Ignitability: A CWPP must recommend measures that property owners and communities can take to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area addressed by the plan (Society of American Foresters 2004).

Additional information on the planning process is available in Appendix A. 156
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ALIGNMENT WITH THE NATIONAL COHESIVE

STRATEGY
The 2025 CWPP is aligned with the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Cohesive Strategy) and its Phase III Western Regional Action Plan by adhering to the nationwide goal “to safely and effectively extinguish fire, when needed; use fire where allowable; manage our natural resources; and as a Nation, live with wildland fire” (Forests and Rangelands 2014:3).

The primary national goals identified as necessary to achieving the vision are:
• Restore and maintain landscapes: Landscapes across all jurisdictions are resilient to firerelated disturbances in accordance with management objectives. • Fire-adapted communities: Human populations and infrastructure can withstand wildfire without loss of life and property.
• Wildfire response: All jurisdictions participate in making and implementing safe, effective, efficient risk-based wildfire management decisions.

Alignment with these Cohesive Strategy goals is described in more detail in Chapter 4, Fire Department Capabilities and Pre-Fire Management Strategies.

In addition to aligning with the Cohesive Strategy, the CWPP also incorporates information on post-fire recovery, the significant hazards of a post-fire environment, and the risk that post-fire effects pose to communities (Appendix H, Figure H.1).

Figure 1.1. The three primary goals of the National Cohesive Strategy and post-fire recovery.

Note: This CWPP incorporates the three primary goals of the Cohesive Strategy as well as post-fire recovery and serves as a holistic plan for fire adaptation and resilience.
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ALIGNMENT WITH PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
This CWPP is aligned with multiple local, state, and federal planning documents, most notably the:
• 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California
• CAL FIRE Strategic Plan 2024
• 2024 CAL FIRE California CWPP Guide/Toolkit
• Butte County 2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update • Butte County General Plan Health and Safety Element 2040 • Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan 2021–2025 Like this plan, these planning documents and agreements aim to mitigate wildfire impacts by reducing fire risk, protecting communities and natural resources, and enhancing overall fire resilience. These documents and agreements, as well as additional fire policy and legislative direction, are summarized in Appendix A.
2018 STRATEGIC FIRE PLAN FOR CALIFORNIA
The 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, developed by CAL FIRE and the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, aims to enhance wildfire management and mitigation through fire prevention, suppression activities, and natural resource management. Key focus areas include improving fire response capabilities, maintaining resilient forests to meet climate goals, and increasing public awareness and community involvement in fire prevention. The plan outlines eight primary goals and 66 specific objectives, such as identifying wildland fire hazards, integrating land use planning, enhancing community fire protection planning, and implementing post-fire assessment programs.

This 2025 CWPP update aligns with the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California by integrating the following goals into its project recommendations:
• Comprehensive Hazard Assessment and Mitigation: The recommendations support identifying and evaluating wildland fire hazards through activities such as hazard tree and vegetation surveys, maintenance of fuel breaks, and implementation of defensible space programs.
• Collaborative Data Sharing and Planning: The recommendations promote collaborative development and sharing of analyses by partnering with tribal governments, conducting quarterly collaborative group meetings, and implementing projects identified in CWPPs. • Local Land Use Planning Support: The recommendations support local land use planning by incorporating solutions for limited access issues into the General Plan's Safety Element, enhancing public education programs, and implementing countywide home hardening techniques.
• Fire Prevention Awareness and Education: Increasing fire prevention awareness is addressed through community engagement in Firewise USA programs, public education initiatives, and workforce development and training.
• Integrated Management Practices: Integrating fire and fuels management practices with landowner priorities is evident in the collaborative projects with tribal governments, intentional fire implementation, and countywide grazing programs.
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• Resource Determination for Fire Prevention: Determining necessary resources for fire prevention is supported by enhancing green waste disposal, establishing dedicated wildfire preparedness positions, and conducting workforce training. • Fire Suppression Resource Needs: Addressing fire suppression resource needs includes increasing fire department staffing, modernizing the firefighting fleet, and creating strategic partnerships for firefighting aircraft.

STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION

CORE TEAM
The Core Team collaboratively guided the development of the 2025 Butte County CWPP. The Core Team included representatives from Butte County Administration, Butte County Fire Department, the Butte County Fire Safe Council, and CAL FIRE. The Core Team drives decision making, data sharing, and communication with community members and other stakeholders. The Core Team facilitated collaboration with local and state organizations throughout the region as appropriate, primarily through coordination with the Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG). The BCCG membership includes local, state, federal, and tribal governments, as well as nonprofits, private companies, and other organizations with a role in fire management and planning in and around the community. This diverse group was actively engaged throughout the CWPP development process at several regular meetings during which the group provided input on stakeholder outreach and education, project recommendations, and the CWPP during the public review period.

By bringing together stakeholders from a wide range of governmental and non-governmental organizations, the BCCG supported effective cross-boundary collaboration and ensured alignment in planning efforts related to forest health, ecological restoration, and wildfire safety.

In addition to weekly check-in meetings, the Core Team first met on June 3, 2024, convened again on October 9, 2024, and for the final time on December 6, 2024.

Table 1.1. Core Team List
Name Title Organization
Spencer Mallinger Pre-Fire Engineer CAL FIRE Butte Unit Nick Burtman Wildland Fire Preparedness and Mitigation Butte County Fire Department Dawn Nevers Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Butte County Administration Katie Simmons Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Butte County Administration Taylor Nilsson Executive Director Butte County Fire Safe Council

KEY COLLABORATORS
The development of the 2025 Butte County CWPP was a collaborative effort involving numerous local, state, and federal entities, as well as local tribes and non-governmental organizations. The membership of the Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG), which consists of over 30 governmental, nongovernmental, tribal, and nonprofit entities that play an active role in developing and implementing prescribed fire and other hazardous fuel reduction projects, played a critical role in shaping the CWPP. 159
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This group met regularly throughout the CWPP development process and provided direct project input and collaboration with the public and other relevant stakeholders.

In addition to the Core Team, the BCCG, and the public, the planning process benefited from the input of every local, state, and federal fire protection agency serving the planning area. These agencies brought expertise and on-the-ground experience, ensuring that the plan was comprehensive and addressed the unique challenges of the region.

To recognize the breadth of collaboration, Table 1.2 outlines key partners who participated in CWPP development, including entities that submitted projects or served as signatories to the CWPP.

Table 1.2. Key Collaborators
Organization Role/Contribution
Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve BCCG Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signatory, Project Input
Biggs Fire Department Project Input
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Federal Partner, Project Input Butte County BCCG MOU Signatory, Core Team Leadership, Project Input Butte County Air Quality Management District BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input Butte Environmental Council BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input Butte County Fire Department Core Team Leadership, Project Input Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC) BCCG MOU Signatory, Core Team Leadership, Public Outreach, Education, Coordination, Project Input
Butte County Resource Conservation District
(RCD)* BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input
CAL FIRE Butte Unit Core Team Leadership, Project Input California Department of Water Resources Project Input, Watershed Management, Fuel Reduction Collaboration
California State Parks Project Input, Land Management, Wildfire Prevention on State Park Lands
Camp Fire Collaborative Project Input
Chico Fire Department Project Input
Enterprise Rancheria BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input
Gridley Fire Department Project Input
Konkow Valley Band of Maidu Indians BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input Lassen National Forest Federal Partner, Project Input
Local Tribal Governments Cultural and Land Management, Project Input Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input North State Planning & Development Collective BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input Northern California Regional Land Trust BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input Oroville Fire Department Project Input
Paradise Fire Department Project Input
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Organization Role/Contribution
Plumas National Forest Federal Partner, Project Input
Private Landowners/Companies Project Implementation Partners Sierra Pacific Industries BCCG MOU Signatory, Project Input Town of Paradise Project Input
U.S. Forest Service BCCG MOU Signatory, Federal Partner, Project Input Yankee Hill Fire Safe Council (YHFSC) BCCG MOU Signatory, Public Outreach, Education, Coordination, Project Input

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
A key element in the CWPP process is the meaningful discussions it generates among community members regarding their priorities for local fire protection and forest management (Society of American Foresters 2004). SWCA and the Core Team incorporated a comprehensive approach to public involvement throughout the planning process. This effort began with a press release from Butte County published on September 18, 2024, containing a public survey to gather input and specific concerns from residents.

To further engage the community, two public events were held: one in Chico on October 8, 2024, and another in Oroville on October 9, 2024. These events were announced via press releases and social media posts disseminated by CAL FIRE public information officers. At each event, informational materials were distributed, and local fire experts were present to answer questions and provide insights.

Additionally, a TV news segment highlighted the CWPP development process and invited community participation. These events provided valuable opportunities for community members to learn about wildfire protection measures and provide their perspectives and feedback to the CWPP.

The draft CWPP was made available for public review from February 7, 2025, through February 21, 2025.

During this time, two public meetings were held at the Oroville and Chico Libraries on February 11 and 12, 2025, respectively, providing residents an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback with Core Team members. In addition to the CWPP report, Butte County developed a CWPP hub site and story map (online content) to provide opportunities for information sharing and gathering. The story map and draft CWPP were announced through several different media outlets, including press releases and social media.

Additional information regarding public involvement and outreach is provided in Appendix D.

Tribal Collaboration
Collaboration between CAL FIRE and Indigenous tribes is a vital component of California's comprehensive fire management strategy. Table 1.3 is a list of federally and non-federally recognized tribes in Butte County. The State's 2018 Strategic Fire Plan emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local, state, federal, tribal, and private entities to create a fire-resilient environment, improve fire prevention and suppression efforts, and enhance coordination with tribal groups.

One notable example is the formation of the Tribal Caucus in 2023. Established as a subset of the Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG), the Tribal Caucus provides a platform for supporting federally and non-federally recognized tribes to support forest health and wildfire safety initiatives. 161
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CAL FIRE has also taken proactive steps to ensure tribal groups in Butte County are aware of capacitybuilding and grant opportunities by hosting partner meetings. CAL FIRE's Fire Prevention Grants Program supports projects that reduce wildfire risks, including those led by tribal governments. Additionally, CAL FIRE has established wildland fire protection to the Native American Rancherias in the SRA through a statewide agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Through coordination and collaboration throughout the state, CAL FIRE and tribal entities aim to protect lives, property, and cultural resources, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all communities involved (personal communication, CAL FIRE, 2024).

Table 1.3. Tribes in Butte County and their Recognition Status Tribe Name Recognition Status
Berry Creek Rancheria Federally Recognized
Enterprise Rancheria Federally Recognized
Konkow Valley Band of Maidu Indians Non-Federally Recognized Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria Federally Recognized Mooretown Rancheria Federally Recognized
Pakan'Yani Maidu of Strawberry Valley Rancheria Non-Federally Recognized

INSURANCE
This CWPP provides recommendations for mitigating wildfire hazard on a county scale; therefore, it is not used by private insurance companies to determine individual property risk, because it does not address hazard at a parcel level. The intent of a CWPP is to provide broad-scale mitigation of wildfire risk to communities, which requires collaboration by government entities, landowners, and the public.

The Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment (QWRA) conducted for this CWPP is not intended for the determination of insurance premiums for homes and properties. Both states and insurance companies have clarified that wildfire risk assessments and associated maps in planning documents, such as CWPPs, do not influence insurance rates or coverage determinations. Instead, insurance companies use their own internal, proprietary maps and methods, which consider factors that change more frequently than state and local planning documents (U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] 2023).

Resources like the Safer from Wildfires Initiative
provide incentives for wildfire risk reduction; the
California FAIR Plan Association offers coverage for
high-risk areas; and United Policyholders supports
homeowners with unbiased guidance on insurancerelated challenges. For more information on wildfire insurance options and resources, see Appendix F.

Aerial photograph of homes and forested
lands near Magalia, California.
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CHAPTER 2 – PLANNING AREA

OVERVIEW AND VALUES

PLANNING AREA
Butte County is situated on the east side of the northern Sacramento Valley, covering 1,072,789 acres according to the 2020 Census.

The planning area for this CWPP is aligned to the boundaries of the CAL FIRE Butte Unit, which encompasses the entirety of Butte County as well as a small, sparsely populated portion of southeast Tehama County.

The total acreage of the CWPP planning area is 1,134,193 acres.

Home to 205,928 residents, it is bordered by Plumas County to the northeast, Yuba County to the southeast, Sutter and Colusa Counties to the southwest, Glenn County to the west, and Tehama County to the northwest.

Approximately 52% of the county is designated as State Responsibility Area (SRA), while approximately 14% falls under Federal Responsibility Area (FRA), with public lands primarily managed by the Lassen and Plumas National Forests. The remaining 34% is classified as Local Responsibility Area (LRA), containing both densely populated urban areas and rural regions. The LRA, which experiences a high frequency of wildfires, poses a notable threat to adjacent SRA (CAL FIRE 2024i). See Figure 2.1 for the CAL FIRE Butte Unit and CWPP planning area boundary.
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Figure 2.1. Butte County CWPP planning area with fire protection responsibility areas delineated. 164
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LAND OWNERSHIP
Approximately 79% of the CWPP planning area is owned by private landholders, spanning both urban and rural areas, including an estimated 160,765 acres of private non-industrial timberlands. Public land is interspersed throughout the county, creating a mosaic of ownership.

The largest federal land holdings include the Plumas and Lassen National Forests (managed by the U.S. Forest Service [USFS]), which together account for 12.5% of the county's acreage. Federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) account for 1.2% of the total land area. Additional federal holdings, including those managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (0.4%) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) (0.1%), are more limited in extent.

State-owned lands contribute a combined 6.0% of the total area, including lands managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) (2.4%), California Department of Parks and Recreation (0.5%), and other state agencies (2.6%).

Local government-owned lands make up 0.6%, while nonprofit conservancies and trusts account for 0.5% of the land area. Collectively, these smaller holdings, along with other public and conservation lands, contribute to the diverse management landscape in Butte County (Table 2.1; Figure 2.2).

Table 2.1. Land Ownership in the Butte County Planning Area Agency/Entity Acreage Percentage of
Planning Area
Private 896,893 79.1
U.S. Forest Service 142,133 12.5
Other State Lands* 29,748 2.6
California Department of Fish and Wildlife* 27,171 2.4
Bureau of Land Management 13,814 1.2
Local Government 6,835 0.6
California Department of Parks and Recreation* 6,163 0.6 Nonprofit Conservancies and Trusts 6,162 0.5
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4,004 0.4
Bureau of Indian Affairs 1,270 0.1
Total 1,134,193 100
* Includes 42,000+ acres of California Department of Water Resources lands (FERC P - 2100) 165
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Figure 2.2. Butte County CWPP planning area land ownership map. 166
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ROADS AND TRANSPORTATION
Butte County's transportation system consists of over 2,000 miles of public roads, including State Routes 32, 70, 99, 162, and 191, which connect urban and rural areas across Butte County (Figure 2.3).

The county's geography, characterized by the Feather River, which bisects the county, and mountainous terrain in the east, limits the potential for roadway expansion. The Butte County Association of Governments works alongside the County to maintain and improve transportation infrastructure, which supports approximately 4.7 million miles of travel annually and includes a mixture of freeways, expressways, and local roads. Butte County consistently strives to improve the county’s roadways with ongoing transportation projects focused on bridge replacements and road widening.

Safe and efficient roadways are especially crucial for emergency response and fire protection in fireprone areas. Roadways such as the Skyway, connecting Chico and Paradise, are vital evacuation routes for the more rural communities of Butte County. Butte County is committed to enhancing roadway safety and emergency access by reducing hazardous vegetation and ensuring multiple access points are available for emergency vehicles, all of which are integrated into the County's Circulation Element to support mobility and wildfire preparedness.

Figure 2.3. A typical road in a Butte County ridge community. 167
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Additionally, two major rail lines traverse Butte County that transport freight and passengers throughout the western portion of the United States. One of these rail lines parallels the western boundary of the county and the other follows Highway 70 into Feather River Canyon. Transportation safety, roadway capacity improvements, and coordination with regional and state agencies are top priorities.

RECREATION
Outdoor recreation is a popular pastime in Butte County, thanks to its diverse landscapes of forests, rivers, streams, and ecological preserves. The public lands managed by both federal and state agencies provide residents with ample opportunities for activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming. However, these outdoor recreation areas also pose potential wildfire risks due to humancaused ignition sources.

Federally managed lands encompass parts of the Plumas and Lassen National Forests. Butte County also boasts significant state-managed lands, including the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, Thermalito Forebay/Afterbay, Oroville Wildlife Area, Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, Table Mountain Ecological Reserve, and Sacramento Wildlife Area.

WILDLIFE
Wildfire fuel management plays a crucial role in wildlife management due to the potential adverse or beneficial effects that wildfires and vegetation communities can have on wildlife habitat. Vegetation management treatments are routinely implemented across Butte County to help mitigate the severity of wildfire impacts through a landscape. Many wildlife species in the region have evolved alongside a frequent fire regime and are dependent on consistent burn regimes to thrive. In addition to developing effective vegetation management plans to mitigate wildfire, it is also important to consider the potential impacts to wildlife habitat when planning fuel treatments. Vegetation management projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk—such as creating fuel breaks or altering vegetation types—can yield both positive and negative effects on wildlife. For a deeper understanding of fuel management practices, refer to Appendix G. Figure 2.4 highlights the critical habitat areas found for species of concern within Butte County.
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Figure 2.4. Critical habitat in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 169
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Threatened and Endangered Species
Butte County has 224 known special-status species, with nine species being endangered and 10 species being threatened (CAL FIRE 2024i). Vascular plants (113 species) and birds (41 species) make up the largest number of special-status species within Butte County (Table 2.2). Some examples of these species include bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus), California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), greater sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis tabida), Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator), and western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) (California Natural Diversity Database 2024).

Table 2.2. Special-Status Species within Butte County
Type Count
Animals - Amphibians 7
Animals - Birds 41
Animals - Crustaceans 5
Animals - Fish 11
Animals - Insects 4
Animals - Mammals 18
Animals – Mollusks 4
Animals – Reptiles 3
Community – Terrestrial 8
Plants – Bryophytes 9
Plants – Lichens 1
Plants – Vascular 113
Total 224
Source: California Natural Diversity Database (2024)

POPULATION
As of 2024, Butte County has an estimated population of 205,928 within its jurisdictional boundaries (Table 2.3). Approximately 109,589 people (53% of the total county population) reside within Chico city limits. The unincorporated portions of Butte County have the second highest population count with approximately 58,731 residents (29% of the total county population). Of the 205,928 residents within Butte County, 18.6% are over the age of 65, with 76.2% of the population being between the ages 5 and 65 years old (Butte County 2024a). The median age in Butte County is 35.9 years old (U.S. Census Bureau 2025).

Approximately 18.8% of Butte County residents live below the poverty line, defined as earning less than $14,580 annually (Butte County 2024a). The average income within the county is $64,426 (Butte County 2024a). This value is below the statewide average income of $73,220 and similar to the federal average income of $65,470 (Forbes 2024; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024). 170
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Table 2.3. Butte County Population by Jurisdiction, 2024 Jurisdiction Population Percent of Total
Population
Biggs 1,853 0.9
Chico 109,589 53.2
Gridley 6,935 3.4
Oroville 18,129 8.8
Paradise 10,691 5.2
Unincorporated Butte County 58,731 28.5
Total 205,928 100
Source: Butte County (2024a)
Note: Population data are sourced from the Butte County mpbell fireard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). These figures represent estimates and projections at the time of the LHMP’s publication and are subject to change due to population growth, migration, and other factors.

SOCIAL VULNERABILITY
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines social vulnerability as the susceptibility of social groups to the negative impacts of natural hazards (e.g., wildfire), which include disproportionate death, injury, loss, or disruption of livelihood (FEMA 2022). A sole hazard occurrence can bring about considerably different impacts for distinct individuals, even if the magnitude of the hazard was the same for the entire community. Specific groups of individuals may be more susceptible to natural hazards because of socioeconomic status, physical state, or other factors. For instance, elderly individuals may have more difficulty in quickly evacuating during wildfire emergencies, which may make them more susceptible to entrapment.

Socially vulnerable populations can be assessed using a social vulnerability index (SVI), which approximates the social vulnerability of a location based on multiple indicators. This CWPP uses SVI data acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). These data are derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (CDC 2022). It is important to consider all indicators of social vulnerability, which can be understood using the CDC/ATSDR overall SVI shown in Figure 2.5.

Figure 2.6 shows the American Community Survey datasets that were used to calculate total social vulnerability values across the United States.

According to the CDC/ATSDR SVI for 2022, Butte County, has a “high” vulnerability score of 0.8225. This places it at a state ranking of 4th and a national ranking of 190th, indicating a significant level of social vulnerability.

In addition to overall social vulnerability, access to critical socioeconomic resources plays a key role in wildfire resilience. Maps detailing the locations of educational facilities, health care services, critical infrastructure, and public safety resources are included in Appendix B (Figures B.17–B.20). These maps provide insight into the distribution of key community assets that influence wildfire preparedness and response.
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Figure 2.5. Diagram showing CDC/ATSDR indicators of social vulnerability.

Source: CDC (2022)
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Figure 2.6. Overall social vulnerability index (SVI) percentile ranking for the Butte County CWPP planning area.

Source: CDC (2022)
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Table 2.4 provides statistics on socially vulnerable populations within the entirety of Butte County as estimated by the USFS’s Wildfire Risk to Communities. In this dataset, populations particularly at risk from wildfire include people over 65, people with disabilities, and people dwelling in mobile homes.

Visitors and non-local property owners may also be at higher risk if they are not familiar with local guidelines regarding property management (defensible space, fire-resistant vegetation, fire-resistant building materials, etc.) and may not be registered or within reach of local emergency notifications.

See Appendix B for additional SVI mapping for vulnerable populations in Butte County.

Table 2.4. Estimated Socially Vulnerable Populations in Butte County Population at Risk Number* Percentage of Butte County*
Families in poverty 5,195 10.6
People with disabilities 34,705 16.4
People over 65 years 38,852 18.2
People under 5 years 11,263 5.3
People of color 66,604 31.2
Difficulty with English 5,128 2.5
Households with no car 5,063 6.1
Mobile homes 8,705 10.4
Source: USFS (2022)
* Numbers and percentages are estimates. For more information and details about margins of error, please visit the following webpage: https://wildfirerisk.org/explore/vulnerable-populations/06/06007/ In addition, wildland firefighters are a population at significant risk from wildfire due to the inherent dangers of their profession. While battling fires, they face immediate threats to their safety, as well as long-term health risks. These include exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other hazardous conditions that can lead to serious health issues over time. In addition to the acute dangers of the fire environment, such as injury or death, wildland firefighters are particularly vulnerable to the medium- and long-term impacts of inhaling harmful substances while on the job.

Unhoused Populations
With continued economic and social trends exacerbating housing insecurity, urban areas in the United States have seen significant increases in unhoused populations. Consequently, fire departments are responding to more incidents involving fires that impact unhoused people and their shelters or encampments.

Many unhoused individuals use open flames for warmth and cooking, often without awareness of fire safety, and often in high fire risk areas, such as densely vegetated riverbanks or vacant buildings.

Legislative and political barriers can hinder efforts to address houselessness, which can allow fire risks to persist (National Fire Protection Association [NFPA] 2023).

In Butte County, there are more than 1,000 unhoused individuals, many with health conditions that impact their ability to maintain a job or live independently. This count likely underestimates the true number due to displacement from recent wildfires (Butte County 2023). 174
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COMMUNITY VALUES
A primary goal of the CWPP is to identify, prioritize, and protect the diverse values and assets within Butte County at risk from wildfire. Community values and asset data are gathered through the CWPP process using input from the Core Team, publicly available datasets, and insights from stakeholder and public outreach. These values encompass natural, cultural, and socioeconomic values (Figures 2.7–2.12) as well as lives and property. The scope of this CWPP does not allow determination of the absolute values that could be impacted by wildfire. Some examples of community values are (CAL FIRE 2024i):
• Private property
• Oroville–Thermalito Complex:
o Oroville Dam
o Thermalito Dam, Forebay, and Afterbay
o Lake Oroville
o Multiple hydroelectric facilities
producing 2.2 billion kilowatt-hours per
year
o 200+ miles of lake shorelines
• Historic buildings and many historical sites,
including over 20 on the National Register of
Historic Places
• Railroads, including over 80 miles of heavily
trafficked main line used for passenger and
freight transportation
• High-tension power transmission lines,
including hundreds of miles of major power
lines (500+ kilovolts)
• Rangeland
• Agricultural facilities:
o Fields
o Orchards
o Hullers
o Dryers
o Storage
• Research:
o California Rice Experiment Station,
hosting research projects utilized
throughout the rice industry
o Educational facilities, including Butte
Community College with
13,000 students and California State
University–Chico with 17,000 students
• Medical facilities:
o Three hospitals, including the
regional trauma center
o Assisted living facilities (100+ senior
and residential care facilities housing
over 1,200 residents)
o Rehabilitation facilities
o Long-term care
o Hospice
• Six state highways covering more than
175 miles, 25 miles of which are
designated scenic highways.
• Ecosystem health and wildlife habitat,
including 224 known special -status
species, nine of which are endangered
and 10 of which are threatened.
• Water quality, including the Sacramento
River, Feather River, and associated
watersheds
• More than $2.5 billion in timberland
• Recreation areas, including parks,
campsites, and intricate trail systems
• Cultural sites and resources (see Tribal
Resources below)
• Air quality
• Storage of natural gas and other
flammable gases
• Bulk petroleum storage facility
• Large-diameter (12+ inch) high-pressure
gas and fuel oil pipelines
• Wastewater treatment plants
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• Agricultural product processing and
distribution facilities for tree nuts, rice, and
other crops
• Butte County Jail, Courthouse, and all city
and county government offices (City Hall,
Board of Supervisors, Sheriff, Treasurer, Hall
of Records, Clerk-Recorder, District
Attorney, etc.)
• Headquarters of local, state, and national
politicians
• Multi-story casino resort hotels
• Regional distribution hubs for FedEx, UPS,
Old Dominion Freight, Estes Express, and
others
• Multiple regional, national, and international
food and beverage product manufacturing,
packaging, and distribution centers
• Butte County Landfill
• Telecommunications facilities, including cell
and public safety radio towers, as well as
wildfire monitoring cameras
• Three general aviation airports, one being an
aerial firefighting base, and numerous
agricultural airstrips
Water infrastructure (left) and forested lands (right), examples of natural and socioeconomic resources within the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Figure 2.7. Cultural and historic resources in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 177
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Figure 2.8. Bedrock mortars, a cultural resource found within the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Figure 2.9. Natural resources in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 179
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Figure 2.10. Forested land, an example of a natural resource within the Butte County CWPP planning area.

Figure 2.11. The Oroville Dam and Hyatt Powerhouse, examples of socioeconomic resources within the Butte County CWPP planning area.

Source: Explore Butte (2024).
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Figure 2.12. Socioeconomic resources in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 181
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TIMBER INDUSTRY
The CWPP planning area encompasses approximately 200,000 acres of timberland located in the upper elevations of Butte County. These areas feature diverse ownership patterns, ranging from small landowners in the wildland-urban intermix to industrial landowners managing large, contiguous parcels within the SRA (Butte County n.d.a).

The timber industry in Butte County is a critical economic and environmental resource, supporting local jobs, supplying raw materials, and contributing to ecological services. However, wildfires pose significant threats to this industry. Risks include the loss of standing timber, diminished market value of fire-damaged wood, and disruptions to long-term forest regeneration. Severe wildfires can destroy young plantations and natural seedlings, delaying future harvests and undermining sustainable forestry cycles.

In addition to direct losses, the aftermath of wildfires often results in increased expenses for post-fire salvage operations, erosion control, and reforestation efforts. Damage to essential infrastructure, such as logging roads and sawmills, can further complicate recovery and escalate operational costs.

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Water infrastructure in Butte County, including reservoirs, treatment plants, pump stations, and distribution systems, is vital for providing clean drinking water, supporting agriculture, and maintaining ecological health (Butte County n.d.b). However, these systems face significant threats from wildfires, which can cause both direct and indirect damage with long-lasting consequences.

Direct impacts of wildfires include physical damage to treatment facilities, storage tanks, and distribution pipelines, particularly those made of plastic or other heat-sensitive materials. Aboveground infrastructure, such as intake structures and power supply systems for pumps, is especially vulnerable to high heat and flame exposure. Wildfire-related damage to vegetation and soil can also result in sedimentation and debris flows into reservoirs and watercourses, compromising water quality and increasing treatment costs.

Indirect consequences of wildfires include loss of vegetation in watershed areas, leading to increased erosion, reduced infiltration, and higher sediment loads in streams and reservoirs. These changes can impair water storage capacity and degrade water quality, often requiring extensive and expensive remediation efforts. Additionally, post-fire runoff may carry contaminants such as ash, heavy metals, and organic debris into water sources, posing risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems.

Water Availability and Supply
In Butte County, fire personnel rely on a diverse array of water sources to combat fires and respond to emergencies. The county’s water supply includes hydrants, tanks, ponds, cisterns, wells, streams, and ditches (Figure 2.13).

In urban areas, hydrants are strategically placed, and their maintenance is generally prioritized to ensure a reliable water supply during emergencies. However, even these systems are not immune to failures or design limitations, as was evidenced by the failure of Paradise’s hydrant system during the Camp Fire.

This forced firefighters to utilize alternative water sources to maintain their firefighting efforts (direct communication, CAL FIRE, 2025).
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Many unincorporated communities in the planning area are serviced by small private water districts— some with fewer than five hydrants—where maintenance and the ability to support sustained delivery of large volumes of water are significant concerns. For instance, the small water district in Butte Meadows experienced heavy strain during the Park Fire, as water tenders frequently refilled and stretched the district’s resources.

In rural areas, which encompass the vast majority of the county’s acreage, fire personnel often depend on drafting water from pre-positioned storage tanks, streams, ponds, or other natural sources.

The availability and condition of these water sources can vary greatly, particularly during dry seasons or droughts, when wells and streams may have significantly reduced water levels. Firefighters are trained to adapt to these conditions, using portable tanks and pumps to access water from unconventional sources as needed.

Figure 2.13. Diversion Pool after the Thompson Fire.

Source: Taylor Nilsson.

TRIBAL RESOURCES
Butte County is home to the historic territories of four Native American groups: the Maidu, the Nisenan, the Konkow, and the Yana. The Maidu territory is located at the boundary between the northern Sierra Nevada and the southern Cascade Range, encompassing mountain valleys from Honey Lake to Lassen Peak. The Nisenan territory extends from the banks of the Sacramento River across the lower Feather River drainages to the crest of the Sierra Nevada. The Konkow territory covers the Feather River area west of Rich Bar, stretching southwest almost to the Sutter Buttes, and includes the Sacramento River area from Butte City to Butte Meadows. The Yana territory spans from the edge of the Sacramento Valley eastward to the crest of the Cascades and northern Sierra (Butte County 2023).

This rich history of habitation has made Butte County notable for its array of both prehistoric and historic archaeological sites. The county has recorded 4,008 archaeological sites, of which 2,155 are prehistoric and 1,853 are from the historic period (it should be noted that the “historic” designation includes postcolonial history and includes resources not originating from tribal groups). This diversity and quantity of 183
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resources present underscores the importance of robust regulatory measures to protect them in collaboration with local Native American tribes. Policies outlined in the Conservation and Open Space Element of the Butte County General Plan (COS-14, COS-15, COS-16, and COS-17) require maintaining collaborative relationships with tribal representatives to ensure the identification, evaluation, protection, and respectful management of cultural, historical, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources during planning and development processes. This collaboration is crucial in ensuring that the cultural heritage and traditional practices of these tribes are preserved and respected in perpetuity (Butte County 2023).

AREA OF CONCERN
To better prioritize resilient landscape recommendations (see Table 6.1 in Chapter 6), the CWPP Core Team delineated broad areas of concern within the county (Figure 2.14) using a variety of mapping products and local expertise, wildland-urban interface (WUI), wildfire hazards, fuel models, and aerial imagery. The area of concern is used to demonstrate regions of the planning area that should be prioritized for mitigation actions to reduce risk to assets. This allows land managers and homeowners to better understand locations on the landscape that would benefit the most from wildfire mitigation and preparedness.

Open space in Butte County.
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Figure 2.14. Areas of concern for Butte County CWPP planning area. 185
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FUEL TREATMENT PROJECTS
CAL FIRE Butte Unit and other stakeholders lead an active and dedicated fuel treatment program across Butte County, as shown in Figure 2.15. This includes various fuel treatment projects on tall shrub and forested fuels and the implementation of prescribed herbivory (grazing) in grassland open spaces. This information is best shown in a web mapping application. Therefore, recommended and planned projects for this CWPP update are presented in more detail on the project hub site here:
https://butte-county-cwpp-buttecountygis.hub.arcgis.com/. Maps of this data are provided in Figures

2.15 through 2.19 below.

Table 2.5 provides a comprehensive summary of the acres of treated landscape in each community, categorized by their current status: Active, Complete, Complete in Maintenance, and Planned/Proposed.

This table offers a detailed overview of the ongoing, completed, and future projects aimed at managing and reducing fuels across various communities. The table is organized to show the total acres treated for each project within each community, allowing for a quick assessment of the progress and future plans in fuel reduction and landscape management initiatives. It should be noted that the acreages were determined by the community boundaries that were delineated for the field surveys (refer to Figure C.1 in Appendix C).

Key information for specific fuel treatment projects has been collected and is available in Appendix I, Table I.1. This includes essential details for each project, such as the project name, responsible agency, current status, expected or actual completion year, types of treatments applied, and the area covered in acres. It is important to note that not all cooperating entities within the county have the capacity to provide geographically referenced projects.
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Table 2.5. Acreage and Status of Treated Landscapes
Community Planned/Proposed
(acres)
Active
(acres)
Complete in
Maintenance
(acres)
Complete
(acres)
CWPP planning area 48,557 147,234 599 19,884
Bangor/Rackerby - 231 78 346
Berry Creek 471 22,195 - 2,027
Big Bend 215 12,162 - 171
Biggs/Gridley 282 2,025 - 6
Butte Creek Canyon - 109 - 58
Butte Meadows 17 - - 101
Butte Valley 105 2,924 - 114
Chico 17 545 34 1
Clipper Mills 345 1,696 - 1,146
Cohasset 2,818 9,039 - 1,352
Concow 1,682 32,150 - 1,174
East Oroville 2,638 3,114 46 2,670
Feather Falls 446 482 - 660
Forbestown 3 - - 154
Forest Ranch 3,641 2,300 6 1,691
Honcut - 8 - -
Hurleton 563 284 314 498
Inskip 149 - - 13
Jonesville - - - 68
Magalia/Paradise
Pines/De Sabla 1,796 4,932 - 2,897
Oroville 133 44 80 35
Palermo 1,855 1 - 175
Paradise 11,576 14,750 - 544
Pentz 482 1,315 - 61
Richardson Springs 4,210 1,207 - 51
Robinson Mill 355 235 122 937
Stirling City - - - 206
Swedes - 473 - 366
Table Mountain/
Cherokee
2,097 3,452 - -
Thermalito 2,128 1,089 - 171
Yankee Hill 451 8,161 - 138
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Figure 2.15. Completed fuel treatments within the Butte County CWPP planning area. 188
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Figure 2.16. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 1 of 4.
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Figure 2.17. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 2 of 4.
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Figure 2.18. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 3 of 4.
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Figure 2.19. Active and planned fuel treatments in the Butte County CWPP planning area, map 4 of 4.
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EVACUATION RESOURCES AND CHALLENGES
PEOPLE
In Butte County, the Sheriff’s Department holds the primary responsibility for issuing evacuation orders.

To facilitate efficient and safe evacuations, the County has implemented a zone-based system. This system streamlines the process, ensuring evacuations are conducted in an organized manner. More information about these evacuation zones can be accessed here: https://bereadybutte.com/know-yourzone/.

For general evacuation information and resources, residents can visit the Butte County evacuation site here: https://www.buttecounty.net/2081/Evacuation-Information.

Butte County uses the Code Red notification system to inform residents of wildfire threats and other emergency situations. These alerts are delivered via text messages, ensuring timely communication during critical events. Residents can sign up for Code Red here: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/enUS/BFA19C579EA5 In addition, Butte County has developed community evacuation plans and maps for several communities.

These plans and maps can be accessed here: https://bereadybutte.com/evacuation-plans-by-community/.

Butte County has also developed emergency preparedness guides for people with disabilities and access and functional needs. These resources can be accessed here:
https://www.buttecounty.net/802/Considerations-for-Persons-with-Disabili.

Moreover, the County has established the Community Emergency Response Team, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization operating under the Butte County Sheriff's Office. The Community Emergency Response Team supports the Sheriff’s Office's mission by providing essential services during emergencies. Volunteers participate in public outreach, educating the community on emergency preparedness, and assist with critical tasks such as delivering supplies, staffing call centers, and managing the emergency notification system.

Disclaimer: Local, County, and State law enforcement evacuation notices should always be followed and supersede any guidance and evacuation information in this CWPP.

ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK
Butte County Animal Control offers evacuation services and shelter for both large and small animals during disasters. These services support families who are either displaced from their homes or temporarily unable to care for their animals due to emergency situations. In the event of a disaster or emergency, current information on animal evacuations and sheltering can be accessed through the Butte County Public Health Department's Facebook and X (Twitter) pages. Butte County has also developed emergency preparedness guides for animals, including pets and livestock. These resources are linked below.

Animal emergency preparedness guides:
• https://www.buttecounty.net/800/Considerations-for-Animals • https://www.buttecounty.net/639/Animal-Emergencies-Preparedness 193
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The North Valley Animal Disaster Group provides animal evacuation, rescue, and shelter-in-place services in Butte County. More information can be found on their website: https://www.nvadg.org/.

Several local organizations contribute to animal rescue and care during emergencies. Friends United in Rescue, Inc. (FUR) specializes in providing shelter and adoption services for cats, particularly those impacted by disasters. Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue is a no-kill rescue organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding homes for animals in need. The Chico Animal Shelter offers essential services such as lost-and-found assistance, adoptions, and care for pets during emergency situations. • Friends United in Rescue, Inc. (FUR): https://www.friendsunitedinrescue.org/ • Wags and Whiskers Pet Rescue: https://www.wagsandwhiskerspetrescue.com/ • The Chico Animal Shelter: http://www.chicoanimalshelter.org/ Agricultural Pass Program
Butte County's Agricultural Pass (Ag Pass) program was developed with local agencies to allow livestock owners essential access to care for their animals during restricted access times, such as wildfires.

The program is designed to enable commercial livestock operators to feed, water, transport, and medically treat their animals when emergencies occur. The following is an overview of the process:

1. Eligibility: The program is available to commercial cattle operators with over 50 head and commercial beekeepers with more than 50 hives.

2. Application: Eligible operators apply for the Ag Pass through the Butte County Agricultural Department. This process includes verification of eligibility and completion of required training.

3. Training: Applicants must complete the U.S. Fire Administration’s Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) training, which helps them understand fire behavior and safely navigate restricted areas.

4. Issuance: Upon completing the application and training, operators receive an Ag Pass, allowing limited access to their properties during emergencies for essential animal care tasks.

5. Access: In an emergency, passholders must request entry from public safety officials. The pass does not guarantee re-entry, as safety remains the priority. Public safety officials will assess conditions before granting access.

For more information, please visit the following links:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/Rangelands/2020_Commercial_Livestock_Disaster_Pass_and_Disaster_Prepared ness_Training/
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/AHFSS/Animal_Health/eprs/docs/livestock_agricultural_pass_program_process. pdf
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CHAPTER 3 – FIRE

ENVIRONMENT

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE
The wildland-urban interface (WUI) is composed of both interface and intermix communities and is defined as areas where human habitation and development meet or intermix with wildland fuels (U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] 2001:752– 753). Interface areas include housing developments that meet or are in the vicinity of continuous vegetation. Intermix areas are those areas where structures are scattered throughout a wildland area where the cover of continuous vegetation and fuels is often greater than cover by human habitation. For simplicity, Figure 3.1 below shows both interface and intermix areas combined as general WUI with an influence zone extension, totaling 165,632 acres of land in Butte County. The influence zone is described with respect to wildland and urban fire; it is an area with a set of conditions that facilitate the opportunity for fire to burn from wildland fuels to the home and or structure ignition zone (Community Wildfire Planning Center 2021).

According to the HFRA, the WUI can be defined and delineated by a CWPP. Additionally, the CAL FIRE California CWPP Guide/Toolkit requires that CWPPs identify and map the WUI. The WUI boundaries for this plan were established using a comprehensive approach that integrated pertinent data and regional expert insights. Key elements included using CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP) 2019 wildland-urban interface and intermix data as an initial framework, with additional areas identified through analysis of structures and parcels and fine-scale adjustments from local fire management experts. A 1.5-mile buffer was added to the boundary to represent the influence zone.
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Figure 3.1. Butte County CWPP planning area WUI map.

The 2019 FRAP WUI mapping, which serves as the foundation for defining the WUI in the Butte County CWPP, is available for viewing in PDF format here: https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/calfirewebsite/what-we-do/fire-resource-assessment-program---frap/pdf-maps/wildland-urban-interface2019.pdf?rev=e44c740c777940c6bda816c42c886c87&hash=52A9A0873B1CBF3E468DC52D4E5CB5B5 196
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WUI LAND USE
California cities and counties face pressing challenges in providing safe, affordable housing. By 2030, an estimated 2.5 million homes will be needed to meet demand, with at least 1 million for low-income households (California Department of Housing and Community Development 2022). Many new units are being built near wildland areas, contributing to WUI conditions where more than 46 million residences across 70,000 communities are now at risk of wildfire (U.S. Fire Administration 2021a). The 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California indicates a steep rise in structures lost to wildfires, reflecting the vulnerability of the WUI (CAL FIRE 2018a).

The WUI, California's fastest-growing area for housing development, presents both environmental and social challenges, increasing wildfire risks and habitat fragmentation. Housing affordability has pushed diverse populations—including but not limited to farmers, ranchers, Indigenous populations, commuters, and retirees—into more exurban areas, adding to the vulnerability of historically marginalized groups exposed to these environmental hazards (Greenberg et al. 2023; University of California, Santa Cruz 2024).

ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL IGNITABILITY
Wildfires can ignite homes and structures through three main avenues: embers (firebrands), direct flames, and radiant heat. Embers, small pieces of burning material, account for the majority of home ignitions during wildfires, contributing to 60% to 90% of these incidents. When embers are lofted into the air, they become what are known as firebrands, which can land on combustible materials and ignite new fires far ahead of the wildfire front, creating a secondary fire (Figure 3.2). Direct flame contact occurs when flames, either from the wildfire or nearby ignited combustible materials, reach a structure. Lastly, radiant heat from burning materials, even without direct flame contact, can ignite homes if they are close enough (CAL FIRE 2024c).

To mitigate the risk of structural ignitability, it is crucial to create defensible space and harden homes.

Defensible space, the buffer zone around a structure,
helps slow down or stop the spread of fire. In Butte
County, compliance with Public Resources Code
(PRC) 4291 and Butte County's Fire Prevention and
Protection Ordinance (Chapter 38A) is essential.

These regulations require homeowners to maintain
the first 5 feet around the structure, known as the
"Ember Ignition Zone," free of combustible materials
in addition to 30- and 100-foot zones with reduced
fuel loading. Using fire-resistant landscaping, such as low-growing, high-moisture plants, and keeping roofs,
gutters, and other surfaces free of debris can
significantly reduce the risk of ember ignitions (CAL FIRE 2024c).

California’s Chapter 7A of the Building Code further strengthens wildfire defenses by mandating fireresistant construction materials and methods for homes in designated wildfire hazard zones. These standards, which apply to new structures in areas identified as increased hazard zones, focus on minimizing the chance of ignition from embers or radiant heat by using materials like fire-resistant roofing, exterior walls, and decking. By following these regulations and creating defensible space, homeowners can significantly increase their structure's chances of survival during a wildfire (CAL FIRE 2024d).

Example of good defensible space.
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For more information on local and state codes and ordinances that establish defensible space standards and regulate the use of building materials, please visit Appendix A.

For guidance, tools, and strategies to help homeowners and community members reduce wildfire risks through mitigation, please see Appendix F.

Figure 3.2. Factors associated with embers (firebrands) on the landscape.

Note: Vegetation type, wind, and topography all influence ember production and travel distances.

Source: Martin and Hillen (2016).

FIRE ECOLOGY

FIRE RETURN INTERVALS
Fire return intervals, the natural cycle of fire through an ecosystem, are crucial for maintaining ecological health, preventing catastrophic fires, and promoting biodiversity. These intervals vary by vegetation type, each tailored to the ecosystem's resilience and fire tolerance. In Butte County, managing fire return intervals is crucial for restoring and maintaining forest health and resilience. Historically, frequent, lowto moderate-intensity fires, including wildfires and cultural burns by Indigenous communities, shaped the county's landscapes, promoting biodiversity and reducing catastrophic wildfire risks (Butte County Resource Conservation District [RCD] 2022).

Specifically, regular fire cycles reduce accumulated ground fuels, such as dead wood, dry grasses, and leaf litter. Without periodic burns, fuel buildup can transform low-severity fire ecosystems into regions highly susceptible to catastrophic burns. Fire-adapted species, like blue oaks and certain hardwoods, rely on low- to moderate-intensity fires to trigger germination, enhance acorn production, and recycle nutrients through biochar. Additionally, fire acts as a natural control mechanism for pests and diseases, thinning overly crowded areas and helping trees access more sunlight and resources, thus strengthening forest resilience to threats like bark beetles and other pathogens (Butte County RCD 2022). 198
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Figure 3.3 below outlines the estimated theoretical fire return intervals of Butte County. Fire return intervals are inherently challenging to define accurately, and many Butte County residents, land managers, and tribal leaders believe that the data often suggest intervals that are too lengthy for the region. Tribal leaders have advocated for much shorter intervals, with some recommending an annual burn cycle as a critical goal for maintaining ecosystem health.

This mapping exercise (Figure 3.3) presents an analysis of vegetation in Butte County and its relationship with the fire return interval. As a fire-adapted environment, Butte County's local vegetation relies on periodic burning or treatment to maintain its health. The mapping process utilized USFS data and expert opinions.

The transition from foothills to grassland ecosystems occurs near State Routes 99 and 70 (see data layer cut-off). In predominantly grassland environments, the fire return interval is less critical, as grass fuels can be managed with greater flexibility, allowing for adjustments in response to current conditions.

It is crucial to note that these fire return intervals are starting points and should be adjusted by local communities and experts to reflect the local consensus on appropriate fire return intervals. This underscores the need for ongoing fire management practices to mitigate wildfire risks.

It is also important to note that Figure 3.3 displays the estimated theoretical fire return interval, while Figure 3.4 shows the actual fire return interval. Figure 3.4 was created by analyzing large fires (over 500 acres) occurring from 1900 to 2024.

Forested lands outside of Forbestown, Butte County.
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Figure 3.3. Estimated theoretical fire return interval throughout the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Figure 3.4. Actual fire return interval in the Butte County CWPP planning area based on large fires (500+ acres) occurring from 1900 to 2024.
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Forest Zones and Fire Regimes
Butte County's forest communities are diverse and play a crucial role in the region's ecological balance and wildfire management. These communities can generally be divided into three zones: Blue Oak, Sierran Mixed Hardwood, and Mixed Conifer Woodland. Although these zones are typically associated with specific elevations, it should be noted that their distribution can vary due to landscape features, recent fire events, and shifting climatic trends.

At elevations between 100 and 1,500 feet, the Blue Oak Zone features resilient blue oak woodlands unique to California’s Central Valley. Low-intensity fires, occurring every 5 to 10 years, are vital for these woodlands, promoting acorn production and minimizing undergrowth to maintain an open structure.

This frequent fire regime helps manage fuel loads and supports biodiversity.

Between 1,200 to 4,000 feet lies the Sierran Mixed Hardwood Zone, a diverse mixture of hardwoods and conifers, such as California black oak (Quercus kelloggii), tanoak (Notholithocarpus densiflorus), madrone (Arbutus menziesii), bay laurel (Umbellularia californica), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Fire plays a significant role in this zone by preventing conifers from becoming overly dominant and creating gaps for hardwood species. The fire return interval here ranges from 3 to 20 years, sustaining an open forest structure and preventing high-density conifer encroachment that can increase wildfire intensity.

At elevations above 4,000 feet, the Mixed Conifer Woodland Zone comprises a complex assembly of conifers such as sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), and white fir (Abies concolor), with dense, multi-layered canopies and rich understories. Oak species may also be present, particularly on south-facing slopes. Fire is critical in these woodlands for reducing fuel loads, creating snags for wildlife habitat, and clearing space for new growth.

The fire return interval varies from 10 to 50 years, reflecting the variability in terrain and climate. Regular fire management within this range promotes a resilient forest structure by creating clearings, reducing dead material, and supporting diverse species regeneration (BCFSC 2020; Butte County RCD 2022).

Figure 3.4 uses historic wildfire data (1900–2024) and geoprocessing tools to quantify the areas where large fires frequently occur within the Butte County CWPP planning area. This analysis reveals that fires commonly recur in the oak woodlands along the mid-elevation foothill areas, as well as in some highelevation regions dominated by Mixed Sierran Conifer and Montane Hardwood communities. Both portions of the planning area are identified as having generally frequent fire return intervals, as estimated in Figure 3.3.

VEGETATION AND LAND COVER
Vegetation Types
Butte County contains many distinct vegetation types (Figure 3.5), with Sierran mixed conifer, montane hardwood, blue oak woodland, blue oak-foothill pine, and ponderosa pine constituting the majority in tree-dominated areas; annual grasslands comprising the majority in herbaceous habitats; and mixed chaparral making up the majority of shrub habitats in the county (Table 3.1). Vegetation types in the county that are less than 1% of the land area are not listed in the table below.

Vegetation data were gathered from CAL FIRE's Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP).

Through the FRAP program, CAL FIRE collaborates with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW’s) VegCamp program and uses data from the USFS Region 5 Remote Sensing Laboratory to compile the "best available" land cover data for California into a comprehensive statewide dataset. 202
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The dataset, spanning from approximately 1990 to the present, integrates the most current, detailed, and consistent data collected from various regions across the state. The vegetation data source is available here: https://gis.data.ca.gov/maps/CALFIRE-Forestry::california-vegetation-whrtype/about. A complete list of all vegetation/habitat descriptions can be accessed here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CWHR/WildlifeHabitats.

Common grass, shrub, and tree mix in Butte County.
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Table 3.1. CWPP Planning Area Vegetation Types
Vegetation/Habitat Type Primary Species/Elements Acreage Percent of Planning Area
Tree-Dominated
Habitats
Sierran Mixed Conifer Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, white fir 176,659.1 15.6 Montane Hardwood Canyon live oak, California black oak, Oregon white oak 82,716.6 7.3 Blue Oak Woodland Blue oak, interior live oak, California buckeye 78,475.4 6.9 Blue Oak-Foothill Pine Foothill pine, blue oak, interior live oak 62,249.1 5.8 Ponderosa Pine Ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, Douglas-fir 62,689.1 5.5 Montane Hardwood-Conifer Ponderosa pine, incense cedar, California black oak 51,817.3 4.6 Douglas Fir Douglas-fir, tanoak, ponderosa pine 30,219.7 2.7 Valley Foothill Riparian Cottonwood, sycamore, valley oak 15,287.4 1.3 Shrub-Dominated
Habitats
Mixed Chaparral Scrub oak, ceanothus species, manzanita species 25,528.3 2.2 Montane Chaparral Ceanothus species, manzanita species, bitter cherry 13,317.0 1.2 HerbaceousDominated
Habitats
Annual Grassland Wild oats, soft chess, brome species 144,115.9 12.7 Fresh Emergent Wetland Cattail, bulrush, redroot nutgrass 26,470.5 2.3 Aquatic Habitats Lacustrine Plankton, duckweed, water lilies 17,196.7 1.5 Developed
Habitats
Rice Rice 105,407.1 9.3
Deciduous Orchard Almonds, walnuts, peaches 99,292.0 8.8 Urban Grass lawns, ornamental trees, hedges 49,915.4 4.4 Cropland Tomatoes, corn, wheat 38,720.7 3.4
All Other Types -- -- 51,627.4 4.5
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Figure 3.5. Vegetation types across the Butte County CWPP planning area. 205
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Fuels
In Butte County, the predominant fuel types are a mixture of grasslands, timber understory, and grass-shrub
combinations, each contributing to the area's fire risk (Table 3.2; Figure 3.6). The following discussion highlights the most common fuel types found in the planning area,
providing insight into the landscape's composition, using the Scott and Burgan 2005 fire behavior fuel model to
describe fuels within the planning area (Scott and Burgan 2005).

The most widespread fuel type is GR2, a grass fuel type covering approximately 239,792 acres (~21% of the
planning area). This type consists of fine fuels that dry out quickly and can lead to fast-moving surface fires, particularly in open areas. Grassland fuels are common across the valleys and lower elevations, and though they burn with less intensity than timber fuels in general, they can contribute to high fire spread potential during the dry season.

Timber understory fuel types (primarily TU5 and TU1) account for about 234,203 acres (~21% of the planning area). This fuel type typically consists of grasses and shrubs beneath forested canopies and occurs at a greater frequency as elevation rises moving east across the county. Fire behavior in these areas tends to vary depending on understory density, but it generally involves surface fire that can transition to more intense crown fires in the presence of connective fuels (e.g., hanging branches, snags, etc.) or when conditions are favorable for more intense fire behavior.

Grass-shrub fuels (primarily GS2) cover about 89,434 acres (~8% of the planning area). These fuels often occur in transitional zones between grasslands and shrub-dominated regions, particularly at midelevations. While fires in these fuel types are generally less intense, they can facilitate swift wildfire spread and serve a connective zone for fire to spread into areas with greater fire behavior potential.

Nonburnable areas (primarily NB3 and NB1) also make up a considerable portion of the planning area, with NB3 (urban development) covering about 101,702 acres (9% of the planning area) and NB1 (bare ground) covering 68,148 acres (~6% of the planning area). These areas include developed regions or landscapes with minimal vegetation and do not typically contribute to wildfire spread.

Timber litter (primarily TL6, TL3, TL4) is another notable fuel type, comprising approximately 124,445 acres (~11% of the planning area). These areas, often found in forested regions at high elevations, consist of fallen leaves, branches, and other debris. While they are not as fast to ignite as grass or shrub fuels, timber litter can sustain longer-duration fires that smolder and reignite under favorable conditions.

Shrub fuels (primarily SH4) account for about 41,890 acres (~4%) and are often found in the higher elevations of the county. These fuels, particularly when dense, can burn intensely and contribute to more hazardous fire behavior.

While these are the dominant fuels within Butte County, other fuel types of various shrub and grass combinations play secondary roles in the fire landscape. As with all fuel types, the specific behavior of fires in these areas depends on factors like fuel density, weather, and terrain.

It’s important to note that recent fires are not captured in the existing LANDFIRE fuels data set.

To account for recent fire impacts, the fuels layer was revised to include the 2024 Park, Thompson, Standing dead timber fuel outside of
Yankee Hill, Butte County.
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Junes, and Apache Fire perimeters. Within these areas, grass, shrub, and timber understory layers were adjusted to reflect reduced rates of spread and shorter flame lengths, aligning with post-fire conditions.

These adjustments were guided by LANDFIRE calibrations used for the 2021 Dixie and 2020 North Complex Fire, projecting likely fire behavior over the next 3 to 5 years as vegetation recovers.

Table 3.2. Scott and Burgan 2005 Fuel Model Classes within the Butte County CWPP Planning Area
Existing Fuel Type Acres
Portion of
Planning Area
(%)
GR2- Moderately coarse continuous grass. 239,792 21.1
TU5- Fuelbed is high load conifer litter with shrub understory. 138,643 12.2 NB3- Agricultural field, maintained in nonburnable condition. 101,702 9.0 TU- Fuelbed is low load of grass and/or shrub with litter. 95,559 8.4 GS2- Shrubs are 1 to 3 feet high, moderate grass load. 89,434 7.9 NB1- Urban or suburban development (nonburnable). 68,148 6.0 TL6- Moderate load, less compact. Spread rate moderate; flame length low. 46,496 4.1 SH2- Moderate shrub fuel load. 41,890 3.7
TL3- Moderate load conifer litter. 39,645 3.5
TL4- Moderate load conifer litter, includes small-diameter downed logs. 38,305 3.4 All Other 234,579 20.7
Total 1,134,193 100
Note: “Other” represents the summation of the minor fuel components (TL2, GS1, TL8, NB8, SH4, TL1, TL7, GR3, NB9, TU2, TU3, GR1, SH5, TL5, TL9, SH1, SH3, SH7) found within Butte County. 207
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Figure 3.6. Fuel model classes across the Butte County CWPP planning area. 208
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Topography
The topography of Butte County significantly influences fire behavior, with elevations ranging from 60 feet in the valley to over 7,000 feet in the mountainous regions. The county is characterized by its division into two primary topographical features: the flat grasslands and farmland of the Sacramento Valley to the west, and the foothills and mountainous regions of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains to the east.

The western portion of Butte County features flat landscapes that transition into rolling foothills moving eastward. In contrast, the eastern part of the county is composed of notably rugged terrain, characterized by steep slopes, dense timber, and dry conditions, creating a landscape conducive to extreme fire behavior, including long flame lengths, high rates of spread, and long-range spotting. This eastern region, with its intermix of woodland fuels and residential areas, presents a significant WUI problem, where wildland fires threaten both vegetation and homes.

Butte County’s foothills and mountains are carved by several river drainages, the largest being the Feather River watershed, which culminates in Lake Oroville. The Feather River watersheds include the West Branch of the North Fork east of Paradise, the North Fork separating Yankee Hill from Berry Creek, the Middle Fork separating Berry Creek and Feather Falls, and the South Fork separating Feather Falls from Forbestown and the La Porte Road communities.

The northern part of Butte County is bisected by Butte Creek to the west of the Town of Paradise and by Big Chico Creek, which separates the Forest Ranch and Cohasset ridges.

The topography in these drainages varies significantly from the deep and steep, heavily timbered drainages of the Feather River watershed to the moderately steep, wide, and generally brush-filled Butte Creek and Chico Creek drainages. These drainages are oriented toward south and west aspects, leading to prolonged sun exposure and diminished fuel moisture in the wildland fuels, further influencing fire behavior in the region (direct communication, CAL FIRE, 2024)

CLIMATE
Butte County experiences a climatic gradient driven by elevation, with distinct weather characteristics at different altitudes. This is represented by data from remote automated weather stations (RAWS) near a selection of communities that collectively represent the three general elevation zones of the County.

Monthly temperature and precipitation trends from Humbug Summit, Jarbo Gap, and Openshaw RAWS are shown in Figures 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9.

The Openshaw RAWS, located between Oroville and Chico off Highway 149 at an elevation of approximately 250 feet, is representative of the climate in the lower elevations of the county. This area experiences a Mediterranean lowland climate with an annual mean temperature of 64.3°F. Summers are hot, averaging 83.1°F in July, with daily highs often exceeding 100°F, while winters are mild, with January averages around 49°F. Precipitation is moderate, with an annual total mean of 30.7 inches, primarily occurring from January to March, and nearly no rainfall during the summer. This climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, which is typical of the lower-elevation foothill regions of Butte County (Western Regional Climate Center 2025).

At around 2,500 feet, the Jarbo Gap RAWS near Yankee Hill captures the transitional climate between foothill and mid-elevation areas. This station records an annual mean temperature of 59.2°F. Summers are warm but less intense than at lower elevations, with July temperatures averaging 78.9°F, while winters are cooler, averaging 45.1°F in January, with occasional frost. Jarbo Gap receives significantly 209
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higher precipitation, with an annual total mean of 53.4 inches, with wetter periods occurring from November through March (Western Regional Climate Center 2025).

At the highest elevations, the Humbug Summit RAWS, located near the peaks surrounding Butte Meadows at around 6,700 feet, represents the high-elevation montane climate. This area has an annual mean temperature of 44.2°F, with mostly temperate summers averaging 65.1°F in July and cold winters averaging 30.3°F in January. Precipitation at this station is the lowest of the three stations considered, with an annual total mean of 22.5 inches, much of which is snowfall during the winter months (Western Regional Climate Center 2025).

Table 3.3. Mean Annual Temperature and Precipitation from RAWS in the Butte County CWPP Planning Area
Openshaw CA RAWS
(2014–2025)
Jarbo Gap CA RAWs
(2003–2025)
Humbug Summit CA RAWS
(2012–2024)
Month Avg. Temp.
(°F)
Avg. Precip.
(inches)
Avg. Temp.
(°F)
Avg. Precip.
(inches)
Avg. Temp.
(°F)
Avg. Precip.
(inches)
January 49.1 4.7 45.1 8.2 30.3 3.2
February 51.3 4.4 46.3 8.5 30.8 1.2
March 54.5 3.6 48.9 9.0 32.0 2.0
April 61.8 3.1 54.1 4.1 37.0 1.2
May 69.3 5.2 62.3 2.4 44.6 1.4
June 78.6 0.1 71.3 0.7 57.5 0.7
July 83.1 0.0 78.9 0.1 65.1 0.5
August 80.6 0.1 77.1 0.1 63.3 0.3
September 75.5 0.5 71.7 0.6 56.4 0.9
October 66.5 1.2 61.3 3.3 46.7 2.4
November 53.5 2.9 49.9 5.6 35.9 3.3
December 48.2 4.9 44.0 10.8 31.2 3.7
Total Annual
Avg.

64.3 30.7 59.2 53.4 44.2 22.5
Source: Western Regional Climate Center (2025)

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Figure 3.7. Monthly average temperature and precipitation trends for Openshaw, California, based on RAWS data from 2014 to 2025.

Source: Western Regional Climate Center (2025)
Figure 3.8. Monthly average temperature and precipitation trends for Jarbo Gap, California, based on RAWS data from 2003 to 2025.

Source: Western Regional Climate Center (2025)
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Figure 3.9. Monthly average temperature and precipitation trends for Humbug Summit, California, based on RAWS data from 2012 to 2024.

Source: Western Regional Climate Center (2025)
Regional Weather Patterns
Butte County's weather patterns are significantly influenced by its diverse topography, which includes a network of ridges and major canyons such as Butte Creek Canyon and the Feather River Canyon. These canyons create microclimates with unique wind patterns that can have a profound impact on fire behavior.

The interaction between the hot air from the central valley and the cool air descending from the Sierra Nevada creates wind patterns that can facilitate rapid fire spread and increasing the difficulty of fire suppression.

These types of patterns are demonstrated across local phenomena such as the "Jarbo Winds," which are a notable example of how the Feather River Canyon can affect local wind patterns. These nightly downcanyon winds typically peak in the early morning hours, often with gusts of over 50 miles per hour.

Additionally, the North Winds and Delta Breeze have a significant impact on the valley areas. These wind patterns influence both temperature and humidity. The North Winds bring air to the valley from the northern mountains, which compresses as it descends to the valley floor, causing heating and drying.

This warming process creates an additional vacuum effect, drawing even more warm, dry air from the north to fill the void. This perpetuating cycle can result in sustained wind speeds of over 20 miles per hour, with gusts exceeding 40 miles per hour. Under different atmospheric conditions, valley heating can draw cool, moist air from the San Francisco Bay and Delta region. While this Delta Breeze air is typically cooler and more humid, it can also produce sustained wind speeds of over 10 miles per hour, which may pose challenges for fire control.

In addition to these wind patterns, both the North Winds and Delta Breeze contribute to the relatively predictable diurnal up- and down-canyon flows. These flows can cause flames that burn uphill during the day to change course and burn downhill at night (St. John et al. 2018; personal communication, CAL FIRE, 2023).

In the higher elevations of Butte County, different microclimates emerge where shaded canyons and north-facing slopes experience a more moderate temperature and increased soil moistures compared to the more exposed south-facing slopes. These areas often have denser vegetation, which can be less Page | 58 Table of Contents 212
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flammable during wetter months but can also contribute to significant fuel loads during dry periods. During drought conditions, this dense vegetation becomes more flammable, posing a considerable fire risk (National Integrated Drought Information System 2024). South- and west-facing slopes, which receive prolonged sun exposure, further reduce fuel moisture levels and increase the likelihood of intense fires (CAL FIRE 2024i).

These local weather patterns are crucial in understanding and predicting fire behavior in Butte County, highlighting the need for detailed monitoring and strategic planning to mitigate fire risks effectively.

FOREST HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Drought and Climate Change
The shifting climate, particularly rising temperatures, changing wind patterns, and increasing temporal and spatial variability of water availability, are considerably escalating wildfire risk across California.

The recurrence of severe fire weather during the autumn months has more than doubled in California since the 1980s, and considering climate change, this prevalence is projected to increase in the future.

As stated by California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, California is expected to experience a 50% increase in fires larger than 25,000 acres, as well as a potential 77% increase in average area burned, by 2100.

The state has already begun to encounter the impacts of increased fire occurrence and severity; the five largest wildfires in California occurred in the last 6 years, including the 2024 Park Fire (429,603 acres), the 2020 August Complex Fire (1,032,648 acres), and the 2021 Dixie Fire (963,309 acres), burning a combined total of nearly 2.5 million acres and destroying over 2,700 structures (CAL FIRE 2024f).

In 2024, a total of 1,505,012 acres were burned by wildfire in California (CAL FIRE 2025a).

In addition to direct damage (e.g., structure and property damage), uncharacteristically large and severe wildfires also cause indirect impacts to the environment and ecosystem services. Wildfires are known to deteriorate local and regional air quality, pollute waterways, displace native species (animal and plant), and increase greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide emissions (California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research [Cal OPR] 2019).

It is important to note that fire is a natural part of California’s diverse landscapes and is essential to many ecosystems across the state. Almost all of California’s diverse ecosystems are fire-dependent or fireadapted (CDFW 2021a). Frequent, uncharacteristically large, high-severity wildfires are the primary source of the catastrophic damage listed above.

Insects and Disease
Insect epidemics are a natural disturbance within plant communities, much like wildfires. Of particular concern are native insects that attack tree species, as they have significant implications for fire management. In addition to native pests, exotic or invasive species pose an increasing threat to forest ecosystems. Invasive species often face few natural enemies in their new locations, leading to rapid population growth and competition with native species.

In California’s forests, insect epidemics have been persistent, particularly in the wake of extreme and prolonged droughts. This tree death is closely linked to drought stress and bark beetle infestations (USFS 2023). The aftermath of these insect outbreaks can create hazardous fire conditions, with the effect on fire behavior varying depending on how long ago the trees were killed and the amount of fuel left behind.

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behavior becomes more likely. The buildup of dead fuels also increases the difficulty of fire suppression efforts, while snags—dead, standing trees—pose significant risks to firefighting crews.

In addition to insect threats, diseases, such as parasitic plants, fungi, and bacteria, also pose challenges to the health and productivity of forests, such as those in the Lassen and Plumas National Forests. Trees killed by disease contribute to increased fire hazards, similar to those impacted by insect infestations, adding to the complexity of fire management in these areas.

Tree Mortality
Rising temperatures, overcrowding, extensive droughts, extreme wildfires, and insect outbreaks have contributed to widespread tree mortality in the region and nearby forests, i.e., Plumas and Lassen National Forests (University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources [UC ANR] 2024). Tree mortality is a natural ecological process; however, if many trees die in a brief time period over large regions, forest health may be negatively affected. The U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS’s) 2023 statewide aerial survey revealed tree mortality over 2.4 million acres out of 38.2 million acres surveyed. Butte County was significantly impacted, with an estimated 130,000 dead trees identified across 34,000 acres during the survey (USFS 2023).

In addition to disrupting ecosystem functions, widespread tree mortality near developed or recreational areas presents hazards as they can fall and potentially endanger the public and infrastructure (National Park Service 2021). Furthermore, the level of risk posed by hazard trees is contingent on the amount of time that has passed since the individual or population has died and the amount of fuel that has fallen to the forest floor. Any increase in tree mortality results in increased fuel loading, which contributes to the potential for high-severity fire and extreme fire behavior in the region (UC ANR 2020).

CAL FIRE’s High Hazard Tree Mortality Zones
On October 30, 2015, Governor Brown issued an emergency declaration directing public agencies to identify areas of tree mortality that pose the greatest risk of wildfire or falling trees, thereby threatening people and property. Once identified, these areas are prioritized for the removal of dead and dying trees to safeguard public safety (CAL FIRE 2021).

Tier One High Hazard Zones are areas where significant tree mortality overlaps critical assets that require protection. Designated by state and local governments, these zones are considered the highest priority for tree removal in accordance with Governor Brown’s 2015 Emergency Declaration. Tier Two High Hazard Zones are defined by watersheds with significant tree mortality and important community and natural resource assets. These zones address the immediate threats of falling trees and fire risk.

Additionally, they support broader forest health and landscape-level fire planning efforts (CAL FIRE 2021; California Natural Resources Agency 2022). Tier One and Two High Hazard Zones for tree mortality in Butte County are displayed in Figure 3.10 and Figure 3.11, respectively. 214
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Figure 3.10 Tier One High Hazard Zones for tree mortality in the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Figure 3.11. Tier Two High Hazard Zones for tree mortality in the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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FIRE HISTORY
Fire is a natural part of California’s diverse landscape and ecological history and is essential to many ecosystems across the state. Almost all of California’s diverse ecosystems are fire-dependent or fireadapted. For centuries, many California Native American tribes recognized this interdependence between fire and the ecosystem and employed traditional and/or cultural burning practices to maintain and restore ecosystem health.

However, shifts in fire management actions that have been implemented since the late 1800s, such as enforcing strict fire suppressions regimes, have resulted in challenges such as dense stand conditions, unhealthy rangelands, and increased ecosystem and community vulnerability to fire. Evidence suggests that the fire regimes in Butte County and throughout the western United States have experienced shifts due to changes in land use, land development, invasive and nonnative plant establishment, and wildland fire suppression. This is supported by ample evidence that shows vegetation communities and fire regimes have experienced significant departures from historic conditions due to anthropomorphic interference (Syphard et al. 2007). This trend, coupled with increased likelihood of above-average atmospheric temperatures and prolonged drought periods perpetuated by climate change, increase the risk of wildfire for those in Butte County.

FIRE BEHAVIOR PATTERNS
Butte County has experienced a pattern of large and severe wildfires in recent years (Figures 3.12–3.13), which are largely influenced by seasonal weather conditions. The vast majority of major fires occurring in the region were heavily influenced by extreme weather, including wind, high temperature, and low humidity or a combination thereof (direct communication, CAL FIRE, 2025).

Wind speed and direction are critical factors that are influencing the occurrence and intensity of large wildfires, particularly in the foothill regions with strong prevailing winds. During the summer, high to very high temperatures, low humidity, and light to moderate southern winds prevail across the county and are often associated with dry high-pressure weather systems. Butte County also encounters strong north wind events that can lead to sustained high winds, frequently resulting in red flag warnings. The National Weather Service defines red flag warnings as a combination of conditions—warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds—that significantly increase fire danger (National Weather Service 2024). This combination of environmental conditions creates an elevated risk for rapid fire spread across the landscape.

Although Butte County's seasonal weather patterns align closely with those observed across the region, local factors like erratic diurnal winds, often occurring in areas of extreme grade and topography, like those found in the Feather River Canyon, contribute to location specific fire behavior at various locations throughout the county. The combination of unique topography and extreme winds in certain portions of Butte County makes predicting fire behavior unit-wide particularly challenging. Unique combinations of weather and topography continue to shape the fire history and potential across the region (CAL FIRE 2024i).
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RECENT FIRE OCCURRENCE
This section was developed using fire history data from CAL FIRE’s FRAP (CAL FIRE 2022a).

Although the fire history data from CAL FIRE is the most comprehensive digital record of fire perimeters in California, there are limitations. CAL FIRE states that the earlier data (i.e., prior to 1950) is subject to significant uncertainty due to poor and inconsistent record keeping. In addition, data for some fires may be missing or have incorrect information. This is due to the loss or damage of historical records as well as inadequate documentation (CAL FIRE 2022a). Given the limitations of the data, fire history analysis may contain discrepancies.

Butte County has a history of large, destructive wildfires, with over 850,000 acres burned since 2000.

Notable historic fires include the Campbell Fire in 1990 (131,504 acres across Butte and Tehama Counties, with 6,028 acres within Butte County), the Poe Fire in 2001 (8,333 acres and 133 structures), and the 2008 Humboldt Fire (23,344 acres and 254 structures) (CAL FIRE 2025b).

More recently, the 2018 Camp Fire burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,804 structures, and resulted in 85 fatalities, making it the deadliest and of the most destructive fire in California's history and leading to the largest hazardous materials cleanup in state history (CAL FIRE 2018b).

The 2020 North Complex Fire burned a total of 318,797 acres of land, with approximately 152,151 of those acres being within Butte County, destroying 2,352 structures, and claiming 16 lives (CAL FIRE 2024i). In 2021, the Dixie Fire burned 963,309 acres across Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Lassen, and Tehama Counties and destroyed 1,329 structures, making the Dixie Fire the largest single fire in California's history (CAL FIRE 2024i).

In July 2024, the arson-caused Park Fire scorched 429,603 acres of Butte and Tehama Counties, destroying 709 structures, and damaging another 54 (CAL FIRE 2024e). The Park Fire is the fourth largest wildfire in the state's history, as well as the largest arson-caused wildfire ever recorded in the state (CAL FIRE 2024i, 2025a).

From 1910 to 2024, the total number of acres burned by fire incidents within Butte County has increased significantly. This rise in burned acreage is likely linked to population growth, which heightens the risk of human-caused ignitions, and alterations in the historic fire regime.

The decade from 2010 to 2019 saw the highest number of impacted acres, with approximately 377,219 acres affected by fire. Between 2020 and 2024, around 324,326 acres were impacted, with the Park Fire alone burning approximately 52,912 acres in Butte County (429,603 acres in total) (CAL FIRE 2024d). Since 2014, there have been about 1,537 fire incidents in Butte County, with the majority having unknown ignition sources.

The period from 2020 to 2024 recorded the highest number of fire incidents, totaling 1,284. Larger fires have predominantly occurred in forested mountain regions, while smaller fires are more common in the foothills and valleys near metropolitan areas.

Since the 1990s, there has been a notable increase in both the frequency and severity of larger fires.

Most fires have occurred between June and September, with June and July having the highest number of incidents.

See Table 3.4 for a list of significant fires that started in or spread into Butte County. Note that Table 3.4 shows the statistics only for significant fires and not for all fires that have occurred since 1999. 218
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Figure 3.12 illustrates the recent wildfire history from 2000 to 2024, while Figure 3.13 depicts the historic wildfire extent spanning from 1900 to 1999.

Table 3.4. Significant Fires that Started in or Spread into Butte County Since 1999 Year Total
Acreage
Acreage in CWPP
Planning Area Fire Name Structures Destroyed Fatalities 2024 429,603 104,403 Park 709 0
2024 3,789 3,789 Thompson 26 0
2024 1,056 1,056 Junes 1 0
2021 963,309 24,619 Dixie 1,311 1
2020 318,935 152,151 North Complex 2,352 16
2020 2,467 2,321 Butte Lightning Complex 0 0
2018 153,336 153,336 Camp Fire 18,804 85
2017 8,500 8,500 Cherokee 6 0
2017 6,151 3,920 LaPorte (Wind Complex) 74 0
2017 6,033 6,033 Wall Fire 91 0
2017 4,016 4,016 Ponderosa 55 0
2013 6,896 6,132 Panther 0 0
2013 2,264 2,264 Swedes 7 0
2008 23,344 23,344 Humboldt 254 0
2008 59,440 6,132 Butte Lightning Complex 117 0
2001 8,333 8,333 Poe 133 0
2000 1,835 1,835 Concow 16 1
1999 16,757 16,757 Musty 0 0
1999 10,857 10,857 Doe Mill 0 0
1999 2,610 2,610 Bloomer 0 0
Total 2,029,531 542,408 23,956 103
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Figure 3.12. Wildfire history (2000–2024) in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 220
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Figure 3.13. Wildfire history (1900–1999) in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 221
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IGNITION ANALYSIS
Based on an analysis of all fires within the CAL FIRE Butte Unit (Figures 3.14–3.17), the most frequent single ignition cause over the past decade is debris burning, which accounts for 14.79% of all incidents.

Arson followed as the second leading identifiable cause, responsible for 11.09% of ignitions. Fires are often concentrated along roadways and in densely populated areas. Identifying the exact cause of each fire remains a complex task. In many cases, the cause can only be narrowed down to a few possibilities, leading to an “undetermined” classification, which occurred for 11.75% of incidents. Other notable causes include equipment use (8.37%), lightning (3.37%), electrical power (3.28%), and vehicles (3.11%) (direct communication, CAL FIRE, 2025).

Figure 3.14. Butte Unit fires by type, 2015–2024.
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Figure 3.15. Butte Unit fire cause by class, 2015–2024.

Figure 3.16. Butte Unit fire cause by class, 2015–2024, by responsibility area. 223
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Figure 3.17. Fire incidents from 2014 to 2024 across the Butte County CWPP planning area. 224
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CHAPTER 4 –

FIRE DEPARTMENT

CAPABILITIES AND PRE-FIRE

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

MUTUAL AND AUTOMATIC AID

AGREEMENTS
Butte County's fire agencies have a long history of cooperative fire protection. These agencies operate under boundary-drop aid agreements, sharing resources freely while maintaining their individual identities. This cooperation enhances service levels, minimizes expenses, and allows for seamless and cost-efficient service. These agreements improve operational efficiencies and safety despite budget constraints posed by the area's high poverty rate.

The foundation for the current countywide boundary-drop style aid agreements was laid in 1931 with the origination of a cooperative fire protection agreement between the Butte County and the California Division of Forestry, now known as CAL FIRE.

The aid agreements that are currently in place encompass all fire agencies within Butte County and allow for virtually seamless dispatching of the closest resources countywide, regardless of jurisdiction, including local, state, and federal lands.

In addition to the local aid agreements noted above, the fire agencies in Butte County participate in similar agreements with agencies in neighboring counties. These agencies are listed in Table 4.1.

All fire agencies in Butte County are also active participants in statewide resource-sharing agreements, including the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement (MMAA), the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA), and/or the California Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Response Agreement (CFMA) (CAL FIRE 2024i). 225
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Table 4.1. CAL FIRE Butte Unit Mutual/Automatic Aid Agreement Participants Within Butte County
• CAL FIRE Butte Unit • Mooretown Rancheria Fire Department • Butte County Fire Department • USFS Lassen National Forest • City of Chico Fire Department • USFS Plumas National Forest • City of Biggs Fire Department • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • City of Gridley Fire Department • U.S. Bureau of Land Management • City of Oroville Fire Department • Bureau of Indian Affairs • Town of Paradise Fire Department • National Park Service Adjacent to Butte County
• Foothill Volunteer Fire Department • Marysville Fire Department • Hallwood Community Services District • Sutter County Fire Department • Hamilton City Fire Department • Tehama County Fire Department • Loma Rica/Browns Valley Community Services
District

DISPATCH AGREEMENTS
The CAL FIRE Butte Unit’s Emergency Command Center holds agreements to provide dispatch, communication, command and control, and "pre-arrival" emergency medical dispatch services to the Butte County Fire Department, Biggs Fire Department, Gridley Fire Department, Oroville Fire Department, and the Town of Paradise Fire Department (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Even though the Chico Fire Department maintains separate dispatching facilities and frequencies, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Emergency Command Center and Chico Fire seamlessly dispatch the closest resources from any local jurisdiction to their own jurisdiction’s incident through a decades-old resourcesharing agreement known as the Chico Urban Area Fire Response Agreement (CUAFRA).

In recent years, the ECC has obtained the capability to coordinate dispatching software with Chico Fire as well as the Butte Medics. This advancement allows for the direct and virtually instant transfer of emergency dispatch and resource availability information from one agency's dispatching software to the other, a capability commonly referred to as “CAD to CAD” dispatching.

This resource-sharing concept ensures that the closest available resource is immediately dispatched to an emergency, regardless of jurisdiction without delay.

FIRE DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW, CAPABILITIES,

PLANS AND PRIORITIES
Individual fire department capabilities and priorities are detailed in the sections below. Fire response areas and fire stations within the planning area are shown in Figures 4.1 and 4.2. These figures highlight the geographical distribution of resources and the coverage provided by various fire departments, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in protecting the region. 226
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Figure 4.1. Fire response areas within the Butte County CWPP planning area. 227
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Figure 4.2. Fire stations within the Butte County CWPP planning area. 228
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BUTTE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Department Overview
The Butte County Fire Department directly serves the unincorporated area of Butte County, totaling over 90% of the county's 1,677 square miles, in addition to all incorporated areas of the county via various aid agreements.

Butte County Fire Department staffs 10 fire stations each day with a career-staffed Type 1 fire engine as well as 16 volunteer fire stations with a variety of apparatus that are staffed by volunteers on an as needed basis, including Type 1, Type 3, and Type 6 fire engines, water tenders, and other specialty vehicles. Select career-staffed fire stations also house specialized apparatus such as Type 3 fire engines, a Type 2 technical rescue vehicle, water rescue equipment, a hazardous materials response vehicle, and a medical support unit that is equipped for Multiple-Casualty Incidents (MCIs) that are cross staffed as necessary.

Daily staffing is either two or three career personnel on each Type 1 fire engine, consisting of one Firefighter and either one or two Company Officers (Fire Captain and/or a Fire Apparatus Engineer).

Staffing adjusts dynamically based on operational needs and seasonal demands such as weather conditions. Response of Butte County Fire Department's water tenders, squads, and breathing support units are almost exclusively the responsibility of the department's volunteer firefighters.

Butte County Fire Department is dispatched under agreement with the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Emergency Command Center.

Butte County Fire Department has been operated and administered as part of a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE since 1931, with close coordination of emergency response capabilities that have integrated the station and battalion organization between the two departments into a seamless response and administration plan.

As a countywide fire department, the fire history, weather, WUI situation, fuels, and topography are consistent with the overall conditions outlined in the Fire Environment chapter of this document and, due to the geographical and operational overlap between Butte County Fire and the CAL FIRE Butte Unit, are discussed in more detail in the CAL FIRE battalion and program breakout sections below. Therefore, the fire history, weather, WUI situation, fuels, and topography sections have been omitted from this section that details Butte County Fire Department.

Butte County Fire Department's resources are shown in Table 4.2 below. 229
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Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Butte County Resource Conservation
District
• Butte County Collaborative Group
• CAL FIRE
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California Department of Water Resources
• California State Parks
• City of Biggs
• City of Gridley
• City of Chico
• City of Oroville
• Town of Paradise
• Berry Creek Rancheria
• Konkow Valley Band of Maidu Indians
• Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico
Rancheria
• Mooretown Rancheria
Department Priorities
 In the 90+ years since Butte County Fire and CAL FIRE entered into a cooperative agreement, alignment of the two departments’ goals has yielded significant operational and administrative efficiencies. One of these benefits is the integration of Butte County Fire Department into the CAL FIRE Battalion and Program structure.
 For this reason, and to avoid redundancy in this document, Butte County Fire Department’s priorities are included in, and fully aligned with, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit’s Battalion and Program Priorities listed in the battalion section in this chapter.

Table 4.2. Butte County Fire Department Resources
Resource Career Volunteer
Personnel 114 152
Stations 10* 16
Type 1 Engine (Front Line) 10 3
Type 1 Engine (Reserve) 4 0
Type 3 Engine (Career are Cross Staffed) 2 6
Type 6 Engine 0 9
Tactical Water Tender 0 13
Squad 0 4
Breathing Support 0 2
Type 2 Medium Rescue (Cross Staffed) 1 0
Rescue Utility Terrain Vehicle 2 0
HazMat Support (Cross Staffed) 1 0
Medical Support (MCI) (Cross Staffed) 1 0
Water Rescue Trailer with Personal Watercraft 1 0
* Three stations listed here are jointly staffed by Butte County Fire Department and other fire agencies and are included in both departments' inventories. Those stations are Station 63 in Oroville, which is jointly staffed with CAL FIRE and serves as both departments' headquarters; Station 73, which is jointly staffed with Biggs Fire Department; and Station 74, which is jointly staffed with Gridley Fire Department.
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CITY OF BIGGS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Department Overview
The City of Biggs Fire Department serves the incorporated area of Biggs, an area of about 1 square mile with a population of about 1,900 residents, as well as nearby jurisdictions via various aid agreements.

The Biggs fire engine and station are staffed and funded jointly with Butte County Fire Department and are administered as part of Battalion Seven under a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE.

Under this arrangement, staffing is maintained for one fire engine 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Normal staffing is one Company Officer (Fire Captain or Fire Apparatus Engineer) and one Firefighter.

Biggs Fire Department is dispatched under agreement with the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Emergency Command Center.

Biggs Fire Department's resources are shown in Table 4.3.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Department
• CAL FIRE
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California Department of Water Resources
• City of Gridley
Fire History
Several vegetation fires have threatened and destroyed structures in Biggs over the years. However, these fires have been contained before they became major wildland fire incidents.

Weather
The City of Biggs shares weather patterns with the surrounding valley areas, featuring numerous summer days with temperatures over 100°F. North winds are a significant concern as they can drive rapid fire growth and spread. These conditions necessitate vigilant fire management practices to mitigate the heightened fire risk during peak summer months.

WUI Situation
While Biggs is not within the WUI areas designated in this CWPP, there are still connective fuels in the agricultural lands and open areas that can pose a risk to residential structures, infrastructure, and other values. These fuels require careful management to mitigate potential fire hazards and protect the community.

Fuels
The area around Biggs is characterized by grasslands and agricultural lands. Specific concerns include vegetation management around City-owned and operated overhead power lines, drainage canals, and wastewater retention ponds. Proper management of these fuels is crucial to reduce fire hazards and protect critical infrastructure.
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Topography
Biggs is predominantly flat, with an average elevation of 95 feet above sea level. The flat terrain simplifies some aspects of fire management but also allows for the rapid spread of fires in grassy areas. Effective firebreaks and other preventive measures are essential to control potential fire spread.

Department Priorities
 Fuel management in and around City-owned/operated overhead power lines  Fuel management in and around drainage canals
 Fuel management at wastewater retention ponds
 Public education
 Maintenance and testing of fire hydrants
 School fire prevention programs and outreach
Table 4.3. Biggs Fire Department Resources
Biggs Fire Department Resources
Resource Quantity
Personnel 1.5
Station 1*
Type 1 Engine (Front Line) 1*
*The Biggs fire station and fire engine are staffed and funded jointly with Butte County Fire Department; therefore, these resources are also accounted for in Butte County Fire Department’s resource inventory City of Biggs Fire Department Station and Apparatus.
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CITY OF CHICO FIRE DEPARTMENT
Department Overview
The City of Chico Fire Department serves the incorporated area of Chico, an area of about 35 square miles with a population of about 110,000 residents, as well as nearby jurisdictions via various aid agreements.

Chico Fire Department staffs four of their five fire stations, with the airport station currently unstaffed due to the current lack of commercial passenger service at Chico Regional Airport.

Daily staffing is five apparatus, consisting of four engines and one ladder truck.

Each fire engine is staffed with three personnel: one Captain, one Fire Apparatus Engineer, and one Firefighter. The truck is staffed with four personnel: one Captain, one Fire Apparatus Engineer, and two Firefighters.

Chico Fire Department maintains their own dispatch center, but resources are also directly dispatched to calls outside the incorporated area by the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Emergency Command Center under an aid agreement.

Chico Fire Department's resources are shown in Table 4.4.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Department
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Butte County Resource Conservation District
• CAL FIRE
Fire History
Significant wildfires impacting Chico in the past 30 years include the 1999 Musty Fire (18,000 acres, resulting in smoke and ecological damage), the 1999 Doe Mill Fire (11,000 acres, leading to evacuations and smoke issues), the 2008 Humboldt Fire (23,344 acres, destroying 254 structures just outside the Town of Paradise and causing evacuations and injuries), the 2018 Stoney Fire (950 acres, leading to evacuations and road closures), and the catastrophic 2018 Camp Fire (153,336 acres, with 203 acres burning within Chico city limits and 18,000 structures destroyed, none of which were within city limits).

Most recently, the 2024 Park Fire burned 429,603 acres, destroyed 709 structures, and damaged 54 more. Originating in Chico’s Bidwell Park, the Park Fire caused widespread ecological damage within the city.

Weather
Chico experiences high summer temperatures, often exceeding 100°F for multiple consecutive days, coupled with low humidity and light to moderate southerly winds. North wind events can lead to red flag conditions, significantly increasing the potential for extreme fire behavior. These weather patterns necessitate proactive fire management and preparedness measures throughout the fire season. 233
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WUI Situation
The city of Chico, located in the northwest corner of Butte County, faces significant challenges related to its WUI. Critical infrastructure includes the Union Pacific Railroad main line, multiple large-diameter underground petroleum pipelines with bulk aboveground petroleum storage, state highways, high-voltage power lines, and Bidwell Park, which spans 3,670 acres and divides the city from east to west.

The eastern section of Bidwell Park, known as Upper Park, poses a notable potential for WUI conflicts.

As home development has surged, large areas of Chico have transformed into WUI environments where wildland abruptly meets high-density housing, particularly evident in the eastern part of the city where most new residential construction is occurring.

There are multiple greenways that traverse the city. Four in particular—Big Chico Creek (Bidwell Park), Little Chico Creek, Lindo Channel, and Edgar Slough (Comanche Creek)—have a large number of residential and commercial parcels that abut the vegetation in these greenways, creating an additional significant WUI threat.

Fuels
The landscape around Chico includes grasslands, brush, deciduous trees, and some coniferous species.

The flat terrain surrounding the city, particularly in the eastern areas extending toward the foothills, consists mainly of light to medium fuels, including annual grasses, oak woodlands, and chaparral brush.

These fuel types can facilitate rapid fire spread, especially under windy conditions.

There are multiple greenways that bisect the city, including Lindo Channel, Big Chico Creek, Little Chico Creek, and Edgar Slough (Comanche Creek). These greenways support a variety of fuels ranging from grasslands to hardwood forests to riparian habitats. The western portion of the city is surrounded by agricultural land, primarily nut orchards, which pose minimal threat of a large-scale wildland fire.

Topography
The Chico area is primarily flat, with the foothills rising at an approximate slope of 15% and generally oriented toward the west. The city is traversed by Little Chico Creek and Big Chico Creek, which contribute to its drainage system. The major flood control drainage for the city is Lindo Channel.

Additionally, other watercourses, including Mud Creek, Sycamore Creek, Comanche Creek, Dead Horse Slough, and Butte Creek, flow through the area, influencing the local topography and hydrology.

Department Priorities
 Explore and complete projects outlined in the City of Chico’s Vegetation Fuels Management Plan and CWPP, which support several broad goals and actionable actions.  Minimize fire risk while protecting ecological values.  Restore and maintain appropriate fire return intervals in Chico’s parklands, including the use of prescribed fire when indicated.
 Fund public education to conduct targeted outreach and education in high-priority areas and residents.
 Expand awareness of wildfire issues related to land use planning and building (Fire Code).  Develop and implement evacuation planning.
 Provide education and resources to expand the use of prescribed fire on private lands. 234
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 Strengthen building standards for existing and new structures and attachments.  Explore the feasibility of building a bridge or low-water crossing over Big Chico Creek at the end of the park road.
 Enhance access to water supplies in high-risk areas.
 Develop pre-fire operational plans for Upper and Middle Bidwell Park, including prescribed burns, enhancing, maintaining, or creating fire breaks, and tactical wildfire management plans.  Conduct community outreach and education at community events.

Table 4.4. City of Chico Fire Department Resources
City of Chico Fire Department Equipment
Resource Quantity
Personnel (Career) 59
Personnel (Volunteer) 7
Stations 5
Type 1 Engines (Front Line) 4
Type 1 Engines (Reserve) 2
Aerial (110-foot) Ladder Truck (Front Line) 1
Aerial (105-foot) Ladder Truck (Reserve) (Quint) 1
Type 3 Engine (Department Owned – Cross Staffed) 1
Type 3 Engine (Cal OES Owned – Cross Staffed) 1
Squad 1
Type 2 Medium Rescue (Cross Staffed) 1
Rescue Support Trailer (Cross Staffed) 1
HazMat (Cross Staffed) 1
Air/Light Truck (Cross Staffed) 1
Crash Rescue Apparatus (Cross Staffed) 2
Foam Trailer 1
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CITY OF GRIDLEY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Department Overview
The City of Gridley Fire Department serves the incorporated area of Gridley, an area of about 2 square miles with a population of about 7,000 residents, as well as nearby jurisdictions via various aid agreements.

The Gridley fire station is staffed and funded jointly with Butte County Fire Department and is administered as part of Battalion Seven under a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE.

Under this arrangement, the City of Gridley staffs one ladder truck and cross staffs a Type 3 fire engine and a water rescue support vehicle, while Butte County Fire Department staffs a Type 1 fire engine, with all apparatus responding from the shared fire station in Gridley.

Normal staffing is two Company Officers (Fire Captain or Fire Apparatus Engineer) on the ladder truck and one Company Officer (Fire Captain or Fire Apparatus Engineer) and one Firefighter on the Type 1 fire engine.

Gridley Fire Department is dispatched under agreement with the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Emergency Command Center.

Gridley Fire Department's resources are shown in Table 4.5.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Department
• CAL FIRE
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California Department of Water Resources
• City of Biggs
• City of Marysville
• County of Sutter
Fire History
Historically, Gridley has experienced a number of vegetation fires in and around the city limits. While none have become major incidents, many have threatened structures and the Union Pacific Railroad, especially the recent fires that have occurred between the north city limits and the Gridley-Biggs Cemetery.

Weather
Gridley shares weather patterns with the surrounding valley areas, featuring numerous summer days with highs over 100°F. North winds are the predominant concern for rapid fire growth, necessitating heightened vigilance during these conditions. These weather patterns require effective fire management strategies to mitigate fire risks.

WUI Situation
While Gridley is not within the WUI areas designated in this CWPP, there are still connective fuels in the agricultural lands, open spaces, and ornamental vegetation that can pose a risk to residential structures, 236
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infrastructure, and other values. These fuels require careful management to mitigate potential fire hazards and protect the community.

Fuels
The area around Gridley is characterized by grasslands and agricultural lands. Specific concerns include vegetation management around City-owned and operated overhead power lines, drainage canals, and wastewater retention ponds. Proper fuel management is essential to reduce fire hazards and protect critical infrastructure.

Topography
Gridley is predominantly flat, with an average elevation of 95 feet above sea level. The flat terrain simplifies some aspects of fire management but also allows for the rapid spread of fires in grassy areas.

Effective firebreaks and other preventive measures are essential to control potential fire spread.

Department Priorities
 Fuel management in and around City-owned/operated overhead power lines  Fuel management in and around drainage canals
 Fuel management at wastewater retention ponds
 Municipal weed abatement
 Public education
 Spanish language fire prevention programs
 Maintenance and testing of fire hydrants
 Enforcement of Fire Code regulations in the City of Gridley  School fire prevention education presentations
 Red Suspenders Day community outreach event
Table 4.5. Gridley Fire Department Resources
Gridley Fire Department Resources
Resource Quantity
Personnel 5
Station 1*
Aerial (110-foot) Ladder Truck (Quint) 1
Type 1 Engine (Reserve) 1
Type 3 Engine (Cross Staffed) 1
Water Rescue Support Vehicle with Boat (Cross Staffed) 1 *The Gridley fire station is a shared facility with Butte County Fire Department; therefore, it is also accounted for in Butte County Fire Department’s resource inventory.
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CITY OF OROVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Department Overview
The City of Oroville Fire Department serves the incorporated area of Oroville, an area of about 14 square miles with a population of about 18,000 residents, as well as nearby jurisdictions via various aid agreements.

Oroville Fire Department is operated and administered as part of Battalion Nine under a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE.

Oroville Fire Department staffs one fire station with two apparatus per day: one ladder truck and one Type 1 fire engine. A Type 3 engine and Type 6 engine are cross staffed as necessary.

Daily staffing is three personnel on the Type 1 fire engine, consisting of two Company Officers (typically a Fire Captain and a Fire Apparatus Engineer) and one Firefighter, while the ladder truck is staffed by two Company Officers (typically a Fire Captain and a Fire Apparatus Engineer). Staffing adjusts dynamically based on operational needs and seasonal demands such as weather conditions.

Oroville Fire Department is dispatched under agreement with the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Emergency Command Center.

Oroville Fire Department's resources are shown in Table 4.6 (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Collaborators
• Berry Creek Rancheria
• Butte County Fire Department
• CAL FIRE
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• California Department of Water Resources
• Mooretown Rancheria
Fire History
The City of Oroville has a significant history of wildfires that have posed substantial threats to its infrastructure and residents.

While Oroville’s fire history dates back many decades, there have been numerous fires in recent years that have threatened the city. In 2019, the Grand Fire ignited near Grand Avenue and Highway 70, leading to evacuation orders for areas south of Grand Avenue to Oro-Dam Boulevard and east of Highway 70 to Table Mountain Boulevard. The 2018 Camp Fire and the 2020 North Complex Fire also posed imminent threats to the city's boundaries, underscoring the persistent wildfire risks in the region. "Stumps Field," an unincorporated 150-acre undeveloped area surrounded by structures, experiences fires almost every summer, sometimes multiple times per year, directly threatening adjacent properties in the incorporated area of Oroville.

In the northern and eastern parts of Oroville, areas adjacent to or just within the city limits have a history of fires endangering or damaging structures. Two examples are the 2024 Bar and 2024 Thompson Fires, which burned a combined 3,789 acres and destroyed 26 structures. While these two fires did not burn within Oroville City, they did burn within a few hundred feet of the city limits and presented an immediate threat to numerous structures in the incorporated area. 238
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In the southern portions of the city, the Highway 70 Industrial Park encompasses three U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated Superfund Sites: the former Louisiana Pacific Sawmill, the former Koppers Inc. wood processing facility, and the Western Pacific Railyard. These sites are prone to decades-old, deep-seated underground fires that surface multiple times each summer, threatening surrounding vegetation, industrial infrastructure, and nearby commercial and residential structures.

These fires can be difficult to extinguish due to known contamination of the area, as well as the inherent difficulty in achieving full extinguishment of these deep-seated fires.

Weather
Oroville experiences a Mediterranean climate typical of Butte County, with high summer temperatures and low humidity. It is not uncommon to experience multiple consecutive days of temperatures over 100°F with humidities dropping under 15% during the summer months. These weather conditions can significantly influence fire behavior, especially during extended dry periods. The city's weather patterns necessitate proactive fire management and preparedness measures.

WUI Situation
Oroville presents a diverse WUI landscape, with large industrial parks transitioning to residential zones and extensive wildland areas in the eastern foothills. Key infrastructure includes the entire county administration complex (including the county courthouse, jail, and all county department’s main offices), the Feather River, Union Pacific Railroad, highways, and telecommunications stations. The City's comprehensive weed abatement program helps minimize fire incidents. Challenges include limited defensible space, narrow access routes, and vulnerable construction materials. Collaborative efforts with Butte County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and local fire departments enhance preparedness. Public education and enforcement of fire safety regulations are critical components of the City's strategy.

Fuels
The fuel types in Oroville vary significantly across the area. The flat regions are primarily covered with annual grasses, which transition to oak woodlands, manzanita, and diverse pine species as one approaches the eastern city limits. These varied fuel types can influence fire behavior and complicate firefighting efforts.

Topography
Oroville is predominantly flat, but as one moves eastward into the adjoining jurisdictions, the topography begins to slope more significantly, particularly around the Feather River drainage. This transition in slope affects the types of vegetation and fuel loads present in the area, influencing fire dynamics and control strategies.

Department Priorities
 Conduct defensible space compliance inspections in risk areas and heavily populated areas in accordance with PRC 4291 and Oroville City Ordinance 13.08.  Cooperatively assist the activities of local Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs), Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREX), and similar organizations.
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 Fire prevention education and community outreach: school and community events, burn permit issuance, emphasizing Hardening Your Home, Ready, Set, Go!, defensible space requirements and recommendations, and the “One Less Spark” campaign, the “Help Us Find You” visible address sign campaign, ingress/egress routes, and access to water supplies.  Maintain Fire Danger warning sign to public.
 Increase collaboration with the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Increase community awareness of WUI areas in collaboration with the Butte County Fire Safe Council.
 Evaluate and seek opportunities to improve existing evacuation planning efforts.  Increase effectiveness and efficiency of weed abatement program via investment in automation and technology.
 Continue working with CAL FIRE crews to assist with vegetation removal of selected areas within City Limits.
 Work with insurance companies to develop a home inspection program with hopes to increase the number of homes insurance companies are willing to insure within the city.  Increase staffing on fire apparatus, and explore the feasibility of acquiring/building and staffing an additional fire station to meet the needs of the city and effectively mitigate wildland emergencies.  Improve response by working with Butte County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and other local public safety agencies to update aid agreements, mutual threat zones, and other agreements to provide the most effective response possible to areas with the most potential.  Restore and improve the volunteer program to provide support during wildfire emergencies and increase community involvement.
 Increase capabilities by investing in the training and preparation of fire personnel specific to wildland firefighting, command, and control.
 Increase capabilities by investing in wildland specific apparatus, in particular Type 3 and Type 6 fire engines.

Table 4.6. Oroville Fire Department Resources
Oroville Fire Department Resources
Resource Quantity
Personnel 21
Station 1
Aerial (105-foot) Ladder Truck (Quint) 1
Type 1 Engine (Front Line) 1
Type 1 Engine (Reserve) 2
Type 3 Engine (Cross Staffed) 1
Type 6 Engine (Cross Staffed) 1
Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Vehicle 1
Rescue Boat 1
Rescue Support 1
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TOWN OF PARADISE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Department Overview
The Town of Paradise Fire Department serves the incorporated area of Paradise, an area of about 18 square miles with a population of over 10,000 residents, as well as nearby jurisdictions via various aid agreements.

The Town of Paradise Fire Department is operated and administered as part of Battalion Eight under a cooperative agreement with CAL FIRE.

The Town of Paradise Fire Department staffs two fire stations with one Type 1 fire engine per station per day. A Type 3 fire engine is cross staffed at each station as necessary. Daily staffing is three personnel on each Type 1 fire engine, consisting of two Company Officers (typically a Fire Captain and a Fire Apparatus Engineer) and one Firefighter.

The Town of Paradise Fire Department is dispatched under agreement with the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Emergency Command Center.

With the recent fire history in and around the Town of Paradise, the Town is actively implementing a wide range of recovery and resilience efforts that are outlined on Page H-13 of Appendix H.

The Town of Paradise Fire Department's resources are shown in Table 4.7.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Department
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Butte County Resource Conservation
District
• CAL FIRE
• Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council
Fire History
Notable incidents include the wind-driven Humboldt Fire in June 2008, which started southwest of town and burned 23,344 acres, including 254 structures in and around the southern area of town. In November 2018, the catastrophic Camp Fire, which started east of town near the community of Pulga, burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,804 buildings, and resulted in 85 fatalities, including 90% of the structures in the Town of Paradise. Fueled by extreme winds, the fire swept through Concow, Magalia, Butte Creek Canyon, and Paradise before ultimately being contained near Highway 99 to the west. The Camp Fire remains the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history.

Weather
The weather patterns in the Town of Paradise align closely with unit-wide averages, featuring high summer temperatures and low humidity. However, wind events, particularly North Wind events and the gusty winds associated with the Feather River’s down-canyon flow, are a major concern for wildfire spread. These winds have played a critical role in driving destructive fires into Paradise, as demonstrated by the 2008 Humboldt Fire and the 2018 Camp Fire. Such conditions necessitate vigilant fire management practices to mitigate the risk of future wildfires. 241
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WUI Situation
The Town of Paradise represents a typical WUI environment where wildland meets residential areas.

The town was significantly affected by the 2018 Camp Fire, leading to a reduced population and ongoing rebuilding efforts. Emergency access remains a concern due to narrow roadways, numerous dead-end roads, and potential high evacuation volumes. The reconstruction of evacuation routes, such as the Skyway, Clark Road, and Pentz Road, aims to improve safety. Collaborative efforts with Butte County Fire Department, fire safe councils, and other agencies enhance preparedness. Public education and enforcement of defensible space regulations are critical components of the Town's strategy.

Fuels
The area features diverse vegetation, including chaparral brush, oak woodlands, and mixed-conifer timber. While the Camp Fire temporarily reduced fuel loading in the Town of Paradise, vegetation regrowth on vacant parcels quickly became problematic. Within months of the fire, much of the burned area was covered with nonnative species, including various types of broom (e.g., scotch and Spanish broom), which are highly flammable. By the following year, these invasive plants had grown over 5 feet tall, completely overtaking many parcels in town. Additionally, the loss of the thick tree canopy, which had shaded the area for centuries, due to direct fire damage and post-fire hazard tree abatement, has allowed ample sunlight to promote the rapid growth of grass and brush. Proper management of these fuels is crucial to reduce fire hazards and protect the community.

Topography
The Town of Paradise is situated on a broad, gently sloping ridge with elevations ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,300 feet. The town is characterized by several steep canyons near the town's borders, which significantly influence fire behavior. There are also numerous lesser canyons and drainages that run through town, generally running in a north-south or northeast-southeast direction.

These features are contiguous with larger drainages south of town and present a significant risk of providing a flow path for fires to burn into and through the town. Effective fire management must account for these topographic challenges.

Department Priorities
 Implement fire prevention education and community outreach programs such as:
o Hardening Your Home, defensible space requirements and recommendations, the “One Less Spark” campaign, and the Ready, Set, Go! program.
o “Help Us Find You” visible address sign campaign, ingress/egress routes, and access to water supplies.
o Burn permit issuance.
 Maintain and improve existing roadside evacuation zone signage and public education programs, reinforcing knowledge of evacuation zones within and surrounding the town.  Evaluate and seek opportunities to improve existing evacuation planning efforts.  Maintain existing fuel reduction projects, and seek to develop new projects that will make the Town of Paradise and surrounding areas more fire resilient.  Implement a variety of fuel reduction methods, including mechanical and manual treatments, grazing, prescribed fire, and other techniques, to reduce hazardous fuels and/or maintain previous hazardous fuel reduction projects.
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 Increase collaboration with the Butte County Fire Safe Council, the Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council, the Paradise Recreation and Park District, Butte County Resource Conservation District, the Prescribed Burn Association, Tribal partners, CAL FIRE, and other entities.  Support the Paradise Recreation and Park District’s Nature-Based Resilience Project.  Coordinate with the Paradise Irrigation District to maintain and enhance storage, distribution, and hydrant systems for fire suppression.
 Seek opportunities to increase the number of affordable property insurance options in and around the Town of Paradise.
 Conduct and maintain shaded fuel break projects along primary community escape routes.  Assist the Town of Paradise Fire Department, Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council, Cal OES, and all other cooperators in rebuilding a safer Paradise.
 Continue testing, maintenance, and enhancement of Early Warning System (EWS) public alert sirens.
 Complete California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the entire town for fuel reduction projects.
 Support South Paradise vegetation management program (VMP).  Continue to enhance the defensible space inspection and enforcement program pursuant to PRC 4291 and Town of Paradise Code of Ordinances Chapter 8.58.

Table 4.7. Town of Paradise Fire Department Resources
The Town of Paradise Fire Department Resources
Resource Quantity
Career Firefighters 18
Volunteer Firefighters 2
Station 2
Type 1 Engine (Front Line) 2
Type 1 Engine (Reserve) 1
Type 3 Engine (Cross Staffed) 2

Paradise Fire at scene of a boat fire at Lime Saddle Marina (left) and Paradise Fire Station and Engine 81 (right)
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CAL FIRE BUTTE UNIT
The CAL FIRE Butte Unit is responsible for wildland fire protection and prevention for all State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) within Butte County as well as a small portion of southeastern Tehama County (Figure 4.3).

The unit’s mission includes wildland fire suppression, fire prevention, vegetation management, public education, and emergency response services. The Unit’s resources are listed in Table 4.8.

To effectively carry out its mission, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit is organized into eight battalions, each responsible for a specific area. These battalions work closely with local partners through "Schedule A" cooperative agreements, which support fire protection efforts across the region. Key agreements include partnerships with the Butte County Fire Department and the fire departments for the City of Biggs, City of Gridley, City of Oroville, and the Town of Paradise.

Through long-standing agreements and cooperative arrangements, CAL FIRE and local agencies have developed an integrated approach to fire and emergency response. These partnerships ensure that whether the emergency occurs in a SRA or Local Responsibility Area (LRA), residents benefit from coordinated and comprehensive service delivery.

During periods of extreme fire danger, fire lookout towers located throughout Butte County may be staffed to enhance early fire detection efforts. Additionally, CAL FIRE uses a network of internet-accessible fire cameras installed in collaboration with the ALERTCalifornia consortium for monitoring.

Table 4.8. CAL FIRE Butte Unit Response Resources
Resource Career
Personnel 250
Stations 11*
Type 3 Engine (Front Line) 16
Type 3 Engine (Reserve) 4
Bulldozers 2
Air Tactical Aircraft 1
Air Tanker 1
Fire Crew (Firefighter 1) 1
Fire Crew (CCC) 4
Fire Crew (Fuel Reduction) 1
Lookout Towers (Staffed as Needed) 5
*Station 55 is owned by Butte County but is staffed and operated by CAL FIRE under agreement. The station is included in the CAL FIRE inventory but is not included in the Butte County Fire Department inventory. Station 63 is jointly staffed by Butte County Fire Department and CAL FIRE and is included in both departments’ inventories. 244
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Figure 4.3. CAL FIRE Butte Unit and battalion boundaries within the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Unit Goals and Objectives
The CAL FIRE Butte Unit will continue to follow the goals outlined in the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, as well as the CAL FIRE Strategic Plan 2024. By working alongside local communities and organizations, these objectives aim to strengthen the protection of lives, property, and natural resources from wildfires while boosting the environment's resilience to fire (CAL FIRE 2024i).

CAL FIRE Butte Unit may focus on any of the plan’s goals depending on available funding and other factors. However, the unit plans to prioritize the following goals and objectives:
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to assess and prioritize assets at risk, and to identify and implement pre-fire projects.
• Carry out defensible space inspections while encouraging greater compliance with related laws and regulations.
• Inform landowners, residents, and business owners about the risks of living in wildland areas, including their responsibilities, relevant regulations, and steps for prevention and preparedness. • Align fire protection, resource management, and fire prevention efforts under a unified mission that serves both the State and the local communities.
• Aim to maintain the highest standard of environmental protection across all programs and operations.

Battalion and Program Plans and Priorities
CAL FIRE operates eight battalions across Butte County, each uniquely tailored to address the specific challenges and needs of its communities (CAL FIRE 2024i). These battalions work collaboratively with local agencies, tribal groups, fire safe councils, and other stakeholders to enhance wildfire preparedness, implement fuels reduction projects, and provide vital fire prevention education (CAL FIRE 2024i).

The following sections outline the priorities, programs, and initiatives undertaken by each battalion to safeguard residents, critical infrastructure, and natural resources in this wildfire-prone region.

It should be noted that, while the battalions are numbered sequentially, there is no Battalion Three, which was eliminated as part of a countywide reorganization in the early 2010s.

CAL FIRE Butte Unit personnel (left) and vehicles (right) during the 2024 Park Fire. 246
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Battalion One – Paradise, Magalia, Stirling City, Yankee Hill, Concow Battalion Overview
Battalion One is located in the central portion of northern Butte County, encompassing numerous small communities, including Magalia, Stirling City, Inskip, Concow, Jarbo Gap, and Yankee Hill, among others.

While the incorporated area within Town of Paradise is not considered to be part of Battalion One, CAL FIRE Station 35 is strategically located inside the Town limits in order to cover the SRA areas surrounding the Town. The incorporated area of the Town of Paradise Fire Department is administered as Battalion Eight and is detailed in the Town of Paradise Fire Department portion of this chapter.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Bureau of Land Management
• Butte County Fire Department
• Butte County Resource Conservation District
• Firewise USA
• Konkow Valley Band of Maidu Indians
• Lassen National Forest
• Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria
• Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
• Paradise Pines Property Owners
Association (PPOA)
• Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council
• Plumas National Forest
• Sierra Pacific Industries
• Town of Paradise Fire Department
• Yankee Hill Fire Safe Council
Fire History
Battalion One has a history of large fires. The 2021 Dixie Fire, originating in the North Fork Feather River drainage, burned 963,309 acres, making it the largest single-source wildfire in state history. The 2018 Camp Fire, driven by intense winds, devastated Yankee Hill, Concow, Paradise, Magalia, and Butte Creek Canyon, burning 153,336 acres, destroying 18,804 structures, and causing 85 fatalities—the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history. Other notable fires include the North Complex Fire (2020) which burned 152,000 acres, destroyed 2,455 structures, and resulted in 16 fatalities, the Humboldt Fire (2008) at 23,344 acres destroying 254 structures, the Butte Lightning Complex (2008) at 59,440 acres, the Poe Fire (2001) at 8,333 acres, and the Concow Fire (2000) at 1,835 acres, which resulted in one civilian fatality and destroyed 16 homes.

Weather
Battalion One experiences hot, dry summers with low humidity and moderate winds, with north wind events often leading to red flag warnings. The area is known for the "Jarbo Winds", which are downcanyon winds in the Feather River drainage that increase in intensity virtually every night, peaking in the early morning hours, often with gusts of 50 or more miles per hour. The Feather River’s steep drainages generate erratic wind patterns, increasing the potential for rapid fire spread. These conditions are typically prevalent in the areas around Yankee Hill and Concow. However, more extreme wind events can drive gusts into Paradise and Magalia, creating a situation conducive to extreme fire behavior. 247
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WUI Situation
Battalion One includes densely populated areas like Paradise Pines as well as numerous scattered intermix zones in the more rural portions of the battalion. The region features critical infrastructure, including hydroelectric facilities and transmission lines. Emergency access is a major concern due to narrow roads and limited routes, especially in densely populated areas. Collaborative efforts with local agencies and fire safe councils enhance preparedness. Public education and enforcement of defensible space regulations are key components. The battalion's strategy focuses on improving evacuation routes and community resilience.

Fuels
The area features diverse vegetation, including grass, chaparral, oak woodlands, and mixed-conifer forests. Post-fire regrowth, including both native and nonnative species, increases the potential for future fires. Proper management of these fuels is crucial to reduce fire hazards and protect the community.

Topography
The terrain is dominated by steep canyons that heavily influence fire behavior. The largest canyons— Butte Creek, West Branch Feather River, and North Fork Feather River—are significant. These topographic features create challenging conditions for fire control, necessitating effective fire management strategies.

Battalion Priorities
 Conduct PRC 4291 and Butte County Code 38A defensible space compliance inspections.  Cooperatively assist activities of Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs).  Maintain Fire Danger warning sign to public.
 Assist with planning and implementing vegetation management projects in and around the Concow area, including the Concow Pyrodiversity project in particular.  Support the Chipper Program sponsored by Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Carry out outreach and education at multiple community events, emphasizing:
o The burn permit process
o Home hardening
o Ready, Set, Go!
o Defensible space requirements
o The “One Less Spark” campaign
o The “Help Us Find You” visible address
sign campaign
o Ingress/egress routes
o Water accessibility
 Conduct fuel reduction projects along primary community escape routes.  Conduct fuel reduction projects in and around Magalia, Paradise Pines, and Yankee Hill.  Assist residents in maintaining visible and reflective address signs. 248
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Battalion Two – Cohasset, Forest Ranch, Butte Meadows, Jonesville Battalion Overview
Battalion Two is located in the northern portion of Butte County and also includes a small portion of southeastern Tehama County that is part of the CAL FIRE Butte Unit. Communities include Cohasset, Forest Ranch, Butte Meadows, and Jonesville.

Collaborators
• Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Buzztail Community Services District
• Butte County Fire Department
• Butte County Resource Conservation
District
• Butte Meadows/Jonesville Community
Association
• California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans)
• Cohasset Community Association
• Cohasset Fire Safe Council
• Crown Point Road Association
• Firewise USA
• Forest Ranch Fire Safe Council
• Lassen National Forest
• Loafer Creek LLC
• Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico
Rancheria
• Sierra Pacific Industries
Fire History
Since 1917, the battalion has experienced numerous large fires, with most of the 1,000+ acre fires occurring west of Highway 32. The 1999 Musty Fire burned 16,757 acres, extending from just north of the City of Chico toward the community of Cohasset, while the 2013 Panther Fire scorched 6,896 acres northwest of Butte Meadows. The 2012 Mill Fire burned 1,641 acres at the far northern end of the battalion, and the 2018 Camp Fire was stopped along the southeastern battalion boundary, threatening Forest Ranch and Butte Meadows. Similarly, the Park Fire, which started in the City of Chico, followed a progression similar to the 1999 Musty Fire, leaving a significant impact on the area.

In the eastern portion of the battalion, between Highway 32 and the communities of De Sabla, Inskip, and Butte Meadows, fire activity has been notably sparse since 1926. The only significant event in nearly 100 years was the 947-acre 1-12 Lightning Fire in 2020, just north of Forest Ranch. This creates an area with tens of thousands of acres of heavily forested timberlands with virtually no recorded fire history. This area represents the only significant portion of the county’s timberland untouched by fire in the past 7 years. Additionally, the battalion has witnessed devastating regional events, including the 1999 Butte Lightning Complex, which burned over 33,000 acres, and the 2024 Park Fire, an arson-caused blaze that burned more than 429,000 acres across Butte and Tehama Counties.

Weather
Battalion Two experiences high summer temperatures and low humidity with north winds often triggering red flag warnings, presenting a heightened risk for extreme fire behavior. Lightning is cyclic in this area and is generally a minor occurrence, although there have been lighting storms in the past that have started numerous damaging fires as noted in the battalion fire history section above. 249
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WUI Situation
Battalion Two covers the Chico foothills and communities along Highway 32, featuring a mixture of wildland-urban interface and intermix areas. Protecting structures in this area is challenging as they are not densely located. This can require many more resources to accomplish compared with a more urban interface environment where a single resource can potentially protect more than one structure.

The region's steep terrain and dense vegetation complicate firefighting efforts. Cohasset's single access road presents significant evacuation challenges. Collaborative efforts with local agencies and fire safe councils enhance preparedness. Public education and enforcement of defensible space regulations are critical components.

Fuels
Vegetation in Battalion Two ranges from grasses and chaparral brush in the lower elevations to oak woodlands in the middle elevations and timber in the higher elevations. Dense brush understories, including manzanita, scotch broom, ceanothus, and poison oak, complicate firefighting efforts. Some areas of undeveloped lots or greenbelts have very dense brush, which can affect fire behavior. Proper management of these fuels is essential to reduce fire hazards and protect the community.

Topography
The area is characterized by steep canyons and drainages, which limit access for firefighting equipment and reduce options for placing control lines. These challenging topographic features can lead to fires becoming well-established and difficult to control. Effective fire management must account for these topographic challenges.

Battalion Priorities
 Perform PRC 4291 and Butte County Code 38A defensible space compliance inspections in risk areas and heavily populated areas.
 Maintain Fire Danger warning sign in Forest Ranch and Cohasset.  Conduct fuels reduction work: Doe Mill Ridge project, Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve, Turkel project in Forest Ranch, Loafer Creek LLC/Mud Creek VMP/Iron Canyon VMP in the Cohasset area, and additional projects in the Cohasset, Forest Ranch, and Butte Meadows communities.
 Continue work on fuel reduction along Cohasset Road with Butte County Roads Department/Public Works.
 Support the Chipper Program sponsored by Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Continue working with Butte County Fire Safe Council on fuels reduction work in the Cohasset, Butte Meadows, Jonesville, and Forest Ranch communities.  Enhance cooperative efforts between BCRCD, PBA, and CAL FIRE for prescribed burns, emphasizing the goal of increasing the scale and effectiveness of prescribed burns.  Cooperatively assist Sierra Pacific Industries with the H-line VMP/Shaded Fuel Break as well as identifying, implementing, and maintaining future shaded fuel breaks to increase public safety.  Continue to explore future VMP opportunities.
 Work with community and cooperators in providing fuels work along evacuation routes and identifying community assembly areas.
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 Support planning efforts and project that encourage the development and/or maintenance of safe ingress and egress routes for residents and fire personnel during emergency incidents.  Additional planning efforts including post-fire hazard tree removal as well as maintaining fuel breaks that were created during the Park Fire suppression efforts.  Support the development and implementation of fuel reduction and broadcast burning projects in the Little Chico Creek and Butte Creek drainages near Forest Ranch.  Carry out outreach and education at multiple community events, emphasizing:
o The burn permit process
o Home hardening
o Ready, Set, Go!
o Defensible space requirements
o The “One Less Spark” campaign
o The “Help Us Find You” visible address
sign campaign
o Ingress/egress routes
o Water accessibility
2024 Park Fire Response efforts in Butte County.
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Battalion Four – Unincorporated Chico Areas, Durham, Nord, Butte Creek Canyon, Butte Valley
Battalion Overview
Battalion Four is located in northwestern Butte County and covers the unincorporated areas in and around the greater Chico area, including the communities of Nord, Durham, Butte Creek Canyon, Centerville, and Butte Valley. This includes the main campus of Butte College. The incorporated area of the City of Chico is detailed in a separate portion of this chapter.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Department
• Butte County Resource Conservation District
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• California State Parks
• City of Chico Fire Department
• Firewise USA
• Hamilton City Fire Department
• Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico
Rancheria
• Mendocino National Forest
• National Park Service
• Tehama County Fire Department
Fire History
Wind is the dominant factor in fire spread within the battalion. Notable fires include the 2008 Humboldt Fire (23,344 acres and 254 structures destroyed), and the 2018 Camp Fire, which impacted much of Centerville and Butte Creek Canyon. The 2024 Park Fire (429,603 acres across Butte and Tehama Counties) caused significant devastation in the foothill areas of Butte County, and lead to extensive evacuation warnings and orders throughout the northern portion of Battalion Four. Areas north of Chico and toward Butte Creek Canyon received evacuation orders and warnings.

Weather
Battalion Four experiences typical weather patterns for the region, with high summer temperatures, low humidity, and red flag conditions during north wind events. These conditions necessitate proactive fire management and preparedness measures. The area receives approximately 28 inches of annual rainfall due to its lower elevations.

WUI Situation
Battalion Four includes the greater unincorporated area around Chico, featuring a mix of residential, agricultural, and wildland areas. Key infrastructure includes highways, railroads, and Butte College.

The region faces challenges like narrow access routes, steep slopes, and vulnerable building materials.

Collaborative efforts with local agencies and fire safe councils enhance preparedness. Public education and enforcement of defensible space regulations are critical components. The battalion's strategy focuses on improving evacuation routes and community resilience.

Fuels
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significant fire suppression challenges. Proper management of these fuels is crucial to reduce fire hazards and protect the community.

Topography
The topography is mainly flat in the valley region, while the Chico foothills feature a gentle slope of approximately 15% with a predominantly western aspect. Several watercourses, including Butte Creek and Little Chico Creek, traverse the area, influencing local fire dynamics. Effective fire management must account for these topographic challenges.

Battalion Priorities
 Expand the relationship with local Native Tribes, including projects such as the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria’s Camelot Equestrian Center VMP.  Conduct PRC 4291 and Butte County Code 38A defensible space compliance inspections.  Cooperatively assist activities of Prescribed Burn Associations.  Maintain Fire Danger warning sign to public.
 Maintain and expand current vegetation management projects in the adjacent Cohasset and Forest Ranch areas in conjunction with the adjacent battalion.  Continue to explore future VMP opportunities.
 Collaborate with formation of new fire safe council(s) in the lower Butte Creek Canyon/Stilson Canyon/Eastern Chico area.
 Explore opportunities to collaborate with the City of Chico and Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) vegetation management projects.
 Establish evacuation signage in the Butte Creek Canyon area, clearly identifying evacuation zones and escape routes.
 Carry out outreach and education at multiple community events, emphasizing:
o The burn permit process
o Home hardening
o Ready, Set, Go!
o Defensible space requirements
o The “One Less Spark” campaign
o The “Help Us Find You” visible address
sign campaign
o Ingress/egress routes
o Water accessibility
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Battalion Five – Bangor, Berry Creek, Forbestown, Feather Falls Battalion Overview
Battalion Five is located in southeastern Butte County and covers the communities of Bangor, Robinson Mill, Forbestown, Feather Falls, and Berry Creek, among others.

Collaborators
• Berry Creek Fire Safe Council
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Butte County Fire Department
• Butte County Resource Conservation
District
• California Department of Water Resources
• California State Parks
• CHY Company
• Enterprise Rancheria
• Firewise USA
• Forbestown Ridge Fire Safe Council
• Foothill Fire Protection District
• Lake Wyandotte Firewise Community
• Loma Rica/Browns Valley Community
Services District
• Plumas National Forest
• Sierra Pacific Industries
• Soper Wheeler Company
Fire History
Battalion Five has experienced numerous significant fires in recent history. The August 1999 Butte Lightning Complex ignited more than a dozen fires across the Butte Unit, burning a total of 60,000 acres, including the 34,236-acre Bucks Fire, the 2,610-acre Bloomer Fire, and the 1,572-acre South Fire.

In June 2008, another lightning event sparked more than a dozen fires within Battalion Five, contributing to a total of 32,000 acres burned in the area. Notable incidents included the Scotch Fire (13,008 acres), South-Frey Fire (12,402 acres), Friend-Darnell Fire (4,112 acres), and Fox Fire (1,870 acres).

More recently, in 2013, the Swedes Fire burned 2,462 acres and destroyed seven structures. The area later experienced the Lumpkin Fire in 2015, which burned 1,040 acres. Multiple significant fires occurred in 2017, including the Wall Fire (6,033 acres, 91 structures), and Ponderosa Fire (4,016 acres, 55 structures). The 2020 Lightning Complex ignited several smaller fires within the battalion, many of which were located within the burn perimeter of the later occurring 2020 North Complex Fire, which ultimately burned over 152,000 acres across Butte County, much of it within Battalion Five.

Weather
Battalion Five experiences high to very high summer temperatures, low humidity, and light to moderate south winds influenced by high-pressure systems. North wind events and thunderstorms can significantly heighten the risk of extreme fire behavior. These conditions necessitate vigilant fire management practices.

WUI Situation
Battalion Five encompasses three prominent ridges and includes the communities of Berry Creek, Brush Creek, Mountain House, Feather Falls, Forbestown, Clipper Mills, Bangor/Rackerby, Hurleton, Robinson 254
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Mill, Swedes, and several Tribal Rancherias, alongside significant land holdings from Sierra Pacific Industries and other timber companies, as well as state and federal lands.

Berry Creek, while the most compact of these communities, remains a wildland-urban intermix. Its remote location poses challenges for timely emergency response in the event of fast-moving fires, a concern underscored by the destruction of most homes during the 2020 North Complex Fire. The aftermath presents new dynamics for WUI defense strategies, with homes now more sparsely spaced and ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Feather Falls, situated on Lumpkin Ridge, also faces similar challenges, with access provided via Lumpkin Road. Many homes were lost in the North Complex Fire, altering the WUI dynamic. Seasonal traffic from logging trucks and recreational vehicles increases during spring and summer. Although recreational traffic has decreased post-fire, new challenges arise from rebuilding efforts, fire hazard abatement, and tree removal. Many residents live on poorly maintained remote roads, leading to limited address identification, though an evacuation plan has been established.

Forbestown Ridge includes the community of Forbestown, adjacent to Yuba County. Steep mountain roads complicate emergency response times. Critical infrastructure for South Feather Water and Power is located here, including the main office of their Power Division, hydroelectric plants, canals, dams, and tunnels. Major reservoirs in the area consist of Little Grass Valley, Lost Creek, Sly Creek, and Ponderosa.

The North Yuba Water District also has infrastructure in Forbestown, including a water treatment plant serving both Butte County and Yuba County residents. The Butte County Fire Department collaborates with the Foothill Fire Protection District and Loma Rica/Brownsville Community Services District in Yuba County through automatic aid agreements.

Active fire safe councils in Berry Creek, Forbestown, and Merry Mountain Village focus on evacuation planning, fuel hazard reduction, and public outreach and education.

Overall, communities within Battalion Five face challenges including limited defensible space, limited turnaround space for emergency vehicles, vulnerable construction materials, roads in rough conditions, and inadequate water supply for fire protection.

Fuels
The area features diverse vegetation types, including annual grasses, oak woodlands, thick brush, and mixed-conifer forests. Post-fire regrowth, including both native and nonnative species, increases the potential for future fires. Proper management of these fuels is crucial to reduce fire hazards and protect the community.

Topography
The elevation varies significantly, ranging from 400 to over 4,000 feet. The landscape is marked by numerous steep canyons, with the two primary canyons forming the Middle and South Forks of Lake Oroville. These topographic features create challenging conditions for fire control, necessitating effective fire management strategies.

Battalion Priorities
 Support the Phoenix VMP and Swedes Flat VMP projects in the Forbestown/Swedes Flat area.  Support the California Department of Water Resources/California State Parks fuel reduction project in the area of Craig access road.
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 Perform PRC 4291 and Butte County Code 38A defensible space compliance inspections in risk areas and heavily populated areas.
 Cooperatively assist activities of Prescribed Burn Associations.  Maintain Fire Danger warning sign to public.
 Support planning efforts and projects that encourage the development and/or maintenance of safe ingress and egress routes for residents and fire personnel during emergency incidents.  Conduct additional planning efforts including post-fire hazard tree removal as well as maintaining fuel breaks that were created during the North Complex Fire suppression efforts.  Continue working on fuels reduction projects in and around the community of Forbestown.  Support the Chipper Program sponsored by the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  Development and implementation of emergency notification systems.  Collaborate with agencies in Butte and Yuba Counties to develop and implement a crossboundary vegetation management project.  Carry out outreach and education at multiple community events, emphasizing:
o The burn permit process
o Home hardening
o Ready, Set, Go!
o Defensible space requirements
o The “One Less Spark” campaign
o The “Help Us Find You” visible address
sign campaign
o Ingress/egress routes
o Water accessibility
Sunset during the 2024 Park Fire.
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Battalion Six – Unincorporated Oroville, Palermo, Kelly Ridge Battalion Overview
Battalion Six is located in south-central Butte County and covers the unincorporated areas surrounding the City of Oroville, as well as the communities of Palermo, Kelly Ridge, and Cherokee. The incorporated area of the city of Oroville is administered as Battalion Nine and is detailed in the City of Oroville Fire Department portion of this chapter.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Butte County Fire Department
• Berry Creek Rancheria
• Butte County Resource Conservation
District
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife -
Oroville Wildlife Area
• California Department of Parks and
Recreation
• California Department of Water Resources
• City of Oroville Fire Department
• Firewise USA
• Mooretown Rancheria
Fire History
Significant fire history since 1990 includes a range of wind-driven grass and riparian fires, as well as topography-driven brush fires in the WUI. Many of these WUI fires have resulted in structural losses, including the 2024 Thompson Fire, which burned approximately 3,789 acres north of Oroville, impacting East Oroville and Kelly Ridge, and destroyed 26 structures while damaging another eight. In 2024, the 1,056-acre Junes Fire burned one structure and the 691-acre Apache Fire burned an additional 14 structures just south of the community of Palermo. Other notable wildfire events in Battalion Six include the 2008 Ophir Fire, which burned 959 acres and destroyed 78 structures, and the 2017 Cherokee Fire, which burned 8,415 acres and destroyed six structures.

Weather
Battalion Six generally aligns with the unit-wide weather patterns, featuring high summer temperatures and low humidity. The eastern foothills, especially areas below the Oroville Dam, experience regular nightly downhill and down-canyon winds. These conditions necessitate vigilant fire management practices.

WUI Situation
Battalion Six includes unincorporated areas around Oroville, featuring a mix of residential, agricultural, and wildland areas. Key infrastructure includes the Oroville Dam, powerhouses, and high-voltage transmission lines. The region faces challenges like narrow roads, limited defensible space, and inadequate water supply. Collaborative efforts with local agencies and fire safe councils enhance preparedness. The battalion’s strategy focuses on enhancing community education, enforcing defensible space regulations, and partnering with cooperators to increase the pace and scale of fuel reduction. 257
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Fuels
The area features grasslands transitioning to oak woodlands and brush at higher elevations.

The 11,869 acre Oroville Wildlife Area primarily features riparian woodland and grassland habitats.

Proper management of these fuels is crucial to reduce fire hazards and protect the community.

Topography
The southern portion of Battalion Six is mostly flat, with slopes increasing as the area extends eastward.

The steepest slopes are found near Cherokee Ravine and the Oregon Gulch drainage, while the northeastern area features gentler slopes but is interspersed with multi-directional drainages. Access throughout the region is challenging due to limited and irregular road placement, which can complicate fire suppression efforts and emergency response The southern portion of Battalion Six is mostly flat, with slopes increasing as the area extends eastward. These topographic features create challenging conditions for fire control, necessitating effective fire management strategies.

Battalion Priorities
 Perform PRC 4291 and Butte County Code 38A defensible space compliance inspections in risk areas and heavily populated areas.
 Cooperatively assist activities of Prescribed Burn Associations.  Maintain Fire Danger warning sign to public.
 Conduct VMP activities in the Oroville Wildlife Area and the Lake Oroville State Park System including Kelly Ridge Point, Loafer Creek, Diversion Pool, and the Forebay.  Conduct vegetation management on private lands in the Long Bar area adjacent to the Feather River Diversion Pool.
 Reduce debris burning caused vegetation fires by education and enforcement.  Continue working with the California Department of Water Resources and other agencies on constructing and maintaining fuel breaks in and around the Kelly Ridge community and the “Western Pacific Addition” (WP Addition) area of northern Oroville in the general area of Long Bar Road/Lakeland Boulevard/Canyon Highlands Road.
 Work with property owners in the Wall and Swedes Fire scars to reduce dead fuels by conducting VMP projects.
 Construct community billboard signs for defensible space education in partnership with local fire safe councils.
 Support the Chipper Program sponsored by BCFSC.
 Work with various neighborhood watch groups on defensible space education and what to do when wildfire strikes.
 Work with community and cooperators in providing fuels work along evacuation routes and identifying community assembly areas.
 Continue to develop and implement the Wyandotte Hazardous Fuel Reduction project in the area of Oro Bangor Highway and Miners Ranch Road.
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 Carry out outreach and education at multiple community events, emphasizing:
o The burn permit process
o Home hardening
o Ready, Set, Go!
o Defensible space requirements
o The “One Less Spark” campaign
o The “Help Us Find You” visible address
sign campaign
o Ingress/egress routes
o Water accessibility
Ground-level photograph capturing the intensity of the 2024 Thompson Fire and active fire response.
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Battalion Seven – Biggs, Gridley, Richvale
Battalion Overview
Battalion Seven encompasses the southwest corner of Butte County and covers the cities of Biggs and Gridley as well as the communities of Richvale and Honcut. While the fire departments of the cities of Biggs and Gridley are administered as part of Battalion Seven, details specific to each of these fire departments are included in their own entries in the fire department section in this chapter.

Collaborators
• Butte County Fire Safe Council
• Butte County Fire Department
• Butte County Resource Conservation
District
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Wildlife-Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
• City of Biggs
• City of Gridley
• Firewise USA
• Hallwood Community Services District
• Live Oak Fire Department
• Loma Rica/Browns Valley Fire Department
• Marysville Fire Department
• Sutter County Fire Department
Fire History
There have been numerous small- to mid-size fires throughout the battalion, especially in the eastern portion in the riparian areas along the Feather River. Large fires include the 1990 Midway (542 acres), 1991 Ranch (517 acres), and the 1991 Grey Lodge (2,643 acres).

Weather
Battalion Seven experiences high summer temperatures, low humidity, and light to moderate southerly winds. North wind events can create red flag conditions, significantly increasing the potential for extreme fire behavior.

WUI Situation
Battalion Seven includes residential zones surrounded by agricultural lands, with key infrastructure such as power lines and wildlife areas. The primary wildfire risk comes from grasslands and vegetation near critical infrastructure. The region faces challenges like limited defensible space and inadequate water supply. Collaborative efforts with local agencies and fire safe councils enhance preparedness. Public education and enforcement of defensible space regulations are critical components.

Fuels
The area features grasslands, oak woodlands, and agricultural lands, with dense fine fuels in riparian areas, especially along the Feather River. Proper management of these fuels is crucial to reduce fire hazards and protect the community. The battalion also includes portions of the Oroville Wildlife Area, where vegetation management and prescribed burns can enhance habitat conditions. 260
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Topography
The topography is predominantly flat, with elevations ranging from 50 to 110 feet. The primary distinguishing feature of the area is the river bottom along the Feather River.

Battalion Priorities
 Perform PRC 4291 and Butte County Code 38A defensible space compliance inspections in risk areas and heavily populated areas such as Honcut, Richvale, and Nelson.  Cooperatively assist activities of Prescribed Burn Associations.  Maintain and update Fire Danger warning signs for the public.  Demonstrate fire-resistant landscaping and building materials at the Butte County Fair.  Carry out outreach and education at multiple community events, emphasizing:
o The burn permit process
o Home hardening
o Ready, Set, Go!
o Defensible space requirements
o The “One Less Spark” campaign
o The “Help Us Find You” visible address
sign campaign
o Ingress/egress routes
o Water accessibility
Gridley Fire’s Truck 74 at the Virginia Fire in 2023.
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Battalion Eight – Town of Paradise
Battalion Overview
Battalion Eight consists of the entire Town of Paradise incorporated area. While the Town of Paradise Fire Department is administered as Battalion Eight, it is an independent jurisdiction and, as such, is detailed in the Town of Paradise Fire Department portion of this chapter.

Battalion Nine – City of Oroville
Battalion Overview
Battalion Nine consists of the entire City of Oroville incorporated area. While the City of Oroville Fire Department is administered as Battalion Nine, it is an independent jurisdiction and, as such, is detailed in the City of Oroville Fire Department portion of this chapter.

Example of Battalion Nine fire response apparatus.
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Unit Programs
The CAL FIRE Butte Unit administers many programs that support the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California (CAL FIRE 2024i). These programs are described in detail in the following sections.

Fire Prevention Bureau
The Butte Unit Fire Prevention Bureau oversees various critical functions, including investigating fire origins and causes, public education and information dissemination, fire hazard mitigation, fire planning, issuing burn permits, conducting life safety inspections, and enforcing fire-related laws. Each of these functions plays a vital role in creating a comprehensive fire prevention strategy.

The Bureau addresses the fire investigation needs of the unit, particularly for complex cases such as firerelated fatalities, commercial buildings, arson incidents, and detailed follow-up investigations. Through these investigations, specific trends in fire causes can be identified, leading to targeted prevention initiatives like education and enforcement campaigns (CAL FIRE 2024i). The Bureau has established an enforcement policy for individuals who allow their fires to become uncontrolled. Responsible parties may face administrative actions through a Fire Safety Inspection Legal Notice (LE 38 form), civil actions with a demand letter for fire suppression costs, or criminal charges through court citations.

Additional functions of the Fire Prevention Bureau are Public Information and Education, the Fire Marshal's Office, and the Defensible Space Inspection program. Each of these functions is detailed below.

Public Information and Education
Butte County's Information and Education programs are collaborative initiatives supported by the Fire Prevention Bureau, Volunteers in Prevention, fire station staff, the Butte County Fire Chief’s Association, and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Public Information
The public information function is staffed 24 hours per day by Incident Command System (ICS)-qualified Public Information Officers (PIOs). When a PIO is not immediately available, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit’s Emergency Command Center personnel assume public information duties. The primary goal of this function is to keep the citizens of Butte County informed by providing timely and accurate information.

This is achieved through a robust social media presence, a dedicated marketing campaign funded by various grants known as “Be Ready, Butte,” and outreach to a wide range of media outlets across the northern Sacramento Valley, including newspapers and television/radio broadcast media.

Training for the Information Call Center and Joint Information Center is conducted collaboratively with various agencies to enhance interagency relationships and ensure a pool of qualified call-takers.

Butte County also cooperates with 211, a professional call answering and information service, ensuring accurate and official information can be provided to the public 24 hours per day during major incidents.

Public Information Officers plan and coordinate joint information releases covering topics such as Summer Safety and Heightened Fire Danger, Changing Smoke Detector Batteries, Holiday Home Safety, and Fall Home Heating Safety (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Public Education and Outreach
Annually, thousands of residents in Butte County, including both children and adults, participate in numerous events such as school programs, fair exhibits, and community gatherings. Presentations cover 263
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essential topics, including Stop, Drop and Roll; Home Safety; Fire Safety; and Defensible Space, as well as career fairs targeting youth ages 12–22 to provide information about employment opportunities within CAL FIRE.

The success of public education in Butte County is attributed to the dedication and collaboration of multiple agencies, community engagement, and the efforts of fire station personnel. Organizations like the Butte County Fire Safe Council and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office partner with CAL FIRE to deliver consistent and impactful safety messages. Approximately 80% of the educational hours contributed each year come from fire station personnel. Their presence at community events adds a personal touch to the messaging, reinforcing CAL FIRE’s commitment to customer service (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Additionally, Defensible Space Inspectors (DSIs) travel throughout the county, educating residents on the knowledge and skills needed to comply with defensible space requirements, including California Public Resource Code (PRC) 4291 and Butte County Ordinance Chapter 38A. These inspectors go door-todoor, providing educational materials and guidance on creating the defensible space necessary to protect homes. The goal is to reach every homeowner in Butte County’s State Responsibility Area, either through in-person visits or by mail. (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Please see Appendix F for a detailed list of educational resources within the county.

Fire Marshal’s Office
The Butte County Fire Marshal’s Office is dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment through proactive fire prevention and safety initiatives. In partnership with CAL FIRE and the Butte County Cooperative Fire Agencies, the office takes a hands-on approach to risk reduction. Staffed by two fire captains, the Fire Marshal’s Office collaborates with all CAL FIRE and Butte County Fire Department stations to implement an extensive fire inspection program. The team also works closely with local developers and business owners, offering guidance on fire and life safety engineering, permitting, and inspections. Their mission is to create a safer community through education, leadership, and collaboration.

The Fire Marshal's Office enforces key provisions of the Butte County Improvement Standards and the California Building Standards Code across the county. This includes overseeing use permits, building permits, and enforcing Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations for regulated occupancies in unincorporated Butte County. The Fire Protection Planning Officer ensures compliance with the Public Resources Code, California Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, and other applicable codes related to new construction, land divisions, use permits, and more.

In alignment with the California Wildfire Prevention Plan, the Fire Marshal’s Office focuses on both structural fire resilience and pre-fire management strategies. These efforts include improving emergency vehicle ingress and civilian egress, ensuring proper addressing, enforcing ignition-resistant construction, maintaining defensible space, providing adequate fire protection water supplies, and managing vegetation. Additionally, the office employs proven vegetation management practices when reviewing and approving landscaping and fuel modification plans.

By combining inspections, code enforcement, and public education, the Fire Marshal’s Office plays a vital role in translating state-level wildfire prevention strategies into practical, actionable goals at the county level. This comprehensive approach enhances community resilience against wildfires through proactive planning and collaboration with various state, county, and local entities. 264
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Defensible Space Inspection Program
The Defensible Space Inspection (DSI) Programs for the CAL FIRE Butte Unit and Butte County Fire Department are operated jointly under the administration of the Fire Prevention Bureau. Staffing for the DSI program includes one Fire Captain who manages the program, five inspectors who work year-round, and three additional inspectors hired on a seasonal basis. One of the year-round inspectors specializes in conducting inspections for real estate transactions in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs), as mandated by California Civil Code Section 1102.19, which went into effect on July 1, 2021, following the passage of Assembly Bill 38 (California Legislative Information 2019a).

While California Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291 establishes the minimum defensible space requirements statewide, Butte County has further refined these requirements in its Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance (Chapter 38A of the Butte County Code). This ordinance requires inspections of unincorporated properties in the county for fire hazards along travel routes, in the 5-foot noncombustible zone surrounding structures, and within 100 feet of structures, regardless of property boundaries.

The objective of these inspections is to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled fires, limit the spread of fires to neighboring properties, reduce barriers to firefighting efforts, enhance the chances for firefighters to safeguard lives, protect populated areas, and prevent residential fires from spreading into wildland areas.

Properties that fail to meet the standards set by PRC 4291 and Butte County Chapter 38A will undergo follow-up inspections. These follow-ups will be documented, tracked, and prioritized based on the number of violations for each property, potential community impact, inspector availability, and resident requests for follow-up inspections or clarification. Parcels that remain out of compliance may be referred to Butte County Code Enforcement for follow-up action, which may include obtaining a court-ordered abatement.

The regulations outlined in PRC 4291 and Chapter 38A are designed to collaborate in preventing the occurrence of devastating large fires that can threaten entire communities, as witnessed frequently in recent years (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Training and Safety Bureau
The Butte Unit Training, Safety, and EMS Bureau is responsible for the delivery and documentation of training for all career and volunteer personnel. The Bureau is also responsible for coordinating and facilitating the unit-wide training plan, matching training courses with approved personnel training requests, and maintaining a central location for updated training records for all employees.

The Training and Safety Bureau is staffed with a Training Battalion Chief, a Safety Battalion Chief, and four Fire Captains, with one Fire Captain each assigned to Safety, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training, Volunteer Firefighter program coordination, and oversight of the California Joint Apprenticeship Committee training program for new employees.

The Bureau will ensure that all federal, state, and local training mandates, laws, and regulations are followed as they pertain to training. The Bureau will operate within and enforce the policies, procedures and protocols of CAL FIRE, Butte County Fire Department, and the Butte County Fire Chiefs Association.

Annually, the Training and Safety Bureau provides and/or coordinates approximately 100,000 student instructional hours to over 420 career and 140 volunteer firefighters from CAL FIRE Butte Unit, Butte County Fire Department, and personnel from other Butte County Training Officer Association agencies.

A significant amount of staff time is required to coordinate students, courses, instructors, recording and tracking training, and ensuring personnel ICS qualifications are accurately listed in the national Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC). Moreover, the Training and Safety Bureau is charged with ensuring the safety for 29 fire department owned and/or operated facilities throughout Butte County. 265
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Training and Safety Bureau Objectives
• Enforce state/federal law, and CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department training policies, procedures, and protocols as they apply to career and volunteer personnel. • Ensure that all personnel receive the opportunity for training that is required for their specific positions.
• Document and track certification currency of all employees training in a common database (Vector Solutions).
• Work with the CAL FIRE Region Office and the CAL FIRE Training Center regarding the allocation of training for CAL FIRE personnel and the presentation of training at regional training locations.
• Work with cooperators at Butte Community College to ensure communications, cooperation, and coordination of all public safety training.
• Work with cooperators as a member of the Butte County Training Officers Association. • Meet or exceed those training standards identified in the CAL FIRE Training handbook. • Implement the training priorities set by the Butte Unit’s executive staff. • Identify the needs of each employee to help achieve career development goals. • Seek alternative funding sources in the form of grants, participation with universities, and sharing courses with other agencies.
• Provide and ensure safe working conditions and facilities. • Ensure facilities meet CAL FIRE’s Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) standards, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and environmental requirements.

Aerial view of the Table Mountain Bridge in Oroville, Butte County. 266
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Fire Crew Program
Magalia Fire Center
The Magalia Fire Center started in 1949 as the Magalia
Camp under the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (then known as the California Division of Forestry, now known as CAL FIRE) and California
Department of Corrections (CDC). CAL FIRE and CDC
continued to jointly manage the camp until approximately 1973 when CDC withdrew inmates from the camp. In
about 1974, the camp again opened as the Butte Ecology
Center, this time jointly operated by CAL FIRE and the
California Ecology Corps. The Ecology Corps continued
to exist until 1978 when the camp became Butte Fire
Center under the joint direction of CAL FIRE and the
California Conservation Corps (CCC) and remained so
until 2003 when the CCC withdrew.

From 2003 until 2016 the Butte Fire Center (owned by CAL FIRE) was used as a northern region training facility for firefighters throughout California. In 2016, CAL FIRE and CCC rejoined operations as a fire crew facility. In 2020, the Butte Fire Center changed its name to the Magalia Fire Center and continues to be a joint effort between CAL FIRE and the CCC.

CCC crew members go through a rigorous two-week CAL FIRE Fire Crew training program before being assigned to a fire crew. As a CAL FIRE/CCC Type 1 fire crew, they respond statewide to wildland fires, search and rescue, and flood fighting incidents. While not fighting fires, the fire crews work on fire hazard reduction and other community projects.

CAL FIRE staff train and supervise the fire crews, provide forest practice operations, and operate a full vehicle repair shop.

The current staffing model provides 24-hour coverage 7 days per week during peak staffing with Type 1 Fire Crews. During winter periods, crews are typically staffed during daytime hours from Monday through Friday, but can be staffed on a 24-hour, 7-day-per-week basis as emergency response needs dictate.

Magalia Fire Center is currently funded for:
• CAL FIRE Staff
o 1 Battalion Chief
o 12 Fire Captains
o 13 Fire Apparatus Engineers
o 1 Staff Services Analyst
o 1 Stationary Engineer
o 1 Forestry Tech
• CCC Staff
o 1 District Director
o 1 Conservation Supervisor
o 2 “C2” (Conservationist 2) Crew Supervisor
o 5 “C1” (Conservationist 1) Crew Lead
o 82 CCC Firefighters
o 1 Administrative Officer
o 1 Office Technician
o 1 Office Administrator
o 1 Navigator
o 5 Special Corps Members
Magalia Fire Center fire crew members
work at the “Cave” prescribed burn near
Cohasset in 2023.
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Table Mountain Fire Center
The Table Mountain Fire Center started in July of 2023 when CAL FIRE augmented hand crew resources in both the northern and southern regions of the state. With the augmentation of hand crew resources, CAL FIRE Butte Unit was directed to establish a Fire Center in southern Butte County.

The current staffing model provides 24-hour coverage 7 days per week from March to December with Type 1 Fire Crews. Table Mountain Fire Crews provide statewide emergency response as well as fuel reduction work to reduce the overstocked wildland-urban interface (WUI) surrounding the communities in Butte County.

Table Mountain Fire Center is currently funded for:
• 1 Battalion Chief
• 4 Fire Captains
• 3 Fire Apparatus Engineers
• 40 Firefighters
• 1 Staff Services Analyst
• 2 Supervising Cooks
• 2 Food Service Technicians
Resource Management
To support the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, CAL FIRE Butte Unit Resource Management staff administers several programs aimed at reducing wildfire risks through targeted vegetation management. These programs encompass fuels reduction, fire suppression repair, forest and range health assessments, environmental review, and partnerships with private landowners to address fuels management across the unit.

Forest Practice Enforcement
CAL FIRE Resource Management staff are tasked with enforcing the California Forest Practice Act and Forest Practice Rules concerning timber operations on private timberlands. This enforcement process begins with an initial project review and continues throughout the timber harvesting process until its completion. The management of logging slash to minimize overall fuel hazards in timberland areas must adhere to the established rules and regulations, particularly around structures and along roadways.

During the review of commercial timber harvesting plans, CAL FIRE staff can offer written recommendations to project proponents aimed at promoting positive changes in timber operation methods. CAL FIRE’s foresters consistently seek ways to enhance fire safety, reduce hazards, improve public safety, ensure vehicular access, maintain water sources, optimize operation timing, benefit wildlife, and implement other site-specific mitigation measures necessary to support the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Vegetation Management Project Planning
The Vegetation Management Program (VMP) employs a variety of manual and/or mechanical methods as well as prescribed fire to address wildland fire fuel hazards and other resource management challenges on chaparral-dominated SRA lands. By using prescribed fire, the program mimics natural processes, Table Mountain Fire Crew 1 responding to
the 2024 Park Fire.
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reintroducing fire into its historical role within wildland ecosystems, thereby providing significant fire hazard reduction benefits that enhance safety for both the public and firefighters.

Similar to the VMP, the California Vegetation
Treatment Program (CalVTP) is a new initiative that
streamlines environmental planning and introduces
additional management tools for vegetation treatment
across all SRA lands, including timberland. Both the
VMP and the CalVTP allow private landowners to
enter into contracts with CAL FIRE to use prescribed
fire and other vegetation management techniques to
achieve a mixture of fire protection and resource
management objectives.

The California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is
a state cost-share initiative designed to assist private timberland owners in managing their forest lands. Eligible practices include reforestation projects (providing funding of up to 90% for lands damaged by wildfire) and fuel treatments carried out through thinning, pruning, and follow-up fuel reduction.

Other grant-funded fuel reduction initiatives typically focus on the construction or maintenance of fuel breaks within the WUI. In Butte County, Proposition 40 funding and SRA fee funding were extensively utilized for constructing fuel breaks and implementing other fuel reduction projects. However, Proposition 40 funding expired on June 1, 2014, and SRA fees were discontinued on June 30, 2017. The CAL FIRE Butte Unit continues to collaborate with Sacramento and local grant applicants to secure funding from the California Climate Investments Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to advance these projects in the SRA.

CAL FIRE currently offers Forest Health grants aimed at large-scale projects and Fire Prevention grants focused on smaller initiatives and fire prevention efforts (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Environmental Review
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates that public agencies evaluate the potential environmental impacts of projects that may lead to physical changes in the environment (CAL FIRE 2024i). As part of its responsibilities, CAL FIRE must ensure compliance with CEQA requirements when funding, approving, permitting, facilitating, or directly implementing projects as the lead agency (CAL FIRE 2024i).

In Butte County, environmental reviews are conducted by the Unit Forester or Environmental Coordinator.

These reviews ensure that CAL FIRE's legal obligations are met during the project planning phase and that environmental considerations are integrated into decision making. Examples of CAL FIRE projects in Butte include facility construction, repairs, maintenance, and fire hazard clearance (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Fuel reduction projects include shaded fuel breaks, prescribed burns, and live fire training burns (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Fuel Reduction Crew
CAL FIRE Butte Unit Fuels Crew is one of 10 specialized fuels reduction teams within CAL FIRE.

The crew is led by a fire captain and includes an engineer, an equipment operator, and up to nine Forestry Technicians. While the crew is trained and qualified for fireline duties and can respond to emergencies, their primary focus is on reducing wildland fuels through techniques such as broadcast burning, pile burning, mastication, and chipping (Figure 4.4) (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Big Chico Creek in Upper Bidwell Park.
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Figure 4.4. A CAL FIRE fuel reduction crew working on a hazardous fuel reduction project.

Source: Sierra News Online (2016)
Fire Suppression Repair
CAL FIRE has the authority to carry out fire suppression repair operations during emergencies on SRA lands, as outlined in PRC 4675 and 4676. Fire suppression damage refers to the impacts caused by firefighting activities, which may include issues like soil erosion from dozer and hand lines, road openings, and watercourse crossings. The primary goal of these repair operations is to restore the affected areas as closely as possible to their pre-fire condition (CAL FIRE 2024i). The Unit's Resource Management staff is responsible for these repair efforts. With their expertise in natural resources, fire control, and environmental management, they collaborate with landowners and other stakeholders to provide quick post-fire assessments of affected areas.

Pre-Fire Planning
The Pre-Fire Planning program within the CAL FIRE Butte Unit consists of two Fire Captains, with one each funded by CAL FIRE and Butte County Fire Department.

Responsibilities of the Pre-Fire Planning program include:
• Tracking and reporting progress on CAL FIRE Butte Unit's vegetation management projects • Reporting fire perimeters to the state database
• Tracking fire ignition locations and trends
• Developing and updating planning documents such as the CAL FIRE Unit Fire Plan, the Fire Danger Operating Plan (FDOP), and the CWPP
• Coordinating with cooperating agencies such as local fire departments and non-governmental organizations to plan and implement vegetation management projects and develop countywide documents such as the CWPP
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• Collecting and organizing geographic information system (GIS) data • Producing mapping products for various fire department functions including dispatch and emergency response
• Maintaining GIS data sets for use on Mobile Data Terminals on fire apparatus • Organizing data collected on emergency incidents and producing incident-specific mapping • Producing GIS products for use by various programs within the fire department • Maintaining the Unit’s facility location database
• Representing the fire department in numerous working groups including the Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) Countywide GIS Working Group, the Butte County RCD’s Countywide Mapping Group, the Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG), and others • Researching and drafting Fuels Treatment Effectiveness Reports (FTERs) • Compiling and submitting changes to State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Direct Protection Area (DPA), and a wide range of other vegetation management project tracking and GIS-related tasks.

Chico Air Attack Base
Chico Air Attack Base (CAAB) was established in
1969. Located at the Chico Regional Airport, CAAB is
one of 13 CAL FIRE Air Attack Bases in the state. The
base sits on 3 acres.

The Chico Regional Airport is a general aviation
regional airport situated at the 240-foot elevation.

The airport can support Type-1 air tankers, large
helicopter operations, and air attack platforms.

CAL FIRE’s fire protection goal is to contain 95% of all fires to 10 acres or less. Aviation assets are
instrumental in meeting and maintaining this goal. Air
attack and helitack base locations and aircraft deployment are designed to reduce the number of large fires through the capability of air tankers and helitack crews to drop fire retardant and insert personnel at the fire scene before additional ground forces arrive and to support fire control objectives.

Aircraft initial response criteria have been established to have a state aircraft over fires in SRA within 20 minutes of dispatch and to provide augmented aircraft as needed. This response criteria plan was developed to includes the use of USFS and BLM aircraft on a closest resources concept. Air assets located at CAAB can respond to a fire anywhere in California and even into neighboring states should an unwanted fire threaten California.

In 2024, CAAB was operational between May 6 and November 16. Aircraft assigned to the base flew 215 flights for a total of 351 combined flight hours in support of fire incident responses; 1,494,442 gallons of retardant were pumped from CAAB during the 2024 fire season, the most ever delivered from the base.

Air attack efforts in Butte County.
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CAAB Resources
Air Tactical Aircraft (AA 210) Airtanker (T93)
Type: Rockwell OV-10A “Bronco” Type: Grumman S-2T
Max Speed: 225 knots (258 mph) Max Speed: 235 knots (270 mph) Crew: Single Pilot, Single Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS)
Crew: Single pilot
Gallons carried: N/A Gallons carried: 1,200
Mission: Tactical coordination of aircraft over a fire to achieve incident objectives.

Mission: Fast initial attack delivery of fire retardant or water on wildland fires.

Emergency Command Center
The Oroville Emergency Command Center (ECC) provides command and control services including "pre-arrival" emergency medical dispatch for unincorporated areas of Butte County, the City of Biggs, the City of Gridley, the Town of Paradise, and the City of Oroville.

Through a boundary-drop style aid agreement, the
Oroville ECC and Chico Fire Department’s dispatch
center can directly dispatch resources from any fire
department in the county to calls in their own
jurisdiction. Often a single fire dispatch will include resources from multiple local fire agencies, all
communicating with a single dispatcher on a common
frequency.

Additionally, the Oroville ECC serves as the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
Fire Operational Area Mutual Aid Coordination Center
for Butte County. In this role, it coordinates all fire mutual aid requests within the county, with the
authority to acquire resources from neighboring
counties such as Yuba, Sutter, Plumas, Glenn, Colusa, Tehama, and Lassen Counties. The Oroville ECC also acts as the air ambulance coordination center for Butte, Tehama, Glenn, and Shasta Counties, handling requests and dispatching the nearest available air ambulance to emergencies (CAL FIRE 2024i).

Objectives
• Continue to provide quality command and control services, as well as excellent customer service, to all customers
• Pursue cooperative agreements with other departments and agencies to enhance efficiency of resource command and control within Butte County
• Pursue available technology to conduct command and control operations more efficiently • Cooperate fully and effectively with allied agencies
Oroville Emergency Command Center.
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Ignition Management Plan
The top three fire causes within the CWPP planning
area have remained consistent in recent years. These
causes are monitored closely by CAL FIRE’s Fire
Prevention Bureau to address and reduce fire starts.

To assist in this effort, CAL FIRE launched the “One
Less Spark” campaign—a statewide outreach initiative
aimed at reducing wildfire risks. Locally, roadside signs display fire prevention messages from this campaign
and other related efforts to raise public awareness.

The Fire Prevention Bureau staff, in coordination with
Incident Commander, conducts thorough fire origin and
cause investigations. These investigations provide
reliable data, helping pinpoint trends and identify high-risk areas. Once these trends are established, the Fire Prevention Bureau implements measures to reduce fire starts through the three E’s of fire prevention:
education, engineering, and enforcement.

To improve home safety during wildfire events, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit has revised its Defensible Space Inspection Program. Fire station personnel and inspectors conduct residential fire hazard inspections (LE100) in at-risk communities. The number of inspections has steadily increased, with 10,524 inspections completed in 2024. During these inspections, violations of PRC 4291 or Butte County Chapter 38A are recorded, and residents are given an opportunity to correct them. If needed, referrals are provided to support organizations like the Butte County Fire Safe Council.

Parcels that remain non-compliant after outreach efforts may be referred to Butte County Code Enforcement for further action, which can include citations, forced abatement, or other actions. In 2021, 61 parcels were referred to Code Enforcement, with 22 achieving compliance. By 2023, 358 cases were referred, and 107 cases resulted in Code Enforcement involvement, with 47 achieving compliance and others moving through the hearing process. In recent years, court-ordered abatements have also been carried out where necessary.

Access road in Butte County.
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CHAPTER 5 – COOPERATOR

FIRE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGIES
Butte County has been severely impacted by wildfires in recent years.

These wildfires affect many geographical aspects of Butte County.

Although many communities have been impacted directly, wildfires reverberate far beyond their fire footprints.

Numerous organizations including local governments, tribes, nonprofits, local districts, and community groups, continue to grow their capacity to participate in wildfire mitigation and resilience building in Butte County.

These entities work individually and collectively to identify resources to enhance safety and resilience in the face of wildfire threats. Contributing partners extend across jurisdictions and land ownerships from state and local governments to grass roots community groups. Their direct and coordinated initiatives contribute expertise, local knowledge, and partnership strengthening the ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfires.

This section outlines the correlative efforts of some of these organizations, illustrating how their joint actions effectively reduce wildfire risks and strengthen the overall resilience of Butte County communities.

By leveraging shared knowledge, resources, and strategic planning, many organizations in Butte County play a crucial role in protecting communities from the ongoing threat of wildfires.

BUTTE COUNTY COLLABORATIVE
GROUP
The Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG) is composed of over 30 participating organizations and includes nonprofits, special districts, local tribes, community members, county departments, state and federal agencies, and private timber operators.

The mission of the BCCG is to form strategic partnerships for effective collaboration among partners engaged in forest health, ecological restoration, and wildfire safety. The vision of the group is to create landscapes that can be resilient and carry functional capacity in perpetuity. The BCCG online hub site can be accessed here; https://butte-county-collaborative-group-bcrcd.hub.arcgis.com/. 275
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The BCCG formed in 2022 with the development of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and was officially launched in 2023 with quarterly meetings. The BCCG was formed at the suggestion of agencies like CAL FIRE and Sierra Nevada Conservancy. In addition, the Sierra Institute’s “Sierra To California AllLands Enhancement” (SCALE) conference was a great training grounds to gather information about other Collaborative groups in the Sierra Nevada Region. Ernest work to form the BCCG took place after the Camp Fire of November 8, 2018, to adapt to the post-fire landscape and plan for future forest health projects. Many years of collaboration, securing grant funding and partnerships, preceded the official formation of the group. Initial funding for the BCCG came from a grant from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and assisted in developing the entity’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

One of the primary goals of the BCCG is to showcase an interactive map that partners can use to complement and enhance one another’s forest health, wildfire safety, and ecological stewardship projects. Another key goal of the BCCG to is to work with tribes to strengthen traditional ecological knowledge, workforce capacity, and partner building among other opportunities.

Everyone is welcome at the BCCG meetings which are held quarterly. In addition to these meetings, forest health tours, events, socials, and trainings are made available to BCCG participants. Groups that choose to sign the MOU of the BCCG can participate as a voting member. The BCCG is led by an administrative group that assists in setting up the annual calendar, setting up agenda topics, and identifying funding needs for the BCCG’s administrative costs, which include meeting facilitation and administrative management.

The BCCG's participating organizations are involved in implementing a wide variety of fuel reduction projects, including establishing fuel breaks, conducting prescribed burns, and implementing defensible space projects to reduce wildfire intensity and improve public safety.

Through regular meetings, collaborative projects, and a comprehensive project tracker, the BCCG ensures transparent access to information and continuous improvement in wildfire resilience. Their collective efforts underscore the critical role of strategic forest management, community engagement, and multifaceted approaches in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires in Butte County (BCCG n.d.).

For more information and to explore the collaborative efforts in detail, please visit the BCCG website at https://butte-county-collaborative-group-bcrcd.hub.arcgis.com/ BCCG Signatories (as of 12/31/2024):

Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
Butte County
Butte County Air Quality Management District
Butte County Fire Safe Council
Butte County Resource Conservation District
Butte Environmental Council
Enterprise Rancheria
Konkow Valley Band of Maidu Indians
Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria
North State Planning & Development Collective
Northern California Regional Land Trust
Sierra Pacific Industries
Plumas National Forest
Yankee Hill Fire Safe Council
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FIREWISE COMMUNITIES
The Firewise USA® program is a national initiative
developed by the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) in collaboration with federal and state
agencies to help communities reduce the risk of
wildfire damage. Designed for residents living in fireprone areas, the program emphasizes proactive measures to create safer, more resilient
neighborhoods. By providing education, resources,
and actionable strategies, Firewise USA encourages
homeowners to assess their properties and adopt
practices such as clearing flammable vegetation
(Figure 5.1), creating defensible space, and using fireresistant building materials. The program also fosters community collaboration, empowering neighborhoods
to work together to implement wildfire mitigation plans and reduce the likelihood of property loss. In Butte County, this initiative has been widely embraced, with 35 “In Good Standing” Firewise USA communities as of 2024 (Butte County Fire Safe Council 2024).

Firewise communities in Butte County are shown in Figure 5.2.

Figure 5.1. Fuel reduction before and after in Butte County oak woodlands.

CAL FIRE Station 36 Jarbo Gap.
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Figure 5.2. Firewise communities throughout the Butte County CWPP planning area. 278
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CHAPTER 6 – RISK

REDUCTION

RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter provides project recommendations, implementation guidance, and conceptual fuel treatment recommendations. CWPP recommendations have been structured around the three main goals of the Cohesive Strategy: resilient landscapes; fire-adapted communities; and safe, effective, risk-based wildfire response.

As a non-regulatory document, project and action recommendations in the CWPP are not required to be implemented. Recommendations are put forward to provide guidance and suggestions on actions that will mitigate wildland fire risk. It is at the discretion of Butte County representatives, land managers, homeowners, and stakeholder groups to determine when or if a recommendation will be implemented.

Alignment with local planning documents should be considered.

Appropriate subject matter experts, lessons learned documentation, and the best available science should be included in decision making regarding project planning, implementation, and maintenance.

Many of the recommendations listed can be implemented at the homeowner or community level. Projects requiring large-scale support can be prioritized based on the Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment (QWRA).

Recommendation matrixes are used throughout this chapter to serve as an action plan for implementation. Recommendations have been aligned with the strategies and goals in the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, the 2021 California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, and California’s Forests and Rangelands: 2017 Assessment, wherever possible.
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GOAL 1: RESTORE AND MAINTAIN

LANDSCAPES
Recommendations to restore and maintain landscapes are focused on vegetation management and hazardous fuel reduction.

Resilient landscapes refer to ecosystems that are healthy, diverse, and capable of withstanding and recovering from various disturbances, such as wildfires, climate change, invasive species, and insect infestations. General project recommendations aimed at creating more resilient landscapes in the planning area are in Table 6.1. All recommendations in this section were created through collaboration with Core Team members, stakeholders, and the public.

The CWPP Core Team also used their expertise and the QWRA to delineate broad areas of concern (see Figure 2.14). Areas of concern are regions of the planning area in which more specific mitigation efforts should be prioritized given a variety of attributes.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION
The purpose of any fuel reduction treatment is to protect life and property by reducing the potential for and outcome of catastrophic wildfire, and to restore landscapes to a sustainable and healthy condition.

Moderating extreme fire behavior, reducing structural ignitability, creating defensible space, providing safe evacuation routes, and maintaining all roads for firefighting access can all be outcomes of fuels reduction. Use of multiple treatment methods often magnifies the benefits.

Table 6.1 summarizes the types of treatments recommended throughout the planning area. Most treatments are focused on higher-risk areas, as defined by the QWRA and Core Team input. Many of these treatment recommendations are general across the communities because similar conditions occur in those areas. Tables 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3 addresses the requirement for an action plan and assessment strategy in a CWPP by providing monitoring guidelines and a timeline for implementation. This timeline is obviously dependent on available funding and resources, as well as other factors such as environmental assessment and compliance.

When applying fuel treatments, every effort should be made to align treatments with the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, 2021 California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, and California’s Forest and Rangelands: 2017 Assessment (CAL FIRE 2018a, 2018c; California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force 2021) with consideration of all appropriate best management practices and sound science. In addition, treatments should be strategically located in areas to maximize effectiveness of other existing and ongoing projects and to address watershed and forest health. Consideration of environmental challenges should be built into recommendations. For example, treatments may be aimed at reducing the impact of insects and disease, with sensitivity to vegetation communities affected by drought and climate change.

A list and detailed descriptions of fuels treatment types and methods is housed in Appendix G.

Treatments and strategies for homeowners to implement defensible space, reduce structural ignitability, and enhance community resilience can be found in Appendix F.

The treatment list is by no means exhaustive and should be considered purely a sample of required projects for the future management of the planning area. Many projects may be eligible for grant funds available from federal and/or state sources. For a list of funding sources, please refer to Appendix E. 280
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TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE
There are multiple approaches to reducing fuels in wildland settings. Specific methods often involve people and machinery to mechanically manage vegetation based on a specific management prescription.

Another approach involves engaging local tribal entities to integrate traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) into land management practices, promoting and maintaining resilient landscapes (Figure 6.1).

TEK practices, such as cultural and prescribed burning, can be highly effective in maintaining natural vegetation composition and fuel loads, especially in fire-adapted landscapes.

While TEK emphasizes cultural and prescribed fire, it is important to consider that contemporary practices can vary significantly from traditional methods. Further, advocating for the benefits of fire is a shared responsibility, not solely that of Native communities. This collaborative approach within the county is demonstrated by the growing use of fire by land-managing entities, such as the Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) and CAL FIRE, working to build support and enhance the safety of fire practices through community involvement, smoke management plans, and collaborations with resource management and public health professionals. Despite these considerations, the ability to implement burning methods may be limited due to structure proximity, potential smoke impacts, or a variety of other factors. For more information on prescribed burning, refer to Appendix G.

Figure 6.1. Image of cultural burning in Butte County.

Photo credit: Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve.

PRESCRIBED HERBIVORY
Recognizing these limitations, land management agencies have increasingly incorporated prescribed herbivory, the intentional use of domestic livestock to manage vegetation, as a fuel reduction strategy.

Prescribed herbivory, supported by the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) and the Range Management Advisory Committee, is being implemented in fuel reduction projects statewide 281
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(California Department of Conservation 2024a). This method offers several advantages: it enhances air quality, minimizes noise, can be used near structures and on steep slopes, and reduces soil compaction.

However, there are limitations, such as timing constraints for treatment based on vegetation maturity and season, effectiveness (especially on 1-hour and 10-hour fuels), and potential tree girdling by herbivores (California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection 2015).

HERBICIDE APPLICATION
Herbicide application is a valuable tool for maintaining fuel breaks and rights-of-way, helping to reduce vegetation regrowth and limit the spread of invasive plant species that contribute to wildfire risk. When used strategically, herbicides can enhance the long-term effectiveness of fuels treatments by suppressing highly flammable vegetation in areas where mechanical or manual treatments alone may be insufficient or impractical.

However, the use of herbicides also comes with considerations. Potential drawbacks include impacts to non-target plant species, concerns over environmental and water quality, and the necessity for trained professionals to ensure safe and effective application. To mitigate these concerns, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit ensures that herbicide treatments comply with federal, state, and local regulations. Applications follow a written recommendation from a certified Pest Control Advisor and are conducted under the supervision of a Qualified Applicator certified by the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Various land management strategies implemented by local, county, state, and federal partners in Butte County are discussed in more detail in the Land Management Strategies section of Appendix A.

Caution signage for a fuel reduction project in Butte County. 282
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Table 6.1. Recommendations for Resilient Landscapes
Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #1 H Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring of
Existing and Newly Installed
Fuel Breaks
Sustain maintenance of existing
fuel breaks and progress with
execution of planned fuel breaks.

Countywide Local jurisdictions, BLM, BIA, CAL
FIRE, USFS, BCFSC, BCCG, tribal
governments, Town of Paradise, City
of Oroville, City of Chico, BCRCD,
California Department of Water
Resources (DWR)
• Execute and sustain planned fuel
break projects according to
established timelines and
priorities.
• Implement a routine maintenance
schedule and inspection schedule
for existing fuel breaks to ensure
their effectiveness.
• Maintain existing fuel breaks
according to specific vegetation
conditions, with regular monitoring
and criteria-based maintenance.
• Investigate prescribed grazing
through pilot projects to manage
vegetation, identifying potential
areas, methods, and evaluating
outcomes.
• Collaborate with relevant
agencies, organizations, and
communities to ensure project
success.
• Integrate the mitigation of
hazards, such as dead or
diseased trees, into fuel break
maintenance plans.
• Assess whether existing fuel
breaks on national forest and BLM
lands are sufficiently wide to be
effective; expand fuel breaks
where needed.
• Explore avenues to implement
monitoring programs to improve
accountability of fuels reduction
projects and enhance landscape
resilience.

Provide continued
effectiveness of
previously installed fuel
breaks, reducing wildfire
risk and protecting
communities and valued
resources.

Develop a comprehensive
monitoring plan to track the
progress and effectiveness
of fuel break maintenance
and execution. Include
specific indicators, data
collection methods, and
reporting schedules.

Ensure transparency by
regularly publishing reports
on the status and
outcomes of fuel break
projects.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grant (CWDG)
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
• Butte County General fund
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #2 H Fall 2025 Strategic Installation of Fuel
Breaks Countywide
Install fuel breaks in high-risk
areas based on risk assessment
findings to reduce wildfire risk and
protect communities.

Countywide Local jurisdictions (Butte County,
City of Chico, City of Oroville, City of
Gridley, City of Biggs, and Town of
Paradise), BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, BCCG, tribal
governments, landowners, BCRCD,
DWR
• Install fuel breaks in high-risk
areas, prioritizing underserved,
remote, and isolated areas.

Specific factors to consider for
potential fuel break locations
include:
o Community Perimeters:

Establish fuel breaks around
community boundaries.
o Wind Direction:

Strategically place fuel
breaks with respect to
average wind conditions and
their relationship to fuels and
topography in vulnerable
areas.
o Rights-of-Way: Install fuel
breaks along evacuation
corridors and other rights-ofway.
o Riparian Corridors: Reduce
ladder fuels and break up
fuel continuity along riparian
corridors leading into
communities.
o WUI Protection: Focus on
areas that support the
protection of the WUI.
o Responder Safety: Enhance
fire responder safety by
strategically placing fuel
breaks.
o Steep Topography: Target
communities surrounded by
steep topography and heavy
fuels.
o Critical Infrastructure:

Protect critical infrastructure
and facilities by placing fuel
breaks around them.
o Strategic Ridge Tops: Use
strategic ridge tops for fuel
break placement.
o Expansion Opportunities:

Look for opportunities to
expand or tie into existing
fuel breaks for improved
effectiveness.
• Assess opportunities to implement
fuels reduction projects to align
with Potential Operational
Delineations (PODs) and/or
USFS's Strategic Fire
Management Zones.
• Collaborate with tribal partners to
implement hazardous fuels
treatments on tribal lands.
• Collaborate with local planning
and the Fire Marshal's Office on
creation of fuel breaks around
new development.

Provide access to fire
personnel, establish fuel
breaks and fire
containment lines,
create resilient
landscapes, and
address potential for
extreme wildfire
behavior in and around
the WUI.

Protect communities and
critical infrastructure and
facilities.

Conduct regular
review/evaluations using
ground data, satellite
imagery, and remote
sensing tools to monitor
changes in vegetation and
fuel break integrity,
ensuring fuel break
effectiveness.

Create a database to
record maintenance
activities, incidents, and
effectiveness metrics,
accessible to necessary
stakeholders.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #3 M Fall 2025 Watershed-Scale Ecosystem
Projects
Enhance wildfire resilience, wildlife
habitat, and water quality through
cross-jurisdictional ecosystem
projects.

Countywide Butte County, DWR, BLM, BIA, CAL
FIRE, USFS, BCFSC, BCCG, Chico
State, BCCER, tribal governments
and local jurisdictions (City of Chico,
City of Oroville, City of Gridley, City
of Biggs, Town of Paradise), Butte
Environmental Council (BEC),
BCRCD
• Partner with agencies,
environmental organizations, and
community stakeholders to design
and implement integrated riparian
fuels reduction projects.
• Develop comprehensive project
plans that clearly outline specific
mitigation strategies and
ecological restoration goals.
• Employ a combination of fuels
reduction methods specifically
suited to riparian areas, including:
o Cultural Burns
o Prescribed burns
o Mechanical thinning
o Debris removal
o Chipping
o Targeted vegetation
management
• Ensure that all mitigation efforts
comply with environmental
regulations and best practices to
minimize ecological impacts.
• Use existing riparian maintenance
documentation to streamline the
environmental review and
permitting processes.
• Incorporate restoration practices
that enhance water quality, soil
health, and the recovery of native
vegetation.
• Conduct thorough assessments to
prioritize watersheds based on:
o Wildfire risk
o Presence of sensitive
species
o Overall watershed health
Reduce hazardous fuels
throughout the county,
create resilient
landscapes, and
address potential for
extreme wildfire
behavior in and around
the WUI.

Ensure the protection of
vulnerable ecosystems
and values at risk.

Develop and implement a
monitoring program to
track the effectiveness of
fuels reduction and
restoration projects.

Regularly review and
update methodologies
based on monitoring
outcomes to ensure
continuous improvement.
• CAL FIRE Forest Health Grants
• California EPA Loans and Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• California Climate Investments Fire
Prevention Grant Program (CAL FIRE)
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #4 H Fall 2025 Collaboration with Tribal
Governments*
Partner with tribal governments
and organizations to identify and
implement wildfire resilience and
ecosystem restoration projects
aligned with tribal land
management objectives and
stewardship.
* This recommendation is intended
solely as a resource to highlight
potential areas for collaboration
and support. Tribal communities
are encouraged to define their
involvement according to their own
priorities, capacities, and
resources. Partnering agencies
should fully respect and honor the
sovereignty and self-determination
of each tribal community in
considering these strategies.

Countywide Butte County, tribal governments
and organizations, BLM, BIA, CAL
FIRE, USFS, BCFSC, BCCG, Chico
State, BCCER, City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley, City of
Biggs, Town of Paradise, BCRCD,
DWR
• Engage tribal leaders in the
development of projects to ensure
alignment with tribal land
management goals and
objectives.
• Establish formal agreements and
partnerships between the Butte
County, land management
agencies, and tribal governments
and organizations to clearly
outline shared objectives and
responsibilities.
• Conduct assessments of tribal
lands and adjacent areas to
identify vulnerable regions and
ecosystems in need of restoration
efforts.
• Implement training and education
programs to build the capacity of
tribal governments, organizations,
and local communities in wildfire
mitigation, ecosystem restoration,
and cultural preservation.
• Increase implementation of
cultural burns for forest health
restoration.

Establish cohesive
planning with tribal
management
approaches and tribal
values.

Increase organization,
efficiency, and
effectiveness in
achieving the desired
outcomes of wildfire
resilience and
ecosystem restoration.

Develop and implement
monitoring programs to
track the progress and
outcomes of restoration
projects.

Regularly review and
update methodologies
based on monitoring
results to ensure
continuous improvement.
• CAL FIRE Forest Health Grants
• California EPA Loans and Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• California Climate Investments Fire
Prevention Grant Program (CAL FIRE)
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
• Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Grant
Program
RL #5 M Fall 2025 Post-Fire Recovery and
Restoration Projects
Expedite the completion of postfire recovery and restoration projects to ensure community
safety and enhance environmental
resilience.

Butte County
burn scar
areas
Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, California State
Parks, tribal governments, PG&E,
BCCG, City of Chico, City of Oroville,
Town of Paradise, BCRCD, DWR
• Conduct a detailed inventory and
assessment of all incomplete
post-wildfire recovery projects.
• Prioritize identified projects based
on their importance for achieving
ecosystem objectives, ensuring
community safety, advancing
environmental restoration, and
enhancing long-term resilience.
• Collaborate with local and regional
partners, including nonprofits and
volunteer organizations, to
supplement staffing and
resources.
• Coordinate with relevant state and
county authorities to streamline
the approval and execution of
high-priority projects.
• Address immediate safety
concerns by prioritizing hazard
tree mitigation and road
maintenance projects to minimize
potential post-fire hazards.
• Focus on ecological restoration
efforts, including post-fire planting
in non-forested areas with
long-term maintenance plans, to
support habitat recovery and
strengthen environmental
resilience.

Ensure community
safety and bolster
habitat restoration and
environmental resilience
in the burned areas of
the county.

Implement regular
monitoring of the post-fire
environment to track
recovery progress and
assess ongoing postwildfire risks.

Maintain a long-term
commitment to tracking
post-wildfire recovery and
conducting assessments of
the WUI and watersheds at
risk in the post-fire
environment.
• Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP)
• Red Cross: Disaster Relief and
Recovery Services
• Red Cross Before, During & After
Wildfire
• CAL FIRE Forest Health Grants
• California EPA Loans and Grants
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
• U.S. Department of the Interior funding
for post-wildfire burn area rehabilitation
and restoration
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #6 H Fall 2026 Green Waste Disposal CapacityBuilding Enhance green waste disposal
capacity by acquiring additional
chipping equipment and installing
a biomass facility to efficiently
manage vegetation disposal.

Countywide Butte County, NRRWF, USFS, BLM,
CAL FIRE, PG&E, SPI, City of
Chico, City of Oroville, City of
Gridley, City of Biggs, and Town of
Paradise
• Assess the volume and types of
biomass generated through fuels
reduction in the county to
determine disposal needs.
• Procure additional chippers to
significantly enhance green waste
disposal capacity and efficiency.
• Conduct a comprehensive
feasibility study for the use of
biomass facilities to manage
green waste, evaluating safety,
environmental impact, and costeffectiveness.
• Explore and implement options to
expand biomass disposal sites,
prioritizing accessibility and
effectively addressing the needs
of the communities they serve.
• Actively engage the community in
discussions about biomass
disposal, gathering input on
preferences and addressing any
concerns.
• Allocate the necessary resources
and funding to support the
acquisition of equipment and the
construction of facilities.
• Initiate pilot programs to test the
effectiveness of various green
waste disposal methods and
collect data to inform decision
making.
o Example: Use green waste
as part of a garden mulch
process to enhance poor soil
conditions.
• Construct a biomass facility and
multi-purpose yard for wood
utilization and wood products.

Enhance regional
landscape resiliency by
increasing viability of
environmentally effective
green waste disposal
and use.

Conduct a comprehensive
review of the strategy on
an annual basis to
evaluate its effectiveness,
relevance, and financial
sustainability.

Make necessary revisions
to adapt to changing
conditions and incorporate
new best practices.
• USFS Wood Innovations Grant Program
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• California EPA Loans and Grants
• CAL FIRE Forest Health Grants
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #7 H Spring 2026 Hazard Tree and Vegetation
Survey and Mitigation
Conduct a comprehensive survey
and inventory of hazard trees and
areas of dense vegetation,
focusing on high-risk areas, to
guide targeted efforts for tree
removal, maintenance, and risk
reduction.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, California State
Parks, tribal governments, City of
Chico, City of Oroville, City of
Gridley, City of Biggs, Town of
Paradise, BCRCD, DWR
• Initiate a thorough survey and
inventory of hazard trees (dead
and dying trees) across all
jurisdictions, including private,
state, and federal lands.
• Compile, centralize, and share
existing information on hazard
trees to create a unified
database/hub.
o Example: Gather detailed
data on the location, species,
condition, and proximity to
infrastructure and buildings
of identified hazard trees.
• Create a data hub to facilitate
information and data sharing
between agencies.
• Prioritize the assessment of highrisk areas such as communities, roadways, and recreational sites
where hazard trees pose an
immediate threat.
• Create a detailed map and
database to record and store
information on hazard trees,
ensuring accessibility across
agencies.
• Classify hazard trees into different
risk categories to guide mitigation
efforts, focusing on the most
urgent cases.
• Develop a comprehensive hazard
tree mitigation plan outlining
strategies for tree removal,
maintenance, or treatment.
• Define responsibilities between
collaborating agencies to ensure
coordinated efforts. Develop and
implement a monitoring system to
track the progress of hazard tree
mitigation projects. Share results
with stakeholders and the public.

Reduce hazards posed
by potential trees and
stands that contribute to
extreme wildfire
behavior.

Enhance community and
firefighter safety and
improve wildfire
resilience.

Develop and implement a
monitoring system to track
the progress of hazard tree
mitigation projects and
ensure continued
effectiveness.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• NFPA Firewise Grants
• Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Grant
Program
RL #8 H Fall 2025 Firewise USA Communities
Develop Firewise USA recognized
communities within Butte County
to enhance fire safety and
resilience through community
engagement and education.

Butte County
communities
without
Firewise
designation
Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, tribal governments,
BCCG, City of Chico, City of Oroville,
City of Gridley, City of Biggs, and
Town of Paradise, DWR
• Collaborate with local community
leaders to develop Firewise USA
communities.
• Conduct community assessments
to identify fire safety needs and
implement the Firewise USA
program.
• Educate landowners on fire safety
practices.
• Form strong community
relationships and identify
community leaders to champion
fire safety initiatives.
• Provide incentives such as
insurance cost reductions to
encourage participation.

Educate landowners,
form community
relationships, identify
community leaders, and
provide insurance cost
reductions.

Enhance community
safety and resilience
through proactive fire
safety measures and
community involvement.

Regularly review and
update community fire
safety plans to ensure they
remain current and
effective.

Continuously monitor the
implementation of fire
safety measures and
conduct periodic
reassessments to address
evolving risks.
• Community Planning Assistance for
Wildfire (CPAW)
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
Grants (FP&S)
• Firewise Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Community Economic Resilience Fund
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #9 H Fall 2025 Countywide Chipper Program
Implement a countywide no-cost
chipper program for residents in
and adjacent to the WUI to reduce
hazardous fuels and incentivize
landowners to conduct fuels
reduction.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, tribal governments,
BCCG, City of Chico, City of Oroville,
City of Gridley, City of Biggs, and
Town of Paradise
• Conduct the countywide no-cost
chipper program to assist
residents in reducing hazardous
fuels.
o Focus on at-risk communities
within and adjacent to the
WUI.
• Provide incentives for landowners
to participate in fuels reduction
efforts.
• Explore integration with biomass
utilization and disposal programs.

Reduce hazardous fuels
in at-risk communities
and encourage
landowners to actively
participate in fuels
reduction.

Monitor participation rates
and assess the
effectiveness of the chipper
program to ensure it meets
community needs.

Conduct annual
evaluations to measure
impact and implement
improvements as needed.
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• Firewise Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant
• CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants
RL #10 H Fall 2025 Countywide Grazing Program
As appropriate, consider
countywide grazing for forest
health and fuels reduction, using
grazing as a maintenance tool in
completed project areas and as a
pre-fire fuels reduction method.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, tribal governments,
BCCG, City of Chico, City of Oroville,
City of Gridley, City of Biggs, and
Town of Paradise
• As appropriate, implement grazing
countywide for forest health and
fuels reduction.
• Explore collaboration options with
local homeowner associations
(HOAs), school districts, and other
landowners for annual grazing
programs.
• Develop local grazing
cooperatives to incentivize
landowners to participate or work
with contractors.
• Conduct research into the
effectiveness of grazing in forest
health, resource management,
and fuels reduction.

Enhance community
safety, improve
environmental resilience,
and reduce wildfire risks
through hazardous fuels
reduction in at-risk
communities.

Encourage landowners
to conduct fuels
reduction treatments.

Regularly monitor grazing
activities and their impact
to ecosystem processes,
forest health, and fuels
reduction.

Conduct periodic
assessments to evaluate
the effectiveness and make
necessary adjustments.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
RL #11 H Fall 2025 Success Story Development
and Tracking
Develop and track success stories
from individual and collaborative
projects and wildfire safety efforts
to highlight the effectiveness of
fuels treatment, forest health
restoration, and prescribed fire
initiatives.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, tribal governments,
BCCG, City of Chico, BEC, BCRCD,
DWR
• Work with partnering agencies,
stakeholders, community
members, and local media to
implement a system to track the
overall progress and outcomes of
various projects.
• Develop and document success
stories that showcase the
effectiveness of fuels treatment,
forest health restoration,
prescribed fire, and other
collaborative projects.
• Highlight both individual and
collaborative efforts across the
county.
• Conduct comprehensive research
on the effectiveness of different
treatment types and the impacts
of wildfire on completed projects.
• Analyze data to identify most
effective practices and areas for
improvement.
• Regularly update stakeholders
and the public on successful
initiatives through detailed reports
and presentations.

Increase awareness of
successful wildfire safety
and forest health
initiatives, promote best
practices, and
encourage continued
collaboration and
innovation.

Consistently track the
progress and impact of
documented projects,
updating success stories
with new data and
outcomes as they emerge.

Maintain a curated
repository of success
stories to serve as a
valuable resource for
reference and inspiration.
• CAL FIRE Forest Health Grants
• California EPA Loans and Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• California Climate Investments Fire
Prevention Grant Program (CAL FIRE)
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
• Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Grant
Program
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #12 H Fall 2025 Hazardous Fuels Reduction
Along Evacuation Routes
Implement hazardous fuels
reduction along evacuation routes
and maintain completed roadside
fuels reduction projects.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, tribal governments,
BCCG, City of Chico, City of Oroville,
City of Gridley, City of Biggs, Town
of Paradise, BCRCD, DWR
• Conduct comprehensive risk
assessments to identify high-risk
evacuation routes that require
hazardous fuels reduction.
o Prioritize routes based on
factors such as population
density, historical wildfire
data, and proximity to critical
infrastructure.
• Implement fuels reduction projects
along prioritized routes, using
methods such as mechanical
thinning, prescribed burns, and
debris removal to reduce fuel
loads.
• Ensure that all activities comply
with environmental regulations
and best practices to minimize
ecological impacts.
• Implement adaptive management
practices to refine and improve
maintenance strategies based on
monitoring data, vegetation
regrowth, and changing
conditions.
• Engage with tribal partners to
conduct treatments in and around
tribal communities.

Enhance the safety of
residents and
emergency responders
during wildfire events by
ensuring that evacuation
routes are free from
hazardous fuels and
well-maintained.

Develop a monitoring
system to track the
condition of evacuation
routes and the
effectiveness of fuels
reduction efforts.

Conduct regular
reassessments and
maintenance to ensure that
evacuation routes remain
safe and clear of
hazardous fuels.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
Grants (FP&S)
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Community Planning Assistance for
Wildfire (CPAW)
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #13 H Fall 2025 Invasive Species Control
Implement a comprehensive
invasive species control program
to manage and reduce the spread
of invasive plant species.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, tribal governments,
PG&E, BCCG, Chico State, BCCER,
City of Chico, City of Oroville, City of
Gridley, City of Biggs, Town of
Paradise, BEC, BCRCD, DWR
• Conduct comprehensive surveys
to identify and map the distribution
of invasive species across the
county, prioritizing post-fire areas
where invasive species infestation
is common.
o Use GIS technology to
create detailed maps of
invasive species hotspots
and prioritize areas for
control efforts.
• Develop and implement an
Integrated Pest Management Plan
that combines mechanical,
chemical, prescribed fire and
biological control methods.
o Mechanical control: Manual
removal, mowing, and tilling
to physically remove invasive
plants.
o Chemical control: Application
of herbicides in a targeted
and environmentally
responsible manner.
o Biological control:

Introduction of natural
predators or pathogens to
control invasive species
populations.
o Prescribed fire: Application of
controlled fire to the
landscape. Consider
prescribed fire as a treatment
option (see Chico Park’s
Department use to control
yellow star thistle).
• After invasive species removal,
implement restoration projects to
re-establish native vegetation and
ensure long-term habitat health.
• Engage and educate the
community about the importance
of invasive species control and
encourage participation in
volunteer removal efforts.

Protect native
ecosystems and
biodiversity by reducing
the spread of invasive
species.

Enhance wildfire
resilience by managing
invasive species that
contribute to increased
fuel loads.

Improve soil health and
water quality by
restoring native
vegetation.

Conduct regular surveys
and assessments to detect
new invasions and monitor
the success of restoration
projects.

Implement adaptive
management practices to
adjust control strategies
based on monitoring data,
vegetation regrowth, and
changing conditions.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• California EPA Loans and Grants
• CAL FIRE Forest Health Grants
• Landscape Scale Restoration
Competitive Grant Program
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #14 H Workforce Development and
Training
Conduct training for agencies and
organizations to increase capacity
in implementing forest health and
fuels reduction projects.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, Chico State,
BCCER, tribal governments, PG&E,

BCRCD, BCCG, BEC, DWR
• Develop and deliver
comprehensive training programs
that focus on forest health and
fuels reduction techniques,
incorporating a blend of practical
hands-on training, classroom
instruction, and field
demonstrations.
o Topics to include prescribed
burning, mechanical thinning,
invasive species control, and
ecological restoration.
• Provide essential resources and
support to agencies and
organizations to strengthen their
ability to implement projects
effectively.
• Foster strategic partnerships to
leverage expertise, facilitate
knowledge exchange, and
promote collaboration.
• Establish mentorship programs to
guide and develop the next
generation of professionals in the
field.

Build a skilled workforce
capable of addressing
wildfire risks and
promoting ecological
health.

Enhance the capacity of
local agencies and
organizations to manage
and implement complex
projects.

Evaluate training programs
to ensure they meet the
needs of participants and
adapt based on feedback.

Track the implementation
of skills and knowledge
gained through training to
measure impact.

Provide ongoing support
and advanced training
opportunities to maintain
and enhance skill levels.
• FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure
and Communities (BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
Grants (FP&S)
• EPA Environmental Education Grants
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
RL #15 H Implement Intentional Fire and
Sustain Countywide Prescribed
Burn Association (PBA)
Implement intentional fire
(e.g., broadcast burning, pile
burning, cultural fire, biochar) as a
maintenance tool for completed
project areas and as an initial
treatment in untreated areas to
promote ecological health and
reduce hazardous fuels
throughout the county.

Countywide Butte County RCD, Butte County,

BLM, CAL FIRE, USFS, BCFSC,
BCCG, Chico State, BCCER, City of
Chico, City of Oroville, City of
Gridley, City of Biggs, and Town of
Paradise, Tribal Fire Practitioners
• Implement prescribed burns with
landowners to increase
community capacity to reintroduce fire.
• Develop detailed plans for
prescribed fire and cultural
burning, including clear objectives,
methods, and safety protocols.
o Coordinate with tribal groups
to incorporate cultural
burning practices and
traditional ecological
knowledge (TEK).
• Secure necessary permits and
approvals from relevant
authorities and ensure all burns
are carried out under optimal
weather conditions to minimize
risks.
• Conduct prescribed and cultural
burns in targeted areas to reduce
hazardous fuels, enhance
ecological health, and promote
carbon sequestration through
biochar production.
• Support local community-scale
prescribed burning year-round,
increasing the pace and scale of
prescribed fire and offering
education to landowners.

Empower landowners to
conduct burns reducing
wildfire risks and
promoting ecological
health.

Enhance the capacity of
local organizations and
community members to
create resilient
communities.

Monitor burn areas to
assess the effectiveness
and ecological impact
using remote sensing and
field surveys.

Conduct follow-up
treatments as necessary to
maintain desired
conditions.

Regularly review and
update burn plans based
on monitoring data and
community feedback.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
Grants (FP&S)
• EPA Environmental Education Grants
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #16 H Butte County Prescribed Fire
Resource Team
Establish and train professional
teams to implement prescribed fire
projects, support Tribal and
community-led efforts, provide
education and outreach, and
enhance wildfire resilience while
increasing the pace, scale, and
affordability of prescribed fire
treatments.

Countywide Butte County RCD, BCFSC, USFS,
BLM, Tribal Fire Practitioners, City of
Chico, City of Oroville, City of
Gridley, City of Biggs, Town of
Paradise
• Create specialized teams with
trained professionals.
o Coordinate with tribal groups
to incorporate cultural
burning practices and
traditional ecological
knowledge (TEK).
• Build a professional workforce
pipeline through certifications,
hands-on training, mentorship,
and ongoing development in
prescribed fire management.
• Provide workshops, toolkits, and
technical assistance to empower
landowners, community groups,
and volunteers to conduct safe
and effective prescribed burns.
• Simplify the permitting process
though effective cross-agency
coordination.
• Develop comprehensive safety
plans, conduct risk assessments,
and train team members and
volunteers in fireline safety and
emergency response.
• Cross-train teams for wildfire
suppression and establish
partnerships with local fire
agencies to support emergency
response during peak wildfire
season.

Increase the pace and
scale of prescribed fire
implementation, while
lowering costs for
landowners and
agencies.

Build a skilled workforce
capable of addressing
wildfire risks and
promoting ecological
health.

Ensure ongoing training
and skill development for
the prescribed fire resource
teams.

Regularly review and
update burn plans based
on monitoring data and
community feedback.
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
Grants (FP&S)
• EPA Environmental Education Grants
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources RL #17 H Wildfire Hazard and Invasive
Species Reduction Project
Use alternative treatments and
methods for controlling the annual
growth of nonnative species.

Town of
Paradise
Town of Paradise, BCFSC, Butte
County RCD, CAL FIRE and
Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council
• The methods and practices for
multi-year plans to break the cycle
of annual growth are already
being developed in a project
between the Town of Paradise,
Paradise Ridge Fire Safe Council,
and Butte County Fire Safe
Council with technical assistance
from the Butte County Resource
Conservation District and Tribal
communities. The methods being
developed will use all tools
available such as grazing,
mastication, mowing, spraying,
pulling, soil sterilization, biochar,
and land clearing and planting of
selected strategic trees and native
vegetation to develop site-specific
multiyear prescriptions to reduce
or eliminate the immediate return
of invasive species and
encourage native species for the
following growing periods.
• This project will provide incentives
to the owners of lots to employ
methods that break the annual
return cycle of flammable
vegetation. These methods will
often be multiyear and multimethod applications to change the current paradigm of a vigorous
annual return of highly flammable
vegetation.

Protect homes and
thousands of people.

As needed. • Hazard Mitigation Grants
• CAL FIRE California Climate
Investments (CCI) Grants
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GOAL 2: FIRE-ADAPTED

COMMUNITIES
In this CWPP, recommendations for fire-adapted communities include public education and outreach actions and actions to reduce structural ignitability.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Actions on the landscape are only a partial solution to reducing wildfire hazard; public education and action are critical for reducing human-caused ignitions, reducing the ignition potential of homes, and community wildfire resilience. Lack of knowledge, lack of positive actions (e.g., failing to create adequate defensible space within the home ignition zone), and negative actions (e.g., keeping leaf litter and exposed propane tanks close to structures) all contribute to increased risk of loss.

Table 6.2 lists public education recommendations to be implemented in the county.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENGINEERING AND REDUCING

STRUCTURAL IGNITABILITY
In addition to recommendations for public education and outreach, Table 6.2 also provides a list of community-based recommendations to reduce structural ignitability. Studies have shown that burning vegetation beyond 120 feet of a structure is unlikely to ignite that property through radiant heat (Butler and Cohen 1996). Maintaining defensible space and protecting the home from ignition from embers, including maintaining covers over vents and other openings, is strongly advised to protect a home from ignition. If property owners have failed to provide mitigation efforts on their own land, the risk of home ignition remains high, and firefighter lives are put at risk when they carry out structural defense.

The importance of maintaining defensible space and reducing structural ignitability around residences is highlighted by the outcomes of recent inspections conducted within the Park Fire perimeter. A total of 173 defensible space inspections were conducted within the Park Fire perimeter 6 months before ignition, revealing that 105 residences were compliant and 68 were non-compliant. The survival rate for compliant residences was 89%, significantly higher than the 60% survival rate for non-compliant residences.

Historical data suggest that recent inspections could have potentially increased compliance among the non-compliant parcels. Furthermore, a review of 283 inspections older than 6 months shows a survival rate of 61% for compliant residences and 34% for non-compliant ones, underscoring the critical importance of recent defensible space inspections in enhancing the survivability of both compliant and non-compliant residences.

Supplemental detailed information regarding defensible space practices as well as a list of actions for reducing structural ignitability can be found in Appendix F.

Structural Ignitability Ordinances and Regulations
A crucial element of the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California is safeguarding structures in the event of a wildfire, as this is one of the most challenging and expensive assets to protect. The term "structural 295
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ignitability" refers to how likely a structure is to catch fire during a wildland fire. Factors that can contribute to igniting a fire include any materials that can easily catch fire from embers (CAL FIRE 2024i).

All landowners aiming to reduce the ignitability of their property should follow the regional guidelines tailored to their specific geographic and legislative context.

The Butte County Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance Chapter 38A mandates that all structures in unincorporated areas maintain a 5-foot perimeter free of combustible materials. This 5-foot perimeter, commonly referred to as the Ember Ignition Zone, is a critical area 5 feet from a structure where embers can ignite structures even before the main fire arrives (CAL FIRE 2024i). Maintaining this zone free of combustible materials significantly reduces the risk of ember ignition and subsequent structural loss.

At the state level, Chapter 7A of the California Building Code establishes regulations for building materials and construction methods to enhance wildfire resistance. These standards aim to increase a building’s resistance to flames and embers by specifying requirements for roofing, exterior walls, vents, windows, doors, and other exterior components. The regulations apply to new buildings in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone and WUI areas. Chapter 7A also outlines the requirements for vegetation management to create defensible space around structures.

California Public Resource Code (PRC) 4291 mandates that property owners in mountainous, forest, brush, and grass-covered areas maintain defensible space around structures to reduce wildfire risk. New or rebuilt structures must comply with all applicable building standards. The code provides guidance and requirements for best practices in carrying out fuel reduction activities aimed at reducing the risk of structure ignition and wildfire impacts to property. For a detailed summary of the practices specified in PRC 4291, please refer to Figure 6.2.

The implementation of any recommendations aimed at reducing structural ignitability must comply with Chapter 7A of the California Building Code and CA PRC 4291. A list of pertinent legislation is provided in Appendix A, Legislative Direction.
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Figure 6.2. California PRC 4291 Requirements vs. Butte County Chapter 38A. 297
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Table 6.2. Recommendations for Creating Fire-Adapted Communities (Public Education and Reducing Structural Ignitability) Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FAC #1 H Ongoing Public Education and
Community Engagement
Program
Continue to develop a
comprehensive public
education and community
engagement program to
reduce wildfire risks and
educate citizens about wildfire
hazards.

Countywide Butte County, local fire
safe councils, CAL FIRE,
BIA, local fire jurisdictions,
USFS, BLM, local nonprofit
organizations, tribal
governments, Butte County
Resource Conservation
District, City of Chico, City
of Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town of
Paradise, BEC, DWR
• Continue the Be Ready Butte campaign
with a comprehensive outreach plan that
addresses the County's unique
challenges. Use a mix of online and
offline communication channels
(e.g., social media, local organization
websites, bulk mailing, radio, local
newspapers) to ensure messaging
reaches all residents and visitors.
• Develop and distribute materials on
topics such as riparian fuels, buffer
strips, defensible space, fire-safe
landscaping, structural hardening, and
prescribed burning.
• Raise awareness about common human
ignition sources and the wildfire risks
associated with invasive plants.
• Ensure inclusivity and support for
vulnerable populations (e.g., disabled
residents, low-income individuals, tribal
members, non-English speakers) in
wildfire planning, preparedness, and
response efforts.
• Continue to expand collaborations with
local organizations such as Master
Gardeners and UC Extension.
• Partner with federal agencies, special
districts, community associations, fire
safe councils, schools, and nonprofits to
facilitate outreach efforts.
o Conduct educational campaigns for
prescribed fire and smoke impacts
and awareness.
• Engage with tribal communities in the
planning process to create targeted
outreach efforts and programs.
• Host evacuation preparedness
workshops, and test evacuation plans
through community-wide evacuation
tests.

Reduce the risk of
human-caused
wildfires and build
resilient
communities by
educating citizens
on wildfire hazards
and safety measures
and fostering
community
involvement.

Conduct regular reviews and timely
updates of outreach materials to keep
information relevant and impactful.

Monitor local engagement levels and
track participation in educational
programs to assess community reach
and effectiveness.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities
(BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
(FP&S) Grants
• EPA Environmental Education
Grants
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FAC #2 H Defensible Space Resident
Assistance Program, Fuels
Reduction Assistance
Program, and Small Forest
Landowner Assistance
Program
Implement the Resident
Assistance Program, Fuels
Reduction Assistance
Program, and Small Forest
Landowner Assistance
Program for defensible space
clearance countywide to
reduce hazardous fuels in the
defensible space zone.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA,

CAL FIRE, USFS, BCFSC,
BCRCD, tribal
governments, BCCG,
DWR
• Establish clear eligibility criteria to
determine which residents qualify for the
no-cost defensible space clearance
services, prioritizing low-income, elderly,
and disabled individuals.
• Ensure a streamlined application process
to ensure accessibility and ease for
residents.
• Identify priority residents (low-income,
elderly, or disabled) who require
assistance with defensible space
clearance.
o Engage in outreach efforts to inform
eligible residents about the program
and the application process.
o Partner with local organizations to
identify and reach those in need of
assistance.
• Offer no-cost defensible space clearance
services to priority residents, using
trained personnel and specialized
equipment to ensure safe and effective
clearance.
• Develop forest management plans and
reduce fuels to support landowners with
community resilience.
• Involve and engage tribal communities.

Reduce hazardous
fuels around homes,
reducing the
likelihood of wildfire
spreading to
structures and
increasing
countywide
resilience.

Support vulnerable
populations in
maintaining
defensible space.

Track and monitor program outcomes
to assess the effectiveness of
clearance efforts and ensure the
program meets its goals.

Offer periodic program updates and
feedback opportunities to residents,
ensuring continuous effectiveness and
improvement.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities
(BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• Firewise Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant
• CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants
FAC #3 H Countywide Home
Hardening
Implement countywide home
hardening techniques to
increase structure resilience to
wildfire.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA,

CAL FIRE, USFS, BCFSC,
tribal governments, BCCG,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town of
Paradise
• Provide personalized recommendations
and education on home hardening
techniques, including the use of fireresistant materials and design modifications.
• Assist landowners with the
implementation of home hardening
measures, such as replacing vents,
windows, siding, and roofing materials.
• Use skilled contractors to ensure highquality installations and provide financial assistance or incentives where possible.
• Establish bulk purchasing programs for
fire-resistant materials to reduce costs
for homeowners.
• Develop comprehensive educational
materials and conduct workshops to
inform residents about the benefits and
methods of home hardening.
• Promote the program through community
events, local media, and social media
platforms to reach a wide audience.
o Create demonstration projects to
showcase effective home hardening
techniques on social media and at
events.

Enhance home
resilience to wildfires
by educating
residents on
effective home
hardening
techniques to reduce
the risk of structural
damage during
wildfires.

Conduct follow-up assessments to
ensure the effectiveness of home
hardening measures.

Provide ongoing support and
education to residents, including
updates on new technologies and best
practices.

Establish a feedback mechanism for
homeowners to report issues or
improvements.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities
(BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• Community Development Block
Grants (CDBG)
• Firewise Grants
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
• Good Neighbor Citizenship Grant
• CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FAC #4 H Intentional Fire Education
Conduct education and
outreach to spread awareness
and understanding regarding
prescribed burning and smoke
impacts.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, CAL

FIRE, USFS, BIA, BCFSC,
BCRCD, tribal
governments, BCCG,
Chico State, BCCER, City
of Chico, City of Oroville,
City of Gridley, City of
Biggs, and Town of
Paradise, BEC, DWR
• Engage the community through public
meetings, workshops, and educational
materials to raise awareness about the
benefits and safety of intentional fire.
• Develop and implement public education
programs that explain the benefits of
prescribed fire, including its role in
wildfire risk reduction, ecological
restoration, and cultural preservation.
• Offer training and resources to
landowners interested in using
prescribed fire on their properties (i.e.,
Prescribed Fire Training Exchange).
• Host community events, such as open
houses and live burn demonstrations, to
increase public understanding and
support for prescribed fire efforts.
• Engage volunteers in the Butte County
Prescribed Burn Association and Butte
County Prescribed Fire Resource Team.

Promote public
knowledge and
safety through
increased education
relating to
prescribed fire.

Track participation and feedback
regarding educational materials.

Update materials as necessary with
changing conditions.
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
FAC #5 H Butte County Collaborative
Group Coordination
Conduct quarterly meetings for
wildfire safety and forest health
coordination, planning, and
education, and monthly forest
health tours to educate
community members, partners,
and agencies.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA,

CAL FIRE, USFS, BCFSC,
tribal governments, PG&E,
Butte County RCD, BCCG,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town of
Paradise, DWR
• Conduct quarterly meetings to coordinate
wildfire safety and forest health
initiatives, involving all relevant
stakeholders.
• Develop and update comprehensive
plans based on collaborative input and
new information.
• Establish working groups to address
specific issues and projects.
• Organize monthly forest health tours to
educate community members, partners,
and agencies.
• Provide hands-on learning opportunities
and demonstrations of best practices in
forest management and wildfire
mitigation.
• Develop and distribute educational
materials to support ongoing learning.

Enhance
coordination and
collaboration among
stakeholders and
foster a culture of
continuous learning
and adaptation.

Increase community
knowledge and
involvement in forest
health and wildfire
safety.

Track participation and feedback from
meetings and tours to assess the
effectiveness of the program.

Adjust the program based on
participant input and evolving needs.

Maintain records of meeting outcomes
and action items for accountability and
follow-up.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities
(BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
(FP&S) Grants
• EPA Environmental Education
Grants
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
FAC #6 H Development of Forest
Management Plans
Collaboratively develop Forest
Management Plans.

Countywide Butte County, BLM, BIA,

CAL FIRE, USFS, BCFSC,
tribal governments, PG&E,
Butte County RCD, BCCG,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, and Town of
Paradise, DWR
• Develop community-scale forest
management plans to educate
landowners on land management
techniques.
• Address specific needs and goals of
landowners, such as timber production,
wildlife habitat conservation, or
recreational use.
• Integrate best practices in sustainable
forest management, including selective
logging, prescribed burns, and invasive
species management.
• Ensure plans are aligned with local,
state, and federal regulations and
policies.

Educate community
members on
ecological benefits
of forest
management.

Provide technical,
digestible guidance
on forest
management
practices applied for
community
protection and
resilience.

Develop a monitoring framework to
track the progress and effectiveness of
the management plans.

Conduct regular field assessments to
evaluate forest health, biodiversity,
and other key indicators.

Use remote sensing and GIS tools to
monitor changes in forest cover and
land use patterns.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and Communities
(BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire Defense
Grants (CWDG)
• FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety
(FP&S) Grants
• EPA Environmental Education
Grants
• CAL FIRE Grant Programs
• California Fire Safe Council Grants
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GOAL 3: WILDFIRE RESPONSE
Goal 3 of the Cohesive Strategy/Western Regional Action Plan is Wildfire Response: All jurisdictions coordinate to implement safe, effective, risk-based management decisions.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING FIRE RESPONSE

CAPABILITIES
This section provides recommended actions that various agencies, as well as the public, could implement to support safe, effective wildfire response (Table 6.3). Recent wildfires in and around the county underscore the importance of safe and effective wildfire response and highlight the multifaceted challenges in responding to wildfire throughout the diverse landscapes present in the planning area. This intricate issue requires cooperation and collaborative efforts between various levels of government, response agencies, and the public.

Often during wildfire incidents, resources are stretched thin due to fire personnel committed to other ongoing fires. Increased community preparedness through education is a key factor in supporting local fire departments, in particular education regarding emergency notifications and evacuation protocols.

To learn more about public education and outreach programs, see Appendix F. 303
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Table 6.3. Recommendations for Safe and Effective Wildfire Response Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #1 H CWPP Project
Implementation
Support implementation of
projects identified in local,
county, and tribal CWPPs.

Countywide Butte County, CAL FIRE,

BIA, USFS, BCCG
membership
organizations, BCFSC,
local fire departments,
federal and tribal
governments, private
organizations and
companies, City of Chico,
City of Oroville, City of
Gridley, City of Biggs, and
Town of Paradise
• Promote continuous support and
implementation of various wildfire
management projects identified.
• Conduct regular reviews of the CWPPs to
identify priority projects.
• Coordinate with local agencies and
stakeholders to ensure alignment and
support.
• Implement identified projects through a
collaborative approach, leveraging
available resources and expertise.

Protect life and property through
coordinated wildfire
management.

Establish a cohesive planning
approach regarding wildfire
management.

Conduct annual maintenance and
updates to materials and project
plans.

Monitor progress through regular
reporting and evaluations, and
adjust strategies based on
feedback and changing
conditions.
• Community Planning
Assistance for Wildfire
(CPAW)
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) Grants
• FEMA Fire Prevention and
Safety (FP&S) Grants
• Firewise Grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• California Fire Safe Council
Grants
• Regional Forest and Fire
Capacity Grant Program
• Landscape Scale
Restoration Competitive
Grant Program (USFS)
• Butte Strong Fund
• California Climate
Investments Program
• California Forest
Improvement Program
FR #2 H Code Enforcement
Vegetation Abatement and
other local codes and
ordinance enforcement.

Countywide Butte County, City of
Chico, City of Oroville,
City of Gridley, City of
Biggs, and Town of
Paradise
• Enhance enforcement capacity of Butte
County Code 38A and other local
ordinances by securing increased funding
and personnel resources to effectively
follow through with court-ordered
hazardous vegetation abatement orders.
o Identify necessary funding allocations
required to cover the costs of courtordered abatement operations. • Provide specialized training for code
enforcement officers on wildfire risk
reduction, hazardous vegetation
identification, and effective abatement
practices.
• Establish an efficient system for tracking
violations, enforcement actions, and
compliance progress, ensuring
accountability and timely follow-up.
• Provide educational resources to
landowners on vegetation management
requirements and compliance
expectations, fostering proactive
community involvement.
o Outline clear consequences and
issue court-ordered hazardous
vegetation abatement orders.

Protect life and property through
effective vegetation
management.

Provide a mechanism for
enforcement of Chapter 38A on
chronically non-compliant
parcels.

Implement routine inspections in
high-risk areas to identify
hazardous vegetation early and
prevent escalation of risks.

Regularly update training and
resources for code enforcement
officers.

Conduct routine monitoring and
evaluation of enforcement
activities.
• Community Planning
Assistance for Wildfire
(CPAW)
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) Grants
• FEMA Fire Prevention and
Safety (FP&S) Grants
Firewise grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• California Fire Safe Council
Grants
• Regional Forest and Fire
Capacity Grant Program
• Landscape Scale
Restoration Competitive
Grant Program (USFS)
• Federal Earmark
• Butte Strong Fund
• California Climate
Investments Program
• California Forest
Improvement Program
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #3 H Public Assembly Points
Establish signage for public
assembly points in alignment
with local planning efforts.

Countywide Butte County Office of
Emergency Management,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town
of Paradise
• Use existing planning and resources from
local agencies to identify high-risk areas
and address needs for signage and
opportunities for public assembly points.
• Conduct joint planning sessions to ensure
all stakeholders are aligned with the
evacuation strategies and understand their
roles and responsibilities.
• Engage with local emergency
management agencies, fire departments,
law enforcement, and community
organizations.
• Incorporate input from community
members to address specific needs and
concerns.
• Install clear, durable, and reflective
signage that can be easily seen in various
conditions, including low visibility due to
smoke or darkness.
• Identify safe locations within the
community that can serve as public
assembly points for individuals who may
not be able to evacuate immediately.
• Conduct community education programs
and distribute printed and digital materials.

Improve the efficiency and safety
of evacuations for residents and
first responders.

Conduct periodic maintenance
and replacement of signage.

Update sign locations as the
evacuation plan is updated.

Regularly review and improve
evacuation plans based on
feedback and drills.
• Community Planning
Assistance for Wildfire
(CPAW)
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) Grants
Firewise grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• Challenge Cost Share Grant
Program
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Federal Earmark
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• FEMA Fire Prevention and
Safety (FP&S) Grants
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• Butte Strong Fund
FR #4 H Fire Department Staffing
Increase fire department
career personnel staffing to
meet newly established
minimum standards.

Countywide All Fire Departments
Countywide
• Conduct a staffing needs assessment to
determine optimal personnel levels based
on response times, call volume, and
community risk factors.
• Increase current staffing model minimum
staffing needs:
o Three firefighters per apparatus, in
alignment with other local municipal
fire departments.
o Provide for one career-staffed water
tender every day, year-round.
• Evaluate fire station staffing needs based
on populations growth.
• Implement a mentorship program to
support new hires, increase retention, and
foster career development within the
department.
• Develop retention initiatives like
continuous training, career advancement
opportunities, and wellness programs to
ensure long-term workforce stability.
• Provide training and resources to ensure
readiness and effectiveness.

Improve wildland fire initial and
extended attack capabilities.

Reduce damage caused by
wildfires through increased
response times and resource
availability.

Reduce likelihood of firefighter
injuries and fatalities through
increased support.

Leverage technology and data to
monitor staffing impacts on
response times and adjust
staffing goals as community
needs evolve.

Regularly review and adjust
staffing models based on needs
and budget.
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters (AFG) Grants
• Firewise grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• GSA-Federal Excess
Personal Property (GSA)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Federal Earmark
• FEMA Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) Grants
• Revenue measures such as
sales or property tax
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #5 H Fire Department Volunteer
Personnel Staffing
Increase the number of
volunteer firefighters through
enhanced recruitment and
retention activities.

Countywide Butte County Fire
Department
• Increase recruitment and retention
activities such as:
o Billboard advertising
o Radio advertising
o TV advertising
o Newspaper advertising
o Social media advertising
o Direct community outreach
o Certification incentive program
• Regularly recognize and celebrate the
contributions of volunteer firefighters
through awards, public acknowledgments,
and appreciation events.
• Establish a mentorship program where
experienced volunteers guide and support
new recruits.

Augment career firefighter
staffing structure to ensure timely
response to emergencies when
career firefighters are committed
to other emergencies.

Track metrics such as the
number of new recruits, retention
rates, and volunteer satisfaction
surveys.

Stay informed about best
practices and innovative
approaches in volunteer
recruitment and retention.

Maintain open lines of
communication with volunteers to
understand their needs,
concerns, and suggestions.
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters (AFG) Grants
• Firewise Grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• GSA-Federal Excess
Personal Property (GSA)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program Grant
Funding
• Federal Earmark
• FEMA Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) Grants
FR #6 H Defensible Space Inspection
(DSI) Positions
Establish dedicated
(permanent) DSI positions,
including a Defensible Space
Fire Captain and Defensible
Space Inspectors.

Countywide Butte County Fire
Department, Chico Fire
Department, Paradise
Fire Department, and
Oroville Fire Department.
• Assess the current need for dedicated DSI
positions by analyzing wildfire risk data,
community compliance levels, and existing
inspection capacities.
o Determine the optimal structure and
number of DSI positions required to
effectively cover the county.
• Launch a targeted recruitment campaign
to attract qualified candidates through job
boards, professional networks, and local
advertising.
• Equip DSI personnel with the necessary
tools and technology, such as GIS
mapping software, mobile inspection apps,
and communication devices, to enhance
their efficiency and effectiveness.
• Conduct regular inspections of properties
to ensure compliance with Butte County
Code Chapter 38A and PRC 4291.
• Organize community workshops staffed
with new DSI employees, informational
sessions, and outreach programs to
educate residents about the importance of
defensible space and how to achieve
compliance.
o Develop and distribute educational
materials.

Strengthen fire prevention and
protection efforts to safeguard
communities and valuable
resources using proactive code
enforcement and strategic
mitigation measures.

Establish a system for routine
monitoring and evaluation of the
DSI program's effectiveness,
including key performance
indicators.

Conduct regular reviews and
audits of inspection reports and
enforcement actions to ensure
accuracy and consistency.

Solicit feedback from property
owners and community
members.
• Federal Earmark
• FEMA Fire Prevention and
Safety (FP&S) Grants
• Cal OES Proposition 4
(Prop 4) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• FEMA Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) Grants
• California Fire Safe Council
Grants
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Action, Implementation, &
Mitigation Grant Funding
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #7 H Wildfire Preparedness
Positions
Establish a dedicated
(permanent) Community
Wildfire Preparedness
battalion within the current
Resource and Vegetation
Management office.

Countywide Butte County Fire
Department, CAL FIRE
• Conduct feasibility studies to determine
the need and structure for the Community
Wildfire Preparedness battalion.
• Recruit and hire a Battalion Chief, GIS
specialist, and administrative assistant.
o Implement programs to manage PreFire and Defensible Space Programs, coordinate efforts, and
provide administrative and GIS
support.

Redirect workload from Fire
Prevention Bureau and VMP
Battalion Chiefs.

Enhance code enforcement
coordination with a single point of
contact.

Provide administrative and GIS
support to specialized personnel,
alleviating non-specialized tasks.

Conduct routine monitoring and
evaluation of the battalion's
activities and effectiveness.

Regularly update training and
resources for battalion personnel.

Ensure continuous funding and
support for the battalion's
programs.
• Federal Earmark
• FEMA Fire Prevention and
Safety (FP&S) Grants
• Cal OES Proposition (Prop
4) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• FEMA Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency
Response (SAFER) Grants
• California Fire Safe Council
Grants
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Action, Implementation, &
Mitigation Grant Funding
FR #8 H WUI Pre-Plans
Use GIS data and specialized
software to develop WUI
pre-plans for public safety
agencies.

Countywide Butte County Fire
Department, CAL FIRE,
Chico Fire Department,
Paradise Fire
Department, and Oroville
Fire Department.
• Use GIS data and specialized software to
display community-specific attributes
pertinent to responding resources such as:
o Water sources
o Evacuation zones and routes
o Public gathering points
o Historical fire line data
o Recently completed fuel treatments
o Target hazards
o Routes of travel
o Building footprints
o Radio frequencies
• Collaborate with fire departments,
emergency management, local
government, and community groups to
gather insights and define roles.
• Create contingency plans for high-risk
scenarios, including limited access routes,
roadblocks, and challenging terrain.
• Develop digital and printed copies of data
and maps for responding resources.
• Post data to common operating platforms
such as Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) on
vehicles.
• Conduct hands-on training and simulated
exercise.

Improve situational awareness
and operational efficiency of
responders and improve
coordination of efforts amongst
agencies.

Conduct annual reviews of the
WUI pre-plan to ensure data
accuracy and incorporate lessons
learned from recent fire events.

Adjust the plan as community
demographics, vegetation
conditions, and fire risk factors
evolve.
• Emergency Management
Performance Grant (EMPG)
(FEMA)
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) Grants
• FEMA Fire Prevention and
Safety (FP&S) Grants
• Firewise Grants
• CAL Fire Grant Programs
• California EPA Loans and
Grants Grant Funding
• Federal Earmark
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #9 H Communication
Infrastructure Repairs
Repairing, upgrading, and
maintaining the public safety
communications infrastructure.

Countywide Butte County; Butte
County Fire Department,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town
of Paradise
• Evaluate the current condition of public
safety communications infrastructure,
identifying weak points, outdated
equipment, and areas with inadequate
coverage.
• Repair existing infrastructure damaged or
rendered inoperable due to recent
disasters.
• Develop a phased plan to address the
most critical repairs first, ensuring that
essential systems are operational and
reliable.
• Upgrade existing equipment and install
new equipment in strategic locations to
support countywide multi-agency
interoperability both amongst fire
protection agencies and between various
public agencies such as law enforcement,
public works, etc.
• Update communication protocols to reflect
the capabilities of the enhanced
infrastructure.

Enhance emergency response
efficiency, responder safety, and
communication during mutual aid
and multi-jurisdictional incidents.

Create a routine inspection and
maintenance schedule to ensure
continuous functionality of
communication equipment and
infrastructure.

Perform regular testing,
calibration, and upgrades to
prevent system failures and
maintain optimal performance.
• Action, Implementation, &
Mitigation Grant Funding
• Federal Earmark
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) Grants
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• FEMA Rehabilitation
Program for Communities
(RPC)
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #10 H Countywide Water Supply
Needs
Evaluate the level of need and
potential solutions for water
supply throughout the county,
including rural area, urban
areas, and particularly where
water resources are limited of
difficult to access. Install
remote area water supply
systems for firefighting and
develop redundant water
supply systems to ensure
continuous availability during
hydrant outages or reservoir
repairs.

Countywide Butte County; Butte
County Fire Department,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, Town of
Paradise, BEC, and local
water service providers
• Analyze rural and urban areas near critical
infrastructure for water shortages during
emergencies, considering population
density, wildfire risk, and proximity to
water sources.
• Collaborate with local fire departments,
emergency agencies, water districts, and
community leaders to gather input on
water supply challenges.
• Explore solutions such as
o Additional hydrants or hydrant
backup systems
o Water storage tanks or reservoirs in
strategic locations
o Draft sites at natural water sources,
o Partnerships with private water
sources.
• Develop and install redundant water
supply systems throughout the county,
prioritizing rural areas and locations with
challenging access.
o Ensure this system includes
temporary water storage solutions,
such as dip tanks, pumps, and
cisterns, strategically placed to meet
firefighting demands.
• Establish a backup plan for hydrant
outages and explore residential water
storage options, such as tanks or pools, to
assist with structure protection during
emergencies.
• Create a phased implementation plan,
establish a maintenance schedule, update
emergency response plans, and train
responders on using rural water supply
infrastructure.
o Develop a countywide GIS map
cataloging all water resources,
accessible to all firefighting agencies.

Enhance the resilience and
safety of rural and urban areas
near critical infrastructure through
reliable water supply options for
emergency response.

Alleviate public and agency
concerns for limited water supply
in certain areas during times of
drought or hydrant outages.

Conduct periodic reviews of
water supply needs and adjust
plans and infrastructure to meet
evolving requirements.

Monitor the effectiveness of
implemented solutions and
evaluate the efficiency of
redundant systems.
• Action, Implementation, &
Mitigation Grant Funding
• Federal Earmark
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) Grants
• California EPA Loans and
Grants
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Firewise Grants
• Emergency Management
Performance Grant (EMPG)
(FEMA)
FR #11 H Fleet Modernization
Evaluate, modernize, and
expand the firefighting fleet to
enhance response capabilities.

Countywide All fire departments
countywide
• Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of
the fleet to identify vehicles nearing the
end of their useful life or requiring frequent
maintenance.
• Develop a strategic plan for replacing or
acquiring vehicles based on operational
needs, usage patterns, and anticipated
service demands.
• Decommission or reassign underutilized
vehicles to locations where they can be
used more effectively, improving response
capability and fleet efficiency.
• Focus on updating the fleet with modern,
reliable vehicles to enhance performance
and reduce maintenance needs.
• Increase the availability of specialized
wildland response vehicles, including:
o ICS Type 3 fire engines
o ICS Type 6 fire engines
o Water tenders
Enhance cost-effective fleet
management through proactive
assessment, maintenance, and
modernization.

Improve community resilience
through greater response
capabilities.

Regularly evaluate fleet condition
and performance.

Implement a strategic
maintenance and upgrade
schedule to ensure all fleet
vehicles remain in peak
operational condition.

Continuously monitor and assess
the impact of fleet modernization
and expansion initiatives to
ensure they meet performance
goals.
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• Firewise Grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• GSA-Federal Excess
Personal Property (GSA)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program Grant
Funding
• California Air Resources
Board Carl Moyer Grant
Program
• Federal Earmark
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #12 H Fire Line Qualified Bulldozer
Team
Acquire a bulldozer that meets
fire line specifications, along
with a transport truck, and hire
sufficient heavy fire equipment
operators to provide 24-hour
coverage throughout the year.

Countywide Butte County Fire
Department
• Purchase a bulldozer that meets fire line
specifications similar to those used by
CAL FIRE.
• Acquire a transport truck capable of
moving the bulldozer to various locations
as needed.
• Recruit and hire qualified heavy fire
equipment operators.
• Ensure staffing levels are sufficient to
provide 24-hour coverage year-round.
• Ensure a bulldozer is always staffed and
available for deployment in Butte County.

Build community resilience.

Increase capacity to implement
fuel reduction projects throughout
the county.

Conduct regular maintenance
and inspections of the bulldozer
and transport truck to ensure
operational readiness.
• Butte Strong Fund
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• California Air Resources
Board Carl Moyer Grant
Program
• Firewise Grants
• Federal Earmark
FR#13 H Establish and Maintain a
County/Local Government
Level Aerial Firefighting
Program
Ensure availability of locally
dispatched firefighting aircraft
for use within Butte County.

Countywide Butte County Fire
Department
• Collaborate with private, local, state, and
federal agencies to establish and maintain
Exclusive Use Aircraft Agreements.
• Explore opportunities to expand existing
Exclusive Use Aircraft Agreements to
include additional aircraft and resources.
• Ensure that firefighting aircraft are locally
dispatched and available for immediate
response within Butte County.
• Explore opportunities to acquire
firefighting aircraft such as helicopters and
establish an aerial firefighting program
capable of water dropping and fire
personnel transportation, as well as
rescue (longline, hoist, etc.) and
emergency transportation of injured
firefighters.
• Explore opportunities to acquire remote
sensing aircraft that provides advanced
intelligence data such as Fire Integrated
Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS)
and infrared (IR) imagery.
• Recruit and hire qualified aircraft pilots
and fire suppression personnel to operate
and staff aircraft.

Ensure the availability of
firefighting aircraft within Butte
County, even when local CAL
FIRE or USFS aircraft are
committed to other incidents, to
maintain rapid response
capability and enhance local fire
suppression resources.

Conduct routine maintenance
and inspections to ensure aircraft
are operational and ready for
deployment.

Evaluate feedback mechanism
with incident commanders.
• Butte Strong Fund
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• Firewise Grants
• Federal Earmark
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #14 H Fall 2025 Limited Access Issues
Resolve limited access issues
and incorporate solutions into
the General Plan's Safety
Element (circulation) for
improved safety and
accessibility.

Countywide Butte County, private
landowners, CAL FIRE,
USFS, BCFSC, SPI, tribal
governments, BCCG,
BIA, City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town
of Paradise
• Conduct periodic reevaluation of high-risk
roads for maintenance and clearance
efforts, focusing on roads critical for safe
ingress and egress.
o Identify new high-risk roads as
environmental conditions change
throughout the county.
• Prioritize projects for fire access roads,
and establish regular maintenance
schedules to address vegetation, debris,
regrowth cycles, and road surface
conditions.
• Establish partnerships with private entities
(e.g., PG&E, SPI).
• Promote resident involvement in clearing
vegetation along rights-of-way.
• Maintain and improve turnarounds for first
responders, enhance alternative access
routes on backroads, and ensure bridges
meet load-bearing safety standards
through assessment and necessary
upgrades.
• Establish vegetation management
programs and existing plans from
agencies responsible for right-of-way
management.
• Work with local planners, media, and
community figures to communicate
evacuation plans for communities with
limited access.
• Install clear and informative directional
signage in communities with dead ends,
cul-de-sacs, and complex layouts to aid
navigation for emergency responders.
• Continue to collaborate with Butte County
and local jurisdiction planners and
community stakeholders to ensure that
future development accounts for improved
access and safety considerations.
• Establish an active communication
channel allowing residents to file concerns
to authorities regarding road maintenance
and access issues.
o Consider hosting community
meetings, opening up phone lines,
and establishing webpages for online
submittals.

Provide safe and effective means
of evacuation in case of
emergencies.

Enhance community and
firefighter safety.

Improve accessibility and
infrastructure resilience.

Establish feedback mechanism to
allow the public to identify
concerns and express needs.

Conduct regular monitoring and
maintenance to keep roads
accessible for resident vehicles
and necessary emergency
response vehicles.

Reassess and update evacuation
plans and make targeted
infrastructure improvements to
enhance emergency
preparedness and safety.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC) Grants
• FEMA Fire Management
Assistance Grant (FMAG)
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #15 M Fire Facility Modernization
and Relocation
Upgrade and modernize fire
stations to current standards in
order to accommodate current
and future staffing models and
relocate existing facilities to
more strategic locations.

Countywide Butte County, CAL FIRE • Relocate Station 41 north of Chico to existing county-owned land that is
strategically located.
o Identify and secure the county-owned
land for the new station.
o Design and construct the fire station
with modern facilities and equipment.
• Relocate station 44 in South Chico to
strategically located land to be
determined.
o Identify and secure strategically
located land for the new station.
o Design and construct the fire station
with modern facilities and equipment.
• Evaluate need to update and modernize
existing facilities to meet current industry
standards and provide appropriate
facilities for current and future staffing
needs.
• Evaluate existing administrative facilities
and acquire, lease, or otherwise obtain
sufficient office, storage, training, and
parking space to support current fire
department administrative needs for fire
suppression, fire prevention, fire law
enforcement, vegetation management,
defensible space inspection, public
information/community engagement, and
other community wildfire protection related
programs.

Protect life and property through
improved response times and
resource availability.

Conduct continuous monitoring of
available funding sources to
ensure project completion.

Conduct regular maintenance
and updates to the station and its
equipment.

Evaluate response times and
effectiveness periodically to
ensure objectives are met.
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• Firewise Grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• GSA-Federal Excess
Personal Property (GSA)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Federal Earmark
• Butte Strong Fund
FR #16 Install and Maintain Remote
Automated Weather Stations
(RAWS)
Install RAWS throughout the
county to ensure
comprehensive weather data
coverage and accurate
collection.

Countywide Butte County, CAL FIRE,
USFS
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment to
identify optimal locations for RAWS
installation based on historical fire data,
topography, and vegetation.
• Integrate RAWS data into the county's
emergency management and wildfire
monitoring systems.
• Establish a centralized data management
system to collect, store, and analyze
weather data from all RAWS units.

Improve the county's ability to
detect and respond to wildfire
threats through real-time weather
monitoring.

Support long-term wildfire
research and planning efforts
with comprehensive weather
data.

Conduct periodic reviews and
maintenance of RAWS units to
ensure they are functioning
correctly and providing accurate
data.
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• Firewise Grants
• National Urban and
Community Forest Program
• GSA-Federal Excess
Personal Property (GSA)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Federal Earmark
• Butte Strong Fund
FR #17 Command and Control
Redundancy
Ensure continuity of operations
and increase in capabilities
during expanding incidents.

Countywide CAL FIRE, Butte County,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
Town of Paradise, and
City of Biggs
• Establish a facility containing a backup
dispatch center for continuity of operations
(COOP).
• Acquire and equip a site for an Emergency
Operations Center (EOC).
• Ensure capabilities for the implementation
of a Virtual Emergency Operations Center
(VEOC).

Provide robust and failsafe
communications and dispatching
systems in the event of system
failure or disaster requiring
evacuation of emergency
command center.

Ensure that command and
control can be expanded to meet
needs of growing incidents.

Regularly reevaluate personnel,
equipment, and facilities
capabilities while implementing
updates and training as required.

Ensure a maintenance schedule
is followed.
• FEMA Emergency
Management Performance
Grant (EMPG)
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC)
• California Fire Safe Council
Grant Programs
• California Department of
Conservation – Regional
Forest and Fire Capacity
Grant Program
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• Butte Strong Fund
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #18 UAS Capabilities
Expand and maintain UAS
capabilities.

Countywide CAL FIRE, Butte County,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
Town of Paradise, and
City of Biggs
• Increase drones and pilots for operations.
• Maintain UAS fleet.
• Expand capabilities of UAS fleet providing
increase in mission parameters.

Allow agencies to gather,
process, and utilize aerial
sensory information for fire
planning and operational
suppression of fire and mitigation
of other emergencies.

Give UAS pilots the ability to
move equipment and supplies to
line personnel in a timely
manner.

Enable aerial ignitions with UAS.

Ensure consistent training of
personnel.

Maintain and upgrade UAS
hardware and software to meet
the needs of the agencies.

Continually research and
implement new technologies that
would benefit the mission.
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• Federal Excess Personal
Property (FEPP)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
• Environmental Systems
Research Institute (Esri),
Inc. Grants
FR #19 Fire Lookout Cameras
Increase the number of and
maintain fire lookout cameras.

Countywide CAL FIRE, Butte County,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town
of Paradise
• Install new camera locations and maintain
current cameras.
• Implement new and emerging
technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Provide real-time information to
dispatch centers and field
personnel for early warning
detection of fire, tactical
operations, and safety.

Repair or replace cameras as
necessary.

Install new cameras where
needed to ensure full coverage.
• FEMA Fire Prevention and
Safety Grants (FP&S)
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants (AFG)
• California Department of
Conservation – Regional
Forest and Fire Capacity
Grant Program
• California Fire Safe Council
Grant Programs
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• Butte Strong Fund
FR #20 Incident Call Center
Establish a 211 system for
increased information sharing
with the public.

Countywide CAL FIRE, Butte County,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town
of Paradise, BEC
• Establish a facility and provide staffing. Provide the public information about emergency incidents in a
timely manner.

Regularly review of staffing and
training.

Upgrade and maintain equipment
and facilities as needed.

Engage in regular training
exercises.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC)
• FEMA Emergency
Management Performance
Grant (EMPG)
• California Fire Safe Council
Grant Programs
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• Butte Strong Fund
FR #21 Emergency Apparatus
Information Delivery
Increased communications and
safety during an incident for
responding personnel.

Countywide CAL FIRE, Butte County,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Gridley,
City of Biggs, and Town
of Paradise
• Improve Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL)
and Mobile Data Terminal (MDT)
functionality and data availability.
• Upgrade and update connectivity to field
resources.
• Expand GIS capabilities to deliver
additional mapping products to field
personnel.

Ensure the communications
network during an incident,
providing safety and tactical
information. Ensure situational
awareness for responding
personnel.

Upgrade and maintain
communications equipment
regularly.

Ensure the most effective
technology are implemented for
safety and efficacy.
• FEMA Assistance to
Firefighters Grants
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program
• FEMA Emergency
Management Performance
Grant
• GSA-Federal Excess
Personal Property (GSA)
• Federal Excess Personal
Property (FEPP)
• California Fire Foundation
Grant Program
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Project ID Status Priority
(H,M,L)
Timeline for
Action Project Description Location Land Ownership/ Lead Agency Methodology/Approach Serves To: Monitoring/Maintenance Requirements Funding Sources FR #22 Improve County GIS
Capacity
Bolster GIS capacity for
improved data sharing and
maintenance.

Countywide Butte County, Chico
State, NSPDC
• Provide damage inspection (DINS) data to
county entities.
• Improve County GIS ability to process
structure damage data for building
department during incidents.
• Provide additional training and capacity for
GIS personnel.
• Expand GIS resources available during
emergencies by increasing GIS
department staffing and providing GIS
cross-training to existing staff members.
• Replace and upgrade GIS software,
hardware, and other infrastructure to
support modern and emerging GIS
functionality.

Provide for timely evaluation of
damaged structures facilitating
expedited repopulation of
affected areas.

Regularly assess GIS software
and staffing needs for adequacy.
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• FEMA Emergency
Management Performance
Grant (EMPG)
• California Fire Safe Council
Grant Programs
• Esri Environmental Systems
Research Institute, Inc.

Grants
FR #23 Evacuation Routes and Zone
Planning
Establish evacuation planning
for increased safety for the
public.

Countywide CAL FIRE, Butte County,
City of Chico, City of
Oroville, City of Biggs,
City of Gridley, and Town
of Paradise
• Establish and maintain an up-to-date
evacuate plan throughout Butte County.

Provide for public safety by
ensuring they are informed about
escape routes, safety zones,
temporary refuge areas. Ensure
zones and routes are up to date.

Monitor changes in the local
transportation system and fire
environment to understand when
plan updates are necessary.
• FEMA Building Resilient
Infrastructure and
Communities (BRIC)
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• FEMA Emergency
Management Performance
Grant (EMPG)
• USFS Community Wildfire
Defense Grant (CWDG)
• California Fire Safe Council
Grant Programs
FR #24 H TOP Emergency Operations
Center Information Project
Research and purchase
equipment for the TOP
Emergency Operations Center
that would provide the highest
level of information gathering
and displays to maintain realtime operational awareness during emergency situations.

Town of
Paradise
Town of Paradise in
cooperation with the Butte
County Sheriff’s Office
and Butte County Office
of Emergency
Management, CAL FIRE
• Design the system to provide redundancy
and resilience to communication system
breakdowns and cyber threats. Provide
multiple channels for communicating with
the public using platforms from low to high
tech. Examples include Alert FM and
General Mobile Service Radio (GMRS)
radio and HAM radio.
• Integrate the project into the existing
communication and notification systems
such as Code Red, IPAWS, the Town’s 21
Tower Early Warning System and the
Town’s Emergency Management
Program.

Save lives during wildfire
evacuations and other
emergencies that require
immediate notification of threats
to the public.

As needed. • FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HMGP)
• CAL FIRE CCI Grants
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Page | 163 Table of Contents
CHAPTER 7 – MONITORING

AND EVALUATION
All stakeholders and signatories to this CWPP desire worthwhile outcomes. It is also known that risk reduction work on the ground, for the most part, is often not attainable in a few months—or even years.

The amount of money and effort invested in implementing a plan such as this requires that there be a means to describe, quantitatively and/or qualitatively, whether the goals and objectives expressed in this plan are being accomplished according to expectations.

Monitoring and reporting contribute to the long-term evaluation of changes in ecosystems, as well as the knowledge base about how natural resource management decisions affect both the environment and the people who live in it. Furthermore, as the CWPP evolves over time, there may be a need to track changes in policy, requirements, stakeholder changes, and levels of preparedness. These can be significant for any future revisions and/or addendums to the CWPP and will be facilitated through use of the project tracker.

Developing an action plan and an assessment strategy that identifies roles and responsibilities, funding needs, and timelines for completing highest-priority projects is an important step in organizing the implementation of the Butte County CWPP. The previous chapter identifies tentative timelines and monitoring protocols for project recommendations, the details of which are outlined below. The CWPP hub site and associated story map and project tracking tool are designed to help sustain the plan and encourage frequent updates and monitoring of the recommended projects. They also increase transparency to the public, showing the actions of land managers and agencies toward wildfire mitigation and thereby building community buy-in and support.

It is recommended that project monitoring be a collaborative effort. There are many resources for designing and implementing community-based, multi-party monitoring that could support and further inform a basic monitoring program for the CWPP (Egan 2013).

Table 7.1 identifies monitoring strategies for various aspects of all categories of CWPP recommendations and the effects of their implementation, both quantifiable and non-quantifiable, for assessing the progress of the CWPP and increasing sustainability of projects. It must be emphasized that these strategies are 1) not exhaustive and 2) dependent on available funds and personnel to implement them. 317
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Table 7.1. Recommended Monitoring Strategies
Strategy Task/Tool Suggested Lead Remarks
Project tracking system
Online web app to track
hazardous fuels projects
spatially, integrating wildfire
risk layer to show progress
towards wildfire hazard and
risk reduction. Web app will
include attribute tables that
outline project details.

BCFSC
Interactive tool will
be easily updated
and identify areas
that require
additional efforts.

Photographic record (documents
pre- and post-fuels reduction work,
evacuation routes, workshops,
classes, field trips, changes in open
space, treatment type, etc.)
Establish field GPS location;
photo points of cardinal
directions; keep photos
protected in archival location.

CAL FIRE Butte Unit,
Butte County, BCFSC
Relatively low cost;
repeatable over
time; used for
programs and
tracking objectives.

Number of acres treated (by fuel
type, treatment method, location,
effectiveness, changes in wildfire
hazard)
GPS/GIS/fire behavior
prediction system
CAL FIRE Butte Unit,
BCFSC
Evaluate costs,
potential fire
behavior.

Number/percentage of home ignition
zones/defensible space treated to
reduce structural ignitability
GPS Property owners Structure protection
Community participation and
engagement in wildfire risk reduction
activities
Meetings, media interviews,
articles
CAL FIRE Butte Unit,
BCFSC
Evaluate culture
change objective.

Number of property owner contacts
(brochures, flyers, posters, etc.) Visits, phone CAL FIRE Butte Unit, Butte County, BCFSC Evaluate objective.

Number of jobs created and
investments made in
staff/organizational capacity for
program implementation
Contracts and grants CAL FIRE Butte Unit,
Butte County, BCFSC
Evaluate local job
growth and
capacity for
implementation.

Education outreach: launch
mitigation program campaign (track
number of participants in person and
online, kinds of involvement)
Workshops, classes, field trips,
signage, social media, website
CAL FIRE Butte Unit,
Butte County, BCFSC
Evaluate
objectives.

Track investments in local per capita
spending on hazard mitigation
projects
Contracts, local/state/federal
funding sources and grants
CAL FIRE Butte Unit,
Butte County, BCFSC
Ensure adequate
funding.

Emergency management: changes
in agency response capacity,
efficiencies in emergency response
and evacuation planning times
Collaboration Agency representative
Evaluate response
capabilities and
mutual aid.

Codes and policy changes affecting
CWPP Qualitative Butte County CWPP changes
Number of stakeholders Added or dropped CAL FIRE Butte Unit, Butte County, BCFSC CWPP changes
Wildfire acres burned, human
injuries/fatalities, structure loss,
infrastructure loss, environmental
damage, suppression, and
rehabilitation costs
Wildfire records, DINS data Local fire agency
representatives
Compare with 5- or
10-year average.
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FUELS TREATMENT MONITORING
It is important to evaluate whether fuel treatments have accomplished their defined objectives and whether any unexpected outcomes have occurred.

When implementing the strategies outlined in this section, it is essential to make the following considerations:

1. Monitoring protocols can help determine whether treatment priorities align with the plan's goals.

2. Ecological consequences, such as soil movement and invasive species, can result from fuel treatments. Cost-effective monitoring can mitigate long-term impacts.

3. Vegetation regrowth necessitates periodic assessment of fuel breaks and modifications.

Monitoring helps identify appropriate treatment intervals.

4. Comprehensive monitoring of all fuel treatments, including mechanical and burned areas, is essential for adaptive management and understanding ecological impacts. It also addresses economic and legal questions and provides educational opportunities.

5. Tracking changes in policy, codes, requirements, stakeholder dynamics, and preparedness is crucial for future revisions of the CWPP.

The monitoring of each fuels reduction project would be site-specific, and decisions regarding the timeline for monitoring and the type of monitoring to be used would be determined by the project. The most important part of choosing a fuels project monitoring program is selecting a method appropriate to the people, place, and type of project. Several levels of monitoring activities meet different objectives, have different levels of time intensity, and are appropriate for different groups of people. They include the following:

Minimum—Level 1: Pre- and Post-project Photographs
Appropriate for many individual property owners who conduct fuels reduction projects on their properties.

Moderate—Level 2: Multiple Permanent Photo Points
Permanent photo locations are established using rebar or wood posts, GPS-recorded locations, and photographs taken on a regular basis. Ideally, this process would continue over several years. This approach might be appropriate for more enthusiastic property owners or for agencies conducting small-scale, general treatments.

High—Level 3: Basic Vegetation Plots
A series of plots can allow monitors to evaluate vegetation characteristics such as species composition, percentage of cover, and frequency. Monitors then can record site characteristics such as slope, aspect, and elevation. Parameters would be assessed pre- and post-treatment.

The monitoring agency should establish plot protocols based on the types of vegetation present and the level of detail needed to analyze the management objectives. This method is appropriate for foresters or other personnel monitoring fuel treatments on forested lands.

Intense—Level 4: Basic Vegetation Plus Dead and Downed Fuels Inventory The protocol for this level would include the vegetation plots described above but would add more details regarding fuel loading. Crown height or canopy closure might be included for live fuels. Dead and downed fuels could be assessed using other methods, such as Brown’s transects (Brown 1974), 319
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an appropriate photo series (Ottmar et al. 2000), or fire monitoring (Fire Effects Monitoring and Inventory System [FIREMON]) plots. This method is ideal for foresters or university researchers tracking vegetation changes in forested lands.

More information regarding fuel treatment types and methods can be found in Appendix G.

LANDOWNER GUIDANCE
Landowners play a crucial role in maintaining fuel mitigation projects on their properties, ensuring these efforts remain effective over time. Establishing and maintaining effective fuel treatments, such as shaded fuel breaks and defensible space, is essential for reducing wildfire risk and protecting both property and natural resources. Regular monitoring and maintenance prevent ladder fuels and maintain reduced vegetation density, ensuring effective fuel breaks. The BCFSC provides guidance on how to effectively monitor and maintain these treatments through their Maintaining Defensible Space and Your Shaded Fuel Break pamphlet (BCFSC 2020).

Monitoring Procedures:
• Regular Inspections: Conduct at least twice per year to identify dense vegetation or thigh-height growth needing treatment.
• Evaluating Fire Ladder Potential: Assess for shrubs and low branches that could allow fire to reach tree canopies; branches should be three times the height of surrounding shrubs. • Compliance with Local Requirements: Ensure a minimum of 100 feet of cleared area around structures, as required by state, county, and local laws or requirements.

Maintenance Methods:
• Lop and Scatter: Cut and disperse branches and smaller trees on the ground. • Chipping: Convert limbs, brush, and small trees into wood chips for mulch. • Mastication: Use mechanized shredding and grinding of vegetation to leave mulch on the ground.
• Brush Cutting: Use weed eaters with brush blade attachments to control small-diameter shrubs and trees.
• Hand Pile and Burn: Safely burn piles of cleared brush under regulated conditions. • Prescribed Fire: Conduct planned and permitted burns to reduce regrowth.

Optimal Timing for Maintenance:
• Conduct maintenance during the winter and early spring months when fire danger is lower. • During times of increased fire danger, typically late spring through summer and fall, avoid red flag conditions (if possible, work in the morning when ignition potential is lessened), and keep a water source nearby.

Using Herbicides and Browsing for Control:
• Herbicide Application: Use herbicides to control regrowth, following label instructions. • Animal Browsing: Use goats, sheep, and other livestock to manage regrowth by grazing on vegetation, effective for invasive species.

By following these practices, landowners and managers can maintain shaded fuel breaks while following local guidelines and fostering a healthier forest ecosystem throughout the county. 320
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PROJECT TRACKER
As described previously, within the hub site is a project tracking system designed to provide real-time updates and the ability for multi-agency coordination and collaboration. The tracking system is available for internal use and comes with the following features:
• Project database
• Project entries and sub-entries into the database
• Funding tracking
• Milestone and goal tracking
• Project constraint/opportunity tracking
• Project progress tracking
• Agency delegation
• Ability to attach images or other files to project records • Spatially delineated project locations/working areas
Externally, the project tracker holds the ability to display statistics to the public, such as acres treated, dollars spent, or the number of meetings held.

CWPP EVALUATION
CWPPs are intended to reduce the risk of wildfire for a community and the surrounding environment.

However, over time, communities change and expand, vegetation grows back, and forests and wildlands evolve. As such, the risk of wildfire to communities is constantly changing. The plans and methods to reduce risk must be dynamic to keep pace with the changing environment. An evaluation of the CWPP will gather information and identify whether the plans and strategies are on course to meet the desired outcomes or if modifications are needed to meet expectations. Figure 7.1 identifies four general steps that can be used to evaluate the CWPP.

TIMELINE FOR UPDATING THE CWPP AND UNIT PLAN
The HFRA allows for maximum flexibility in the CWPP planning process, permitting the Core Team to determine the time frame for updating the CWPP. Historically, the Core Team has provided prompt updates to the CWPP to ensure that the most up-to-date information and data for wildfire planning within the county are available for planning purposes. To ensure that this CWPP continues to stay relevant across Butte County, the Core Team members are encouraged to continue frequent updates to review the project list, discuss project successes, and strategize regarding project implementation funding. CAL FIRE Butte Unit will lead the facilitation and oversight of the comprehensive update of the CWPP, ensuring it incorporates up-to-date wildfire risk factors, reflects the latest fire hazards, considers community input, and identifies best practices in fire mitigation and emergency response.

Since this plan also serves as a Unit Fire Plan, the CAL FIRE Butte Unit will conduct annual updates.

These updates will include annual accomplishment reporting (Appendix K), minor revisions (noted on the second page of this document), and updates to relevant statistics and priorities. 321
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Figure 7.1. Four-step CWPP evaluation process.
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CHAPTER 8 – QUANTITATIVE

WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

PURPOSE
The completion of a Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment (QWRA) provides land use managers, fire officials, and planners with critical information to develop targeted strategies for reducing wildfire threats.

This assessment not only guides planning efforts but also supports outreach and education initiatives to engage community members in minimizing fire-related risks. For this community wildfire protection plan (CWPP) update, areas of high wildfire hazard and risk are identified using the QWRA process through the modeling of fire behavior, burn probability, and fire intensity, along with evaluating the exposure and susceptibility of structures, critical infrastructure, and highly valued resources and assets (HVRAs).

Stakeholder and expert input further guides the QWRA process, ensuring recommended fuel treatments are prioritized according to wildfire risk. For further details on fuels treatments, refer to Chapter 6 (Risk Reduction Recommendations) and Appendix I (Fuel Treatment Activities).

The QWRA provides a community- and landscape-level overview of wildfire risk and is not recommended for use at smaller scales (such as for a property-level analysis). It is also not recommended for use in determining insurance rates or policies. This QWRA is a model, and as such has inherent biases, missing data, and other shortcomings, though every effort has been made to include the best available data and use the most robust scientific processes. Also note that just because an area is shown as high or low risk does not mean that that area will be burned or not burned in a wildfire—a low-risk area can still be affected by wildfire under certain conditions. This QWRA is also not intended for use during active wildfire events, but rather only as a tool for pre-fire planning. It is not recommended that this QWRA be used for any other purpose than what is stated here.

In addition to the desktop QWRA, this CWPP also leverages a field wildfire hazard and risk assessment, completed in October 2024, which is discussed below and in Appendix C.
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FIELD-BASED COMMUNITY HAZARD ASSESSMENTS
Community Hazard Assessments were conducted in October 2024 using the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Wildland Fire Risk and Hazard Severity Form 1144 (see Appendix C). This form is based on the NFPA Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire 2013 Edition.

The purpose of the Community Hazard Assessment and subsequent ratings is to identify fire hazard and risks and prioritize areas requiring mitigation and more detailed planning. These assessments should not be seen as tactical pre-suppression or triage plans. The Community Hazard Assessment helps to drive the recommendations for mitigation of structural ignitability, community preparedness, and public education.

Each area was rated based on conditions within the community and immediately surrounding structures, including access, adjacent vegetation (fuels), defensible space, adjacent topography, roof and building characteristics, available fire protection, and placement of utilities. Each score was given a corresponding adjective rating of low, moderate, high, or extreme (Table 8.1).

It is imperative to note that these assessments demonstrated a challenge with private bridges oftentimes serving as the sole access points to several properties. These bridges are often constructed without permits, lack regular maintenance, and have unknown load capacities, posing significant challenges for emergency response and evacuation. This concern is particularly relevant in isolated areas of the county, such as Butte Creek Canyon and Berry Creek, where access limitations further exacerbate wildfire risks.

Example of aboveground utility with hazardous
vegetation observed during field-based assessments.
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Table 8.1. Field-Based Community Hazard Assessment Summaries Community Name Total Risk Score Hazard Rating
Bangor/Rackerby 114 Extreme
Berry Creek 114 Extreme
Big Bend 122 Extreme
Biggs/Gridley 67 Moderate
Butte Creek Canyon 112 Extreme
Butte Meadows 102 High
Butte Valley 89 High
Chico 93 High
Clipper Mills 95 High
Cohasset 118 Extreme
Concow 110 High
East Oroville 101 High
Feather Falls 119 Extreme
Forbestown 105 High
Forest Ranch 105 High
Honcut 77 High
Hurleton 123 Extreme
Jonesville 115 Extreme
Magalia/Paradise Pines/De Sabla 105 High
Nelson/Richvale 76 High
Nord 82 High
North Chico 84 High
Oroville 89 High
Palermo 97 High
Paradise 86 High
Pentz 90 High
Richardson Springs 111 High
Robinson Mill 117 Extreme
Southwest Chico/Durham 52 Moderate
Stirling City 102 High
Swedes 114 Extreme
Table Mountain/Cherokee 128 Extreme
Thermalito 77 High
Yankee Hill 119 Extreme
Note: More detailed information is provided in Appendix C. 325
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COMMUNITIES AT RISK DESIGNATION
The National Fire Plan allocates funding to reduce wildfire risks to communities, with an initial list of highrisk communities within the WUI published in the Federal Register in 2001, designated through collaboration between states and federal agencies. Briefly after its inception, states took over the responsibility for updates. For California, the State Forester (CAL FIRE Director) manages the list, and it is important to note that California's unique WUI situation has resulted in an extension of the list beyond communities adjacent to federal lands (CAL FIRE 2024i). Table 8.2 outlines Butte County's communities listed as high-risk.

Table 8.2. Communities at Risk within Butte County
Community Name Year
Bangor 2001
Berry Creek 2001
Butte Creek 2001
Butte Meadows 2001
Butte Valley 2013
Cherokee 2013
Chico 2001
Clipper Mills 2013
Cohasset 2001
Concow 2001
Durham 2001
Feather Falls 2001
Forbestown 2010
Forest Ranch 2001
Honcut 2013
Hurleton 2001
Community Name Year
Inskip 2001
Jonesville 2001
Kelly Ridge 2013
Magalia 2001
Oroville 2001
Oroville East 2001
Palermo 2001
Paradise 2001
Paradise Pines - De Sabla 2013
Pentz Butte 2001
Robinson Mills 2001
South Oroville 2001
Stirling City 2001
Thermalito 2001
Yankee Hill 2013
Source: CAL FIRE (n.d.)

EXISTING HAZARDS INFORMATION

CALIFORNIA FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
In accordance with PRC 4202, CAL FIRE maintains Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) data for the entire state. The FHSZs rely on advanced scientific data and are determined by considering key factors such as vegetation, topography, and weather (CAL FIRE 2024g). There are three classes of fire hazard severity ratings within FHSZs: moderate, high, and very high (California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research [Cal OPR] 2022a). These zones represent hazards across the landscape, with "hazard" defined by physical conditions that indicate the likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30- to 50-year period, 326
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excluding mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfires, or fuel reduction efforts. It is important to note that hazard levels do not directly indicate the potential damage a fire may cause.

Figure 8.1 shows the SRA FHSZs for Butte County based on data available at the time of plan development. Many areas within the county are classified as having high or very high FHSZs, with the eastern and northern portions of the county having considerably higher proportions of very high hazard areas. In fact, there are 17,126 structures in SRA high or very high FHSZs. The LRA FHSZs are currently being updated, thus the structure count in very high FHSZs will be updated once the LRA FHSZs are finalized and adopted. Additionally, many urban centers such as Chico, Paradise, and Oroville are bordered by or in proximity to SRA very high hazard landscapes.

CAL FIRE reviewed and updated FHSZs for State Responsibility Areas (SRAs) in 2023 and approved the final SRA FHSZ maps to be effective April 1, 2024. The most up-to-date FHSZ maps and an interactive viewer can be found on CAL FIRE’s website at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfirepreparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.

This CWPP is designed to focus on areas within the county with the highest wildfire risk (as evaluated in the “Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment” section below); it is therefore important to note that FHSZs evaluate wildfire “hazard” and not “risk.” As defined by CAL FIRE:
“Hazard” is based on the physical conditions that create a likelihood and expected fire behavior over a 30- to 50-year period without considering mitigation measures such as home hardening, recent wildfire, or fuel reduction efforts. “Risk” is the potential damage a fire can do to the area under existing conditions, accounting for any modifications such as fuel reduction projects, defensible space, and ignition-resistant building construction (CAL FIRE 2023a, 2023b).

Thus, while FHSZs help guide the community fire planning and mitigation process by assessing hazards, this CWPP enhances the “hazard only approach” by considering the hazard and risk dynamic across the county.

CAL FIRE released the updated draft LRA FHSZs for Butte County in February 2025. The LRA FHSZs are in draft format until they are formally adopted by each local jurisdiction, which may take up to 120 days plus additional time for finalization by the State Board of Forestry. The draft LRA FHSZ web map can be accessed at:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a9cb66bb1824cd98756812af41292a0. 327
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Figure 8.1. CAL FIRE’s FHSZs in the SRA within Butte County. 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
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Note: This page serves as a placeholder for the Unincorporated Butte County LRA FHSZ map. This map will be included in a future annual CWPP update once the final adopted version is available. The most up to date FHSZ maps and an interactive viewer can be found on CAL FIRE’s website at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.

Figure 8.2. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in unincorporated Butte County. 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
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Note: This page serves as a placeholder for the City of Chico LRA FHSZ map. This map will be included in a future annual CWPP update once the final adopted version is available. The most up to date FHSZ maps and an interactive viewer can be found on CAL FIRE’s website at:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.

Figure 8.3. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Chico. 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
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Note: This page serves as a placeholder for the City of Oroville LRA FHSZ map. This map will be included in a future annual CWPP update once the final adopted version is available. The most up to date FHSZ maps and an interactive viewer can be found on CAL FIRE’s website at:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.

Figure 8.4. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the City of Oroville. 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
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Note: This page serves as a placeholder for the Town of Paradise LRA FHSZ map. This map will be included in a future annual CWPP update once the final adopted version is available. The most up to date FHSZ maps and an interactive viewer can be found on CAL FIRE’s website at:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones.

Figure 8.5. 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the Town of Paradise. 2025 Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
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ASSESSING HAZARDS VS. RISK
SWCA's QWRA evaluates key factors such as flame length (intensity), burn probability, buildings, and highly valued resources and assets (HVRAs). Flame length is modeled by analyzing vegetation type, density, and condition; topography, including slope, aspect, and elevation; and meteorological conditions like wind, temperature, and humidity. Burn probability is generated by running thousands of simulations, considering ignition locations, fire size, weather patterns, fuel types, and topography. These flame length and burn probability outputs represent hazards, while buildings and HVRAs represent susceptible values.

This QWRA categorizes the landscape into four risk levels: low, moderate, high, and very high.

In comparison, CAL FIRE's FHSZs reflect vegetation, topography, and weather patterns to indicate burn likelihood and potential fire behavior, ranging from moderate to very high hazard levels. Updated FHSZs incorporate land use changes, recent fire history, new wind data, and local climate information (CAL FIRE 2024i).

The primary distinction between SWCA's QWRA and CAL FIRE’s FHSZs is that FHSZs assess hazard only, while SWCA’s QWRA accounts for both hazard and the likelihood of resulting damage (risk).

Regulatory background regarding the development and updates of FHSZs are summarized in Appendix A.

QUANTITATIVE WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

FRAMEWORK
The QWRA is a specialized tool for evaluating the risk that wildland fires pose to communities within the county. Risk is defined as a combination of hazard and vulnerability (Figure 8.6). For the purposes of this document, risk is conceptualized using four key factors within the QWRA Framework (Scott et al. 2013):
• Burn Probability: The likelihood of a 30-square-meter pixel burning within a specified time period.
• Intensity: The rate of energy release during combustion, which can be measured by flame length—a direct indicator of fire intensity.
• Exposure: The proximity of HVRAs to hazards within the landscape, such as homes located in the WUI.
• Susceptibility: The degree to which an HVRA is likely to be damaged by wildfire. 335
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Figure 8.6. QWRA Framework.

Derived from Scott et al. 2013.

PROCESS OVERVIEW
Flame length (intensity) and burn probability were assessed using established models including FARSITE, FlamMap, BehavePlus, and FireFamily Plus, integrated within the Interagency Fuel Treatment Decision Support System (IFTDSS) and ArcGIS Desktop Spatial Analyst tools. The QWRA data were sourced primarily from LANDFIRE and supplemented by additional datasets (LANDFIRE 2023).

SWCA generated a landscape file for the county in IFTDSS, with Core Team input guiding the refinement of fuel models, response functions, and relative importance values, resulting in tailored fire behavior outputs and risk scoring. The datasets (flame lengths, building footprints, HVRAs, and burn probability) were processed and reclassified in ArcGIS Pro. The raster calculator in ArcGIS Pro then produced the conditional Net Value Change (cNVC) and expected Net Value Change (eNVC) risk outputs, with the eNVC serving as the final risk layer in the QWRA. The cNVC evaluates wildfire impacts to values assuming a fire has occurred (i.e., it assumes 100% probability), whereas the eNVC evaluates the likelihood of impacts to values based on fire probability (IFTDSS n.d.a).

DATA COLLECTION
The spatial data required for this QWRA are summarized in Table 8.3. It’s important to note that burn probability considers factors such as landscape characteristics (e.g., topography and fuels), weather conditions (e.g., humidity and wind), and historical ignition patterns. Similarly, flame length calculations incorporate fuels, topography, and weather conditions.
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Table 8.3. Spatial Data Inputs for the QWRA
Inputs Source Type/Subtype
Burn Probability IFTDSS, LANDFIRE Hazard/Probability
Flame Length IFTDSS, LANDFIRE Hazard/Intensity
Critical Infrastructure HVRAs Butte County and Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD) Vulnerability/Exposure
Building Footprint HVRAs Microsoft Vulnerability/Exposure Identification of Hazards and Vulnerability
Hazards
Burn Probability
Figure 8.7 illustrates the likelihood of a specific location on the landscape burning, which is represented as burn probability. Burn probability takes into account several factors, including fire size, frequency, rate of spread, and weather conditions (IFTDSS n.d.b). Burn probability is modeled as low in the eastern and western portions of the county, with higher ratings in the central area.

Recent large fires, such as the 2020 North Complex and the 2021 Dixie Fire, have significantly influenced burn probability in Butte County’s higher elevations. Areas within these fire perimeters exhibit reduced burn probabilities in the model due to changes in fuel conditions; post-fire landscapes with less combustible material burn less readily under simulated peak fire season conditions compared to pre-fire conditions. If this analysis had been conducted prior to these major fires, burn probabilities in these areas would likely have been much higher. It should also be noted that low burn probability does not mean "no" probability. For example, a 20% burn probability means that one in five ignitions under very high fire danger conditions would reach and burn that location.

Flame Length
Figure 8.8 illustrates the flame length classifications for Butte County. Flame lengths are determined by fuels, weather, and topography. Flame length is a measure of the intensity of the hazard in the QWRA equation. Direct attack by hand lines is usually limited to flame lengths less than 4 feet. For flames between 4 and 8 feet, indirect suppression (dozers, engines, etc.) is the dominant tactic. In excess of 8 feet, control efforts will be extremely challenging.

Flame lengths vary across the county. Lower-elevation grass fuels typically produce shorter flame lengths and have the highest likelihood of successful suppression, while higher-elevation timber fuels are more susceptible to crown fires that can be challenging to control. Mid-elevation brush and timber fuels exhibit flame lengths and suppression potentials that fall between these extremes.

Directly related to flame length is fire intensity. Fire intensity was modeled for various critical infrastructure and natural resources in Butte County; these maps are shown in Figures B.1 through Figure B.5. They represent fire intensity adjacent to the railroads, small community water resources, and critical habitat areas.
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Figure 8.7. Burn probability in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 338
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Figure 8.8. Flame length in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 339
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Vulnerability
Response Functions
Response Functions (RFs) measure the susceptibility of highly valued resources and assets (HVRAs) to wildfire, indicating how fire affects these resources based on intensity (IFTDSS n.d.c). Defined by experts, RFs assign a value change ranging from -100 to +100, where -100 represents significant loss and +100 denotes substantial benefit. The RFs assigned to each HVRA are based on flame length classes, which represent different levels of fire intensity. Generally, the longer the flame length, the higher the intensity and the flame’s impact to structures and HVRAs.

HIGHLY VALUED RESOURCES AND ASSETS (HVRAs)
Infrastructure
The infrastructure dataset (Figure 8.9) for the QWRA was developed through a comprehensive process that combined data from critical infrastructure inventories, community assessments, public outreach efforts, and Core Team input. This dataset was further supplemented with HVRA data acquired from the Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD). The identified infrastructure HVRAs include structures, power lines, transmission lines, substations, power plants, pipelines, communication towers, and communication sites. These data are essential to the QWRA, as they indicate key locations on the landscape where values that support the community are present.

Critical infrastructure was buffered by 30 meters to address areas classified as 'unburnable' around these assets. Frequently, a nonburnable space exists between HVRAs and adjacent fuels; adding this buffer effectively classifies the HVRAs adjacent to fuels as 'burnable' features. Though the fire spread models do not simulate structure burning (‘urban’ fuels show as ‘unburnable’) this allows the risk to be projected into the most threatened developments on the edge of the WUI.

Buildings
The Microsoft Building Footprints (Figure 8.10) dataset was used to identify the locations and extents of structures, including residences and businesses, across the planning area. This dataset, created using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms applied to high-resolution satellite imagery, provides detailed polygonal representations of buildings (ArcGIS Online 2022). Incorporating these data into the QWRA allows for accurate mapping of structures across the landscape and helps assess the exposure of built environments to wildfire risks.

Since the model typically classifies the immediate areas around buildings as 'unburnable,' building footprints were buffered by 0.25 mile to ensure this area is treated as 'burnable' in the analysis. 340
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Figure 8.9. Butte County CWPP planning area QWRA input – HVRA: infrastructure. 341
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Figure 8.10. Butte County CWPP planning area QWRA input – building footprints. 342
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RISK MODELING AND SCORING
Landscape Fire Behavior
Landscape fire behavior modeling was executed in IFTDSS (FlamMap) using the Automatic 97th Percentile Landscape Fire Behavior (Auto 97th) parameters (IFTDSS n.d.d). The Auto 97th setting models fire behavior under very high fire weather conditions. Auto 97th uses data from nearby remote automated weather stations (RAWS) to determine conditions for fuel moisture and wind speed and direction.

Weighting and Relative Importance
To develop a quantitative risk product (Wildfire Risk to Structures and Infrastructure) the HVRAs must be weighted with a relative importance value (Scott et al. 2013). The HVRAs were broken into two categories and weighted as shown in Figure 8.11.

Figure 8.11. Relative importance of collaboratively selected HVRAs for the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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VALIDATION AND CALIBRATION
LANDFIRE is a national remote sensing project that provides land managers with a data source for all inputs needed for fire behavior models (fuels, topography, and canopy characteristics). The database is managed by the USFS and the U.S. Department of the Interior and is widely used throughout the United States for land management planning. More information can be obtained from http://www.landfire.gov.

The fire modeling for the Wildfire Risk to Assets products used the LANDFIRE 2023 layers (released in May 2024 and updated through the end of 2023). Because 2024 fires had not yet been incorporated into the standard data, edits were made to incorporate the Park, Thompson, Junes, and Apache Fire perimeters. Within the burn perimeters, grass, grass-shrub, shrub, timber litter, and timber understory layers were modified to reflect slower future rates of spreads and shorter flame lengths in the 2024 fire footprints. Calibrations made in LANDFIRE to recent local fires such as the 2020 Dixie and 2021 North Complex were used for the 2024 burn perimeters. It takes several years to understand how post-fire regeneration will respond. The burn area calibrations were made to represent likely fire activity in the various fuel types within the burn areas for a 3- to 5-year period. They will likely overestimate spread for 2025 and could underestimate spread beyond 2029. Rerunning the risk analysis on LANDFIRE 2029, and any time after major fires or fuel changes, is recommended.

QWRA RESULTS
The QWRA map (Figure 8.12) highlights high and very high wildfire risk in the central portion of the county, where wildland fuels overlap infrastructure and buildings. Areas with elevated risk typically have both a high density of structures (buildings and residences) and fuels. It’s important to note that this QWRA assesses wildfire risks specifically to structures and HVRAs; therefore, areas without these assets show no data. This focus aligns with the CWPP’s objective of prioritizing communities and the critical infrastructure that supports them, though other values may also hold significance. 344
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Figure 8.12. Wildfire risk to structures and infrastructure in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 345
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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
°F Degrees Fahrenheit
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
BAER Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation
BCCER Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
BCCG Butte County Collaborative Group
BCFSC Butte County Fire Safe Council
BCRCD Butte County Resource Conservation District
BEC Butte Environmental Council
BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs
BLM Bureau of Land Management
CAAB Chico Air Attack Base
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection California SJT California Silver Jackets Team
Cal OES California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Cal OPR California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
Cohesive Strategy National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy County Butte County
CWPP Community Wildfire Protection Plan
DWR California Department of Water Resources
ECC Emergency Command Center
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Esri Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.

FAC Fire-Adapted Community
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHSZ Fire Hazard Severity Zone
FRA Federal Responsibility Area
FRAP CAL FIRE's Fire and Resource Assessment Program
FSC Fire Safe Council
FTER Fuels Treatment Effectiveness Report
GIS Geographic Information System
HFRA Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
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HVRAs Highly Valued Resources and Assets
IFTDSS Interagency Fuel Treatment Decision Support System LRA Local Responsibility Area
MMAA Master Mutual Aid Agreement
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NIFC National Interagency Fire Center
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service
NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group
PBA Prescribed Burn Association
PRC Public Resources Code
QWRA Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment
RAWS Remote Automated Weather Station
RCD Resource Conservation District
SRA State Responsibility Area
SVI Social Vulnerability Index
SWCA SWCA Environmental Consultants
TEK Traditional Ecological Knowledge
UC ANR University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
USFS U.S. Forest Service
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
VHFHSZs Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones
VMP Vegetation Management Program
WUI Wildland-Urban Interface
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GLOSSARY
Aspect: Cardinal direction toward which a slope faces in relation to the sun (NWCG 2021a).

Active Crown Fire: A crown fire in which the entire fuel complex is involved in flame, but the crowning phase remains dependent on heat released from surface fuel for continued spread. An active crown fire presents a solid wall of flame from the surface through the canopy fuel layers. Flames appear to emanate from the canopy as a whole rather than from individual trees within the canopy. Active crown fire is one of several types of crown fire and is contrasted with passive crown fires, which are less vigorous types of crown fire that do not emit continuous, solid flames from the canopy (SWCA).

Available Canopy Fuel: The mass of canopy fuel per unit area consumed in a crown fire. There is no postfrontal combustion in canopy fuels, so only fine canopy fuels are consumed. We assume that only the foliage and a small fraction of the branch wood is available (Wooten 2021).

Available Fuel: The total mass of ground, surface and canopy fuel per unit area available fuel consumed by a fire, including fuels consumed in postfrontal combustion of duff, organic soils, and large woody fuels (Wooten 2021).

Backfiring: Intentionally setting fire to fuels inside a control line to contain a fire (Wooten 2021).

Biochar: A type of charcoal created from burning woody debris, often sourced from management activities like thinning, harvesting, or fuels reduction. Biochar is used as a soil amendment to enhance soil health and productivity, while also offering climate change and pollution mitigation benefits (USFS 2022b) Biomass: Organic material. Also refers to the weight of organic material (e.g., biomass roots, branches, needles, and leaves) within a given ecosystem (Wooten 2021).

Burn Severity: A qualitative assessment of the heat pulse directed toward the ground during a fire. Burn severity relates to soil heating, large fuel and duff consumption, consumption of the litter and organic layer beneath trees and isolated shrubs, and mortality of buried plant parts (SWCA).

Canopy: The more or less continuous cover of branches and foliage formed collectively by adjacent trees and other woody species in a forest stand. Where significant height differences occur between trees within a stand, formation of a multiple canopy (multi-layered) condition can result (SWCA).

Chain: Unit of measure in land survey, equal to 66 feet (20 m) (80 chains equal 1 mile). Commonly used to report fire perimeters and other fireline distances. Popular in fire management because of its convenience in calculating acreage (example: 10 square chains equal 1 acre) (New Mexico Future Farmers of America 2010).

Climate adaptation: Adaptation is an adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment. Adaptation to climate change refers to adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities (CA GOPR 2020).

Climate Change: A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods (Cal OPR 2020).

Community Assessment: An analysis designed to identify factors that increase the potential and/or severity of undesirable fire outcomes in WUI communities (SWCA). 348
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Communities at Risk: Defined by the HFRA as “Wildland-Urban Interface Communities within the vicinity of federal lands that are at high risk from wildfire.” • CAL FIRE expanded on this definition for California including all communities (regardless of distance from federal lands) for which a significant threat to human life or property exists as a result of a wildland fire event. California uses the following three factors to determine at risk communities: 1) high fuel hazard, 2) probability of a fire, and 3) proximity of intermingled wildland fuels and urban environments that are near fire threats (Cal OPR 2020).

Community Emergency Response Team: The Community Emergency Response Team program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The team offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and is an organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks (Ready 2021).

Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP): A planning document that seeks to reduce the threat to life and property from wildfire by identifying and mitigating wildfire hazards to communities and infrastructure located in the WUI. Developed from the HFRA, a CWPP addresses issues such as wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness, or structure protection (SWCA).

Contain: A tactical point at which a fire's spread is stopped by and within specific contain features, constructed or natural; also, the result of stopping a fire's spread so that no further spread is expected under foreseeable conditions. For reporting purposes, the time and date of containment. This term no longer has a strategic meaning in federal wildland fire policy (Wooten 2021).

Control: To construct fireline or use natural features to surround a fire and any control spot fires therefrom and reduce its burning potential to a point that it no longer threatens further spread or resource damage under foreseeable conditions. For reporting purposes, the time and date of control. This term no longer has a strategic meaning in federal wildland fire policy (Wooten 2021).

Cover Type: The type of vegetation (or lack of it) growing on an area, based on cover type minimum and maximum percent cover of the dominant species, species group or non-living land cover (such as water, rock, etc.). The cover type defines both a qualitative aspect (the dominant cover type) as well as a quantitative aspect (the abundance of the predominant features of that cover type) (Wooten 2021).

Creeping Fire: A low-intensity fire with a negligible rate of spread (Wooten 2021).

Cross Staffed: Personnel who are not assigned as the primary responding resource on a daily basis.

Instead, these resources are staffed by the crew of another apparatus at the same station. The crew members switch between apparatus as the nature of emergency activity dictates, ensuring flexibility and optimal response to varying emergency situations (direct communication, CAL FIRE, 2025).

Crown Fire: A fire that advances at great speed from crown to crown in tree canopies, often well in advance of the fire on the ground (National Geographic 2021).

Cultural Fire: Cultural fire refers to the Indigenous practice of intentionally setting controlled burns to achieve specific ecological and cultural outcomes. For thousands of years Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian communities have used fire as a tool to promote biodiversity, manage landscapes for resources, support wildlife habitat, and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Cultural fire practices are deeply rooted in Indigenous philosophies, enhancing the productivity and health of ecosystems while sustaining cultural traditions and values (National Park Service 2024). 349
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Defensible Space: An area around a structure where fuels and vegetation are modified, cleared, or reduced to slow the spread of wildfire toward or from a structure. The design and distance of the defensible space is based on fuels, topography, and the design/materials used in the construction of the structure (SWCA).
• In California, PRC Section 4291, “defensible space” refers to a 100-foot perimeter around a structure in which vegetation (fuels) must be maintained in order to reduce the likelihood of ignition. This space may extend beyond property lines, or 100 feet as required by State law as well as local ordinances, rules, and regulations (Cal OPR 2020).

Duff: The layer of decomposing organic materials lying below the litter layer of freshly fallen twigs, needles, and leaves and immediately above the mineral soil (SWCA).

Ecosystem: An interacting natural system including all the component organisms together with the abiotic environment and processes affecting them (SWCA).

Environmental Conditions: That part of the fire environment that undergoes short-term changes:
weather, which is most commonly manifest as windspeed, and dead fuel moisture content (Wooten 2021).

Escape Route: A preplanned and understood route firefighters take to move to a safety zone or other reduced-risk area. When escape routes deviate from a defined physical path, they should be clearly marked (flagged) (SWCA).

Evacuation: The temporary movement of people and their possessions from locations threatened by wildfire (SWCA).

Federal Responsibility Area (FRA): A term specific to California, designating areas where the federal government is responsible for fire response efforts. These areas include lands under federal ownership (Cal OPR 2020).

Fire-Adapted Community: A fire-adapted community collaborates to identify its wildfire risk and works collectively on actionable steps to reduce its risk of loss. This work protects property and increases the safety of firefighters and residents (U.S. Fire Administration 2021b).

Fire Behavior: The manner in which fuel ignites, flame develops, and fire spread and exhibits other related phenomena as determined by the interaction of fuels, weather, and topography (Fire Research and Management Exchange System 2021).

Fire Break: Areas where vegetation and organic matter are removed down to mineral soil (SWCA).

Fire Environment: The characteristics of a site that influence fire behavior. In fire modeling the fire environment is described by surface and canopy fuel characteristics, windspeed and direction, relative humidity, and slope steepness (Wooten 2021).

Fire Frequency: A broad measure of the rate of fire occurrence in a particular area. For historical analyses, fire frequency is often expressed using the fire return interval calculation. For modern-era analyses, where data on timing and size of fires are recorded, fire frequency is often best expressed using fire rotation (SWCA).

Fire Hazard: Fire hazard is the potential fire behavior or fire intensity in an area, given the type(s) of fuel present – including both the natural and built environment – and their combustibility (Cal OPR 2020).

Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ): Fire Hazard Severity Zones are defined based on vegetation, topography, and weather (temperature, humidity, and wind), and represents the likelihood of an area 350
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burning over a 30- to 50-year time period without considering modifications such as fuel reduction efforts.

In California, CAL FIRE maintains FHSZ data for the entire state. There are three classes of fire hazard severity ratings within FHSZs: Moderate, High, and Very High (Cal OPR 2020).

Fire History: The chronological record of the occurrence of fire in an ecosystem or at a specific site. The fire history of an area may inform planners and residents about the level of wildfire hazard in that area (SWCA).

Fire Intensity: A general term relating to the heat energy released in a fire (SWCA).

Fireline Intensity: Amount of heat release per unit time per unit length of fire front. Numerically, the product of the heat of combustion, quantity of fuel consumed per unit area in the fire front, and the rate of spread of a fire, expressed in kilowatts per minute (SWCA). This expression is commonly used to describe the power of wildland fires, but it does not necessarily follow that the severity, defined as the vegetation mortality, will be correspondingly high (Wooten 2021).

Fire Prevention: Activities such as public education, community outreach, planning, building code enforcement, engineering (construction standards), and reduction of fuel hazards that is intended to reduce the incidence of unwanted human-caused wildfires and the risks they pose to life, property, or resources (Cal OPR 2020).

Fire Regime: A measure of the general pattern of fire frequency and severity typical to a particular area or type of landscape: The regime can include other metrics of the fire, including seasonality and typical fire size, as well as a measure of the pattern of variability in characteristics (SWCA).

Fire Regime Condition Class: Condition classes are a function of the degree of fire regime condition class departure from historical fire regimes resulting in alterations of key ecosystem components such as composition structural stage, stand age, and canopy closure (Wooten 2021).

Fire Return Interval: Number of years (interval) between two successive fires in a designated area (SWCA).

Fire Severity: A qualitative measure of the immediate effects of fire on the fire severity ecosystem.

It relates to the extent of mortality and survival of plant and animal life both aboveground and belowground and to loss of organic matter. It is determined by heat released aboveground and belowground. Fire Severity is dependent on intensity and residence dependent of the burn. For trees, severity is often measured as percentage of basal area removed. An intense fire may not necessarily be severe (Wooten 2021).

Fire Risk: “Risk” takes into account the intensity and likelihood of a fire event to occur as well as the chance, whether high or low, that a hazard such as a wildfire will cause harm. Fire risk can be determined by identifying the susceptibility of a value or asset to the potential direct or indirect impacts of wildfire hazard events (Cal OPR 2020).

Flammability: The relative ease with which fuels ignite and burn regardless of the quantity of the fuels (SWCA).

Flame Length: The length of flames in the propagating fire front measured along the slant of the flame from the midpoint of its base to its tip. It is mathematically related to fireline intensity and tree crown scorch height (Wooten 2021).

Forest Fire: Uncontrolled burning of a woodland area (National Geographic 2021). 351
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Fuel Break: A natural or manmade change in fuel characteristics which affects fire behavior so that fires burning into them can be more readily controlled (NWCG 2021b).

Fuel Complex: The combination of ground, surface, and canopy fuel strata (Wooten 2021).

Fuel Condition: Relative flammability of fuel as determined by fuel type and environmental conditions (SWCA).

Fuel Continuity: A qualitative description of the distribution of fuel both horizontally and vertically.

Continuous fuels readily support fire spread. The larger the fuel discontinuity, the greater the fire intensity required for fire spread (Wooten 2021).

Fuel Loading: The volume of fuel in a given area generally expressed in tons per acre (SWCA). Dead woody fuel loadings are commonly described for small material in diameter classes of 0 to 0.25, 0.25 to 1, and 1 to 3 inches and for large material greater than 3 inches (Wooten 2021).

Fuel Management/Fuel Reduction: Manipulation or removal of fuels to reduce the likelihood of ignition and to reduce potential damage in case of a wildfire. Fuel reduction methods include prescribed fire, mechanical treatments (mowing, chipping), herbicides, biomass removal (thinning or harvesting of trees, harvesting of pine straw), and grazing. Fuel management techniques may sometimes be combined for greater effect (SWCA). More information about fuel management and fuel reduction can be found in Appendix G.

Fuel Model: A set of surface fuel bed characteristics (load and surface-area-to-fuel model volume-ratio by size class, heat content, and depth) organized for input to a fire model (Wooten 2021).

Fuel Modification: The manipulation or removal of fuels (i.e., combustible biomass such as wood, leaves, grass, or other vegetation) to reduce the likelihood of igniting and to reduce fire intensity. Fuel modification activities may include lopping, chipping, crushing, piling, and burning, including prescribed burning. These activities may be performed using mechanical treatments or by hand crews. Herbicides and prescribed herbivory (grazing) may also be used in some cases. Fuel modification may also sometimes be referred to as “vegetation treatment” (Cal OPR 2020).

Fuel Moisture Content: This is expressed as a percent or fraction of oven dry fuel moisture content weight of fuel. It is the most important fuel property controlling flammability. In living plants, it is physiologically bound. Its daily fluctuations vary considerably by species but are usually above 80% to 100%. As plants mature, moisture content decreases. When herbaceous plants cure, their moisture content responds as dead fuel moisture content, which fluctuates according to changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation (Wooten 2021).

Fuel Treatment: The manipulation or removal of fuels to minimize the probability of ignition and/or to reduce potential damage and resistance to fire suppression activities (NWCG 2021c). Synonymous with fuel modification.

Grazing: There are two types of grazing: 1) traditional grazing, and 2) targeted grazing. Traditional grazing refers to cattle that are managed in extensive pastures to produce meat. Targeted grazing involves having livestock graze at a specific density for a given period of time for the purpose of managing vegetation. Even though both kinds of grazing manage fuel loading in both rangelands and forested lands, targeted grazing is different in that its sole purpose is to manage fuels. Targeted grazing is done by a variety of livestock species such as sheep, goats, or cows (University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources [UC ANR] 2019).

Ground Fire (subsurface): Fire that burns organic matter in the soil, or humus; usually does not appear at the surface (National Geographic 2021).
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Ground Fuels (subsurface): Fuels that lie beneath surface fuels, such as organic soils, duff, decomposing litter, buried logs, roots, and the below-surface portion of stumps (Wooten 2021).

Hazard: A “hazard” can be defined generally as an event that could cause harm or damage to human health, safety, or property (Cal OPR 2020).

Hazardous Areas: Those wildland areas where the combination of vegetation, topography, weather, and the threat of fire to life and property create difficult and dangerous problems (SWCA).

Hazardous Fuels: A fuel complex defined by type, arrangement, volume, condition, and location that poses a threat of ignition and resistance to fire suppression (NWCG 2021d).

Hazardous Fuels Reduction: Any strategy that reduces the amount of flammable material in a fireprone ecosystem. Two common strategies are mechanical thinning and prescribed burning (Wooten 2021).

Hazard Reduction: Any treatment that reduces the threat of ignition and spread of fire (SWCA).

Highly Valued Resources and Assets: Landscape features that are influenced positively and/or negatively by fire. Resources are naturally occurring, while assets are human-made (IFTDSS 2021).

Ignition: The action of setting something on fire or starting to burn (SWCA).

Incident: An occurrence or event, either natural or person-caused, which requires an emergency response to prevent loss of life or damage to property or natural resources (Wooten 2021).

Influence Zone: An area that, with respect to wildland and urban fire, has a set of conditions that facilitate the opportunity for fire to burn from wildland fuels to the home and or structure ignition zone (NWCG 2021e).

Initial Attack: The actions taken by the first resources to arrive at a wildfire to protect lives and property, and prevent further extension of the fire (SWCA).

Invasive Species: An introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health (U.S. Geological Survey 2021).

Ladder Fuels: Fuels that provide vertical continuity allowing fire to carry from surface fuels into the crowns of trees or shrubs with relative ease (SWCA).

Litter: Recently fallen plant material that is only partially decomposed and is still discernible (SWCA).

Local Responsibility Area (LRA): A term specific to California, designating areas where the local government is responsible for wildfire protection. The LRA includes incorporated cities, cultivated agricultural lands, and portions of the desert. LRA fire protection is typically provided by city fire departments, fire protection districts, counties, and by CAL FIRE under contract to local government (Cal OPR 2020).

Manual Treatments: Felling and piling of fuels done by hand. The volume of material generated from a manual fuel treatment is typically too small to warrant a biomass sale therefore collected material is disposed of by burning or chipping. The work can be performed by either a single individual or a large, organized crew with powered equipment (UC ANR 2021a).

Mechanized Treatments: Mechanical treatments pulverize large continuous patches of fuel to reduce the volume and continuity of material. Mechanical treatments can be applied as either mastication or 353
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chipping treatments. Both treatments shred woody material, but mastication leaves residue on-site while chipping collects the particles for transportation off site. Similar to manual treatments, mechanical treatments can target specific areas and vegetation while excluding areas of concern. In addition, mechanical treatment is easily scalable to large areas (>30 acres) with little added cost (UC ANR 2021b).

Mitigation: Action that moderates the severity of a fire hazard or risk (SWCA).

Mutual Aid: Assistance in firefighting or investigation by fire agencies, irrespective of jurisdictional boundaries (NWCG 2021f).

Native Revegetation: The process of replanting and rebuilding the soil of disturbed land (e.g., burned) with native plant species (USDA 2005).

Native Species: A species that evolved naturally in the habitat, ecosystem, or region as determined by climate, soil, and biotic factors (USDA 2005).

National Cohesive Strategy: The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy is a strategic push to work collaboratively among all stakeholders and across all landscapes, using best science, to make meaningful progress toward three goals:
• Resilient Landscapes
• Fire-Adapted Communities
• Safe and Effective Wildfire Response
Vision: To safely and effectively extinguish fire when needed; use fire where allowable; manage our natural resources; and as a nation, to live with wildland fire (Forests and Rangelands 2021).

Overstory: That portion of the trees in a forest which forms the upper or uppermost layer (SWCA).

Passive Crown Fire: A type of crown fire in which the crowns of individual trees or small groups of trees burn, but solid flaming in the canopy cannot be maintained except for short periods. Passive crown fire encompasses a wide range of crown fire behavior, from occasional torching of isolated trees to nearly active crown fire. Passive crown fire is also called torching or candling. A fire in the crowns of the trees in which trees or groups of trees torch, ignited by the passing front of the fire. The torching trees reinforce the spread rate, but these fires are not basically different from surface (SWCA).

Prescribed Burning: Any fire ignited by management actions under specific, predetermined conditions to meet specific objectives related to hazardous fuels or habitat improvement. Usually, a written, approved prescribed fire plan must exist, and environmental and other requirements must be met, prior to ignition (USFS 2021a).

Prescribed Herbivory: Prescribed herbivory for hazardous fuel reduction is the intentional use of domestic livestock to remove, rearrange, or convert vegetation on wildlands to reduce the costs and losses associated with wildfires and to enhance the condition of forests, rangelands, and watersheds.

The types of domestic livestock considered include sheep, goats, and cattle.

Rate of Spread: The relative activity of a fire in extending its horizontal dimensions. It is expressed as rate of increase of the total perimeter of the fire, as rate of forward spread of the fire front, or as rate of increase in area, depending on the intended use of the information. Usually, it is expressed in chains or acres per hour for a specific period in the fire's history (NWCG 2021g).

Resilience: Resilience is the capacity of any entity – an individual, a community, an organization, or a natural system – to prepare for disruptions, to recover from shocks and stresses, and to adapt and grow from a disruptive experience (Cal OPR 2020).
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Response: Movement of an individual firefighting resource from its assigned standby location to another location or to an incident in reaction to dispatch orders or to a reported alarm (SWCA).

Safety Element: One of the seven mandatory elements of a local general plan (a county plan that forms the foundation for future development), the safety element must identify hazards and hazard abatement provisions to guide local decisions related to zoning, subdivisions, and entitlement permits. The element should contain general hazard and risk reduction strategies and policies supporting hazard mitigation measures (Cal OPR 2020).

Slash: Debris left after logging, pruning, thinning, or brush cutting. Slash includes logs, chips, bark, branches, stumps, and broken trees or brush that may be fuel for a wildfire (SWCA).

Slope Percent: The ratio between the amount of vertical rise of a slope and horizontal distance expressed as a percentage. One hundred feet of rise to 100 feet of horizontal distance equals 100 percent (NWCG 2021h).

Suppression: The most aggressive fire protection strategy, it leads to the total extinguishment of a fire (SWCA).

Surface Fire: Fire that typically burns only surface litter and undergrowth (National Geographic 2021).

Surface Fuel: Fuels lying on or near the surface of the ground, consisting of leaf and needle litter, dead branch material, downed logs, bark, tree cones, and low stature living plants (SWCA).

Structural Ignitability: The susceptibility of a structure (such as homes or fences) to catch fire (SWCA).

Topography: The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area (SWCA).

Total Fuel Load: The mass of fuel per unit area that could possibly be consumed in a hypothetical fire of the highest intensity in the driest fuels (Wooten 2021).

Tree Crown: The primary and secondary branches growing out from the main stem, together with twigs and foliage (SWCA).

Understory: Low-growing vegetation (herbaceous, brush or reproduction) growing under a stand of trees. Also, that portion of trees in a forest stand below the overstory (SWCA).

Understory Fire: A fire burning in the understory, more intense than a surface fire with flame lengths of 1 to 3 m (Wooten 2021).

Values and Assets at Risk: The elements of a community or natural area considered valuable by an individual or community that could be negatively impacted by a wildfire or wildfire operations. These values can vary by community and can include public and private assets (natural and manmade) – such as homes, specific structures, water supply, power grids, natural and cultural resources, community infrastructure-- as well as other economic, environmental, and social values (Cal OPR 2020).

Vulnerable Community: Vulnerable communities experience heightened risk and increased sensitivity to natural hazard and climate change impacts and have less capacity and fewer resources to cope with, adapt to, or recover from the impacts of natural hazards and increasingly severe hazard events because of climate change. These disproportionate effects are caused by physical (built and environmental), social, political, and/ or economic factor(s), which are exacerbated by climate impacts. These factors include, but are not limited to, race, class, sexual orientation and identification, national origin, and income inequality (Cal OPR 2020).
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Wildfire: A “wildfire” can be generally defined as any unplanned fire in a “wildland” area or in the WUI (Cal OPR 2020).

Wildfire Exposure: During fire suppression activities, an exposure is any area/property that is threatened by the initial fire, but in National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) a reportable exposure is any fire that is caused by another fire, i.e., a fire resulting from another fire outside that building, structure, or vehicle, or a fire that extends to an outside property from a building, structure, or vehicle (U.S. Fire Administration 2020).

Wildfire Influence Zone: A wildland area with susceptible vegetation up to 1.5 miles from the interface or intermix WUI (Cal OPR 2020).

Wildland: Those unincorporated areas covered wholly or in part by trees, brush, grass, or other flammable vegetation (Cal OPR 2020).

Wildland Fire: Fire that occurs in the wildland as the result of an unplanned ignition (Cal OPR 2020).

Wildland Fuels (aka fuels): Fuel is the material that is burning. It can be any kind of combustible material, especially petroleum-based products, and wildland fuels. For wildland fire, it is usually live or dead plant material, but can also include artificial materials such as houses, sheds, fences, pipelines, and trash piles. In terms of vegetation, there are six wildland fuel types (Fuel Type: An identifiable association of fuel elements of distinctive species, form, size, arrangement, or other characteristics that will cause a predictable rate of spread or resistance to control under specified weather conditions.) The six wildland fuel types are (NWCG 2021i):
• Grass
• Shrub
• Grass-Shrub
• Timber Litter
• Timber-Understory
• Slash-Blowdown
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI): The WUI is the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. It is the line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels (U.S. Fire Administration 2021a). In the absence of a CWPP, Section 101 (16) of the Healthy Foresters Restoration Act defines the WUI as “(I) an area extending ½ mile from the boundary of an at-risk community; (II) an area within 1 ½ miles of the boundary of an at-risk community, including any land that (1) has a sustained steep slope that creates the potential for wildfire behavior endangering the at-risk community; (2) has a geographic feature that aids in creating an effective fire break, such as a road or ridge top; or (3) is in condition class 3, as documented by the Secretary in the project-specific environmental analysis; (III) an area that is adjacent to an evacuation route for an at-risk community that the Secretary determines, in cooperation with the atrisk community, requires hazardous fuels reduction to provide safer evacuation from the at-risk community.” A CWPP offers the opportunity to establish a localized definition and boundary for the WUI (USFS 2021a, 2021b).
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Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER). 2021. French Post-Fire BAER Soil Burn Severity Map Released. Available at: https://burnseverity.cr.usgs.gov/baer/. Accessed September 2024.

Butler, B.W., and J.D. Cohen. 1996. An Analytical Evaluation of Firefighter Safety Zones. 12th Fire and Forest Meteorology Conference, Lorne, Australia, 1996.

Butte County. 2016. Butte County Water Inventory Analysis. Available at:
https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/5549/Climate-and-HydrologyPDF#:~:text=Moistureladen%20weather%20patterns%20from%20the%20Pacific%20Ocean%20travel,process%20resu lts%20in%20condensation%20of%20moisture%20and%20precipitation. Accessed September 2024.
———. 2021. 2021 Climate Action Plan. Available at:
https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/2255/2021-Butte-County-Climate-ActionPlan-CAP-PDF. Accessed November 2024. ———. 2022. Butte County Upper Ridge Community Plan. Available at:
https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/2794/Upper-Ridge-Community-Plan---FinalPDF?bidId=. Accessed November 2024. ———. 2023. Butte County General Plan 2040. Available at: https://www.buttecounty.net/367/ButteCounty-General-Plan-2040. Accessed October 2024. ———. 2024a. 2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Available at:
https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/14120/2024-Butte-County-LHMP-UpdateComplete-PDF?bidId=. Accessed November 2024. ———. 2024b. Butte County Code of Ordinances. Available at:
https://library.municode.com/ca/butte_county/codes/code_of_ordinances. Accessed November 2024.
———. 2024c. Butte County Community Health Assessment Report. Available at:
https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/12035/Butte-County-Community-HealthAssessment-Revised-on-April-20-2024-PDF. Accessed November 2024. ———. 2024d. Vegetation Management Program. Available at https://www.buttecounty.net/595/Vegetation-ManagementProgram#:~:text=Currently%20the%20Butte%20Unit%20has,established%20in%20the%20burn %20plan. Accessed November 2024.
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———. 2025. Butte County Emergency Evacuation Report. Prepared by Mark Thomas, Kittleson & Associates, Inc., and Jensen Hughes. Available at:
https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/14852/Emergency-Evacuation-ReportJanuary-2025-PDF?bidId=. Accessed March 2025. ———. n.d.a. Forest Practices. Available at: https://www.buttecounty.net/594/Forest-Practice. Accessed December 2024.
———. n.d.b. Water Inventory Analysis. Available at: https://www.buttecounty.net/1273/Water-InventoryAnalysis. Accessed December 2024. ———. n.d.c. Defensible Space. Available at: https://www.buttecounty.net/587/Defensible-Space.

Accessed November 2024.

Butte County Air Quality Management District. 2024. Burning FAQs. Available at:
https://www.bcaqmd.org/burning-faqs. Accessed September 2024.

Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG). n.d. Butte County Collaborative Group: Home. Available at:
https://butte-county-collaborative-group-bcrcd.hub.arcgis.com/. Accessed October 2024.

Butte County Clerk Recorder. 2024. County of Butte – Measure H. Available at:
https://buttevotes.net/DocumentCenter/View/2776/Measure-H---County-of-Butte-VIG-Pages.

Accessed November 2024.

Butte County Office of Emergency Management. 2020. Camp Fire Response: County-Wide After Action Report. Available at: https://www.buttecounty.net/DocumentCenter/View/3849/Camp-Fire-AfterAction-Report-PDF. Accessed September 2024.

Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC). 2020. Butte County Forest Health Guidebook: A Practical Guide for Property Owners. Available at: https://buttefiresafe.net/wpcontent/uploads/2021/09/Forest-Health-Guidebook-2021-07.pdf. Accessed October 2024. ______. 2021. Paradise Grazing Plan. Available at: https://buttefiresafe.net/document-library/grazingmanagement-plan/. Accessed November 2024. ______. 2022. Butte County Chapter 38A Defensible Space Requirement. Available at:
https://buttefiresafe.net/butte-county-chapter-38a-defensible-space-requirements/. Accessed November 2024.
______. 2024. Butte County Fire Safe Council. Available at: https://buttefiresafe.net/ Accessed September 2024.

Butte County Resource Conservation District (RCD). 2022. Forested Watershed Plan. https://www.bcrcd.org/files/dcf88caf7/Butte+Forested+Watersheds+Plan+Final+Revised+2-18-

22.pdf. Accessed October 2024.
______. 2024a. Prescribed Burn Association. Available at: https://www.bcrcd.org/prescribed-burnassociation. Accessed November 2024. ______. 2024b. Small Forest Landowner Assistance Program (SFLAP). Available at:
https://www.bcrcd.org/small-forest-landowner-assistance-program-sflap. Accessed November 2024.
______. 2024c. Kicking Out Invasive Weeds. Available at: https://www.bcrcd.org/kicking-out-invasiveweeds. Accessed November 2024. 359
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______. 2024d. Projects. Available at https://www.bcrcd.org/projects. Accessed November 2024. ______. n.d. Butte County Resource Conservation District. Available at: https://www.bcrcd.org/. Accessed December 2024.

Butte Environmental Council. n.d. Urban Forest. Available at https://www.becnet.org/urbanforest.

Accessed November 2024.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2003. Prescribed Burning and Smoke Management. Available at:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/prescribed-burning. Accessed April 2023.

California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. 2015. Prescribed Herbivory for Vegetation Treatment Projects. Available at: https://bof.fire.ca.gov/media/nc4n1xgj/4-4-rmac-prescribed-herbivory-whitepaper.pdf. Accessed April 2023.

California Department of Conservation. 2019. Post-Fire Debris Flow Facts. Available at:
https://www.conservation.ca.gov/index/Pages/Fact-sheets/Post-Fire-Debris-Flow-Facts.aspx.

Accessed April 2023.
______. 2023. Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program. Available at:
https://www.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/grant-programs/Pages/Regional-Forest-and-Fire-CapacityProgram.aspx. Accessed April 2023. ______. 2024a. CalVTP Homepage and Storymap – California. Available at:
https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/calvtp-homepage-andstorymap/#:~:text=The%20California%20Vegetation%20Treatment%20Program%20%28CalVTP %29%2C%20developed%20by,state%E2%80%99s%20multifaceted%20strategy%20to%20address%20California%E2%80%99s%20wildfire%20crisis.

Accessed September 2024.
______. 2024b. Post-Fire Resources. Available at: https://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/bwg/resources.

Accessed September 2024.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2021a. Science: Wildfire Impacts. Available at:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Science-Institute/Wildfire-Impacts. Accessed September 2024. ______. 2021b. CDFW Initiates Massive Wildfire Protection Effort at Wildlife Areas, Ecological Reserves Statewide. Available at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/cdfw-initiates-massive-wildfire-protectioneffort-at-wildlife-areas-ecological-reserves-statewide. Accessed April 2023. ______. 2023. Ecological Reserves and Wildlife Areas of California. Available at:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit. Accessed April 2023.

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). 2024. Invasive Pest & Diseases. Available at:
https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/invasives/. Accessed November 2024.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2018a. 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California. Available at: https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdnendpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/osfm-website/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-andmitigation/fire-plan/2018-strategic-fire-plan-approved08_22_18.pdf?rev=89f7720028dd461fbcfbaaf78539d31d&hash=8B75D9062842BAB9046EB4A6 C2850DA7. Accessed April 2023.
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———. 2018b. 2018 Incident Archive. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2018. Accessed March 2025.
———. 2018c. California’s Forests and Rangelands: 2017 Assessment. Available at: https://34c031f8- c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/calfire-website/what-wedo/fire-resource-assessment-program---frap/assessment/forest-and-range-2017-assessment.pdf.

Accessed April 2023.
———. 2019a. Community Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation Report. Available at:
https://www.srta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4764/CAL-FIRE-Community-Wildfire-Prevention-- Mitigation-Report. Accessed May 2023.
———. 2019b. Post Wildfire Recovery. Available at: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/after-awildfire/. Accessed September 2024. ———. 2020a. Returning Home After a Wildfire. Available at: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/postwildfire/after-a-wildfire/. Accessed September 2024. ———. 2020b. California Forest Action Plan. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/Home/What-WeDo/Fire-Resource-Assessment-Program/Assessment. Accessed November 2024. ———. 2021. California High Hazard Zones (Tier 1). Available at: https://hub-calfireforestry.hub.arcgis.com/maps/a71a85136b0b414ea734fdfbe3d7674a/about. Accessed September 2024.
———. 2022a. Fire Perimeters. Available at: https://frap.fire.ca.gov/frap-projects/fire-perimeters/.

Accessed February 2023.
———. 2022b. Top 20 Largest California Wildfires. Available at: https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/calfire-website/our-impact/firestatistics/featureditems/top20_acres.pdf?rev=be2a6ff85932475e99d70fa9458dca79&hash=A355A978818640DFA CE7993C432ABF81. Accessed April 2023.
———. 2022c. Vegetation Management Program. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-wedo/natural-resource-management/vegetation-management-program. Accessed April 2023. ———. 2022d. Defensible Space. Available at:
https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/communications/defensible-space-prc-4291/. Accessed September 2024.
———. 2023a. Fire Risk Reduction Community List. Available at: https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-andprograms/fire-risk-reduction-community-list/. Accessed April 2023. ———. 2023b. The Forest and Rangeland Assessment 2022 Briefing to RMAC. Available at:
https://cacgn.ca.gov/media/iridsxpm/4-frap-sept-6-2023-presentation.pdf. Accessed November 2024.
———. 2024a. Statistics. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/statistics. Accessed October 2024.
———. 2024b. 2024 Incident Archive. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024. Accessed October 2024.
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———. 2024c. Defensible Space. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace. Accessed November 2024.
———. 2024d. Building in the Wildland. Available at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/building-in-the-wildland. Accessed October 2024. ———. 2024e. Park Fire Status Update Reports. Available at:
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/7/24/park-fire/updates. Accessed December 2024. ———. 2024f. Top 20 Largest California Wildfires. Available at: https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/calfire-website/our-impact/fire-statistics/top20-largest-cawildfires.pdf?rev=22e40a3a996c42f8824d05eb7b5c9b27&hash=753B6436609C7AA62C802C3F 98561EAA. Accessed September 2024.
———. 2024g. Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Available at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones. Accessed October 2024. ———. 2024h. California CWPP Toolkit. Available at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/california-cwpp-toolkit. Accessed December 2024. ———. 2024i. Butte County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. May 2024 Revision. Available at:
https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/osfmwebsite/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-plan/2024/2024-buttecounty-unit-fire-plan.pdf?rev=9b927a5f86414b5ebf2c32d51c048012&hash=F8B439BE9.

Accessed March 2025.
———. 2025a. 2024 Incident Archive. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024. Accessed January 2025.
———. 2025b. Statistics. Available at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/statistics. Accessed March 2025.
———. n.d. Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation: Pre-Fire Planning. Available at:
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/pre-fireplanning. Accessed March 2025.

California Department of Housing and Community Development. 2022. 2022 Statewide Housing Plan.

Available at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/94729ab1648d43b1811c1698a748c136.

Accessed April 2023.

California Department of Insurance. 2023. 2023. Safer from Wildfires Initiative. Available at:
https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/200-wrr/saferfromwildfires.cfm. Accessed October 2024.

California Department of Public Health. 2017. Reduce Exposure to Ash When Returning Home After a Fire. Available at:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ReturnHo meAshGuide.pdf. Accessed September 2024.

California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR). 2023. Lake Oroville community update. Available at: https://water.ca.gov/News/Blog/2023/Dec-23/Lake-Oroville-Update-12-8-2023. Accessed September 2024.
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California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). 2022. California Climate Investments to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities. Available at: https://calepa.ca.gov/envjustice/ghginvest/. Accessed November 2024.

California Fire Safe Council. 2021. Fire Safe Councils. Available at:
https://cafiresafecouncil.org/resources/fire-safe-councils/. Accessed September 2024.

California Governor. 2020. California, U.S. Forest Service Establish Shared Long-Term Strategy to Manage Forests and Rangelands. Available at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/08/13/california-u-sforest-service-establish-shared-long-term-strategy-to-manage-forests-and-rangelands/. Accessed November 2024.

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). 2023. California State Hazard Mitigation Plan. Available at: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/office-of-the-director/operations/recoverydirectorate/hazard-mitigation/hazard-mitigation-planning/. Accessed November 2024.

California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (Cal OPR). 2019. Final Report of the Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery. Available at: https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20190618- Commission_on_Catastrophic_Wildfire_Report_FINAL_for_transmittal.pdf. Accessed September 2024.
———. 2020. Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory. Available at:
https://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/20201109-Draft_Wildfire_TA.pdf. Accessed September 2024. ———. 2022a. Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory. Available at: https://opr.ca.gov/docs/20220817- Fire_Hazard_Planning_TA.pdf. Accessed April 2023.
———.2022b. Wildland Urban Interface Planning Guide. Available at:
https://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/20220817-Complete_WUI_Planning_Guide.pdf. Accessed April 2023.

California Invasive Plant Council (CalIPC). 2024. About. Available at: https://www.cal-ipc.org/about/.

Accessed November 2024.

California Land Conservation Assistance Network. 2022. Forbestown Ridge Fire Safe Council. Available at: https://www.californialandcan.org/local-resources/Forbestown-Ridge-Fire-Safe-Council/39259.

Accessed October 2024.

California Legislative Analyst Office. 2024. Proposition 4. Available at:
https://www.lao.ca.gov/BallotAnalysis/Proposition?number=4&year=2024&os=httpbing2.wnabc.to p&ref=app. Accessed January 2025.

California Legislative Information. 2019a. AB-38 Fire Safety: Low-Cost Retrofits: Regional Capacity Review: Wildfire Mitigation (2019-2020). Available at: https://nsjfire.org/wpcontent/uploads/2021/07/AB38.pdf. Accessed January 2025. ———. 2019b. Public Resources Code 4290. Available at:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4290.&lawCode =PRC. Accessed November 2024.
———. 2022. Public Resources Code 4291. Available at:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4291.&lawCode =PRC. Accessed November 2024.
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California Native Plant Society. n.d. Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants & Weeds. Available at:
https://www.cnps.org/gardening/digging-deeper/invasive-weeds. Accessed January 2025.

California Natural Diversity Database. 2024. Resources. Available at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB.

Accessed December 2024.

California Natural Resources Agency. 2022. California High Hazard Zones (Tier 1). Available at:
https://data.cnra.ca.gov/dataset/california-high-hazard-zones-tier-1. Accessed January 2025.

California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (COEHHA). 2023. SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities. Available at: https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/sb535. Accessed April 2023.

California Secretary of State. 2024. Official Voter Information Guide. Available at:
https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/4/analysis.htm. Accessed November 2024.

California Silver Jackets Team (California SJT). 2019. After wildfire, a guide for California communities.

Available at: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/After-Wildfire-Guide10JUNE2019_draft_final-ADA-compliant.pdf. Accessed September 2024.

California State Parks. 2024a. A state park system is born. Available at:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=940. Accessed September 2024. ———. 2024b. Planning for a changing landscape. Available at:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31316. Accessed September 2024. ———. 2024c. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area. Available at:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=462. Accessed September 2024. ———. 2024d. Clay Pit SVRA. Available at: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25572. Accessed September 2024.
———. 2024e. Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park. Available at:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=463. Accessed September 2024.

California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force (CA WFRTF). 2021. California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. Available at: https://wildfiretaskforce.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/04/californiawildfireandforestresilienceactionplan.pdf. Accessed November 2024.
———. 2024. California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force. Available at:
https://wildfiretaskforce.org. Accessed November 2024.

Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS). 2023. Mitigation That Matters: A Wildfire Case Study. Available at:
https://ar.casact.org/mitigation-that-matters-a-wildfire-case-study/. Accessed April 2023.

CBS News. 2021. Dixie Fire Fully Contained After More Than 3 Months, 963,309 Acres Burned. Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/dixie-fire-100-percent-contained-after-storm/, Accessed December 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2022. Overall SVI Nationwide Comparison. Available at: https://svi.cdc.giv/map/. Accessed November 2024.

Chico State. 2024. Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve. Available at https://www.csuchico.edu/bccer/.

Accessed November 2024.
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City of Chico. 2021. Vegetative Fuels Management Plan. Available at: https://chico.ca.us/OurCommunity/Parks-Recreation-and-Experience-the-Outdoors/Park-Documents/Vegetative-FuelsManagement-Plan/index.html. Accessed March 2025.

Coastal Conservancy. 2023. Wildfire Resilience Program. Available at: https://scc.ca.gov/wildfireresilience-program/. Accessed April 2023.

Community Wildfire Planning Center. 2021. Land Use Planning Approaches in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Available at: https://communitywildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/CWPC_LandUse-WUI-Report_Final_2021.pdf. Accessed November 2024.

Congressional Research Service (CRS). 2023. Wildfire Statistics. Available at:
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10244. Accessed November 2024.

Eco Flight. 2020. North Complex Fire. Available at: https://ecoflight.org/flight/north-complex-fire/.

Accessed December 2024.

Egan, Dave. 2013. Multi-party monitoring. In Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Handbook, edited by D. Egan and T. Dubay, pp. 108–141. Flagstaff:

Northern Arizona University Ecological Restoration Institute. Available at:
https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/2501/1/Dubay_C_etal_2013_HandbookBreakingBarriers

3.pdf. Accessed April 2023.

Evans, A., S. Auerbach, L.W. Miller, R. Wood, K. Nystrom, J. Loevner, A. Argon, M. Piccarello, E. Krasilovsky. 2015. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wildfire Mitigation Activities in the Wildland Urban Interface. Forest Guild, October 2015.

Explore Butte. 2024. Visiting Oroville Dam: The Tallest Dam in the Country. Available at:
https://www.explorebuttecounty.com/stories/visiting-oroville-dam-the-tallest-dam-in-the-country.

Accessed December 2024.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2022. Social Vulnerability. Available at:
https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/social-vulnerability. Accessed April 2023.

Fire Research and Management Exchange System. 2021. Applied Wildland Fire Behavior Research and Development. Available at: https://www.frames.gov/applied-fire-behavior/home. Accessed October 2024.

Forbes. 2024. Average Salary By State in 2024. Available at:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/average-salary-bystate/#average_salary_by_state_in_the_u_s_section. Accessed December 2024.

Forests and Rangelands. 2006. A Collaborative Approach for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment 10-Year Strategy Implementation Plan. Available at:
https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/documents/resources/plan/10- yearstrategyfinal_dec2006.pdf. Accessed April 2023.
———. 2014. The National Strategy: The Final Phase in the Development of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Available at:
https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/documents/strategy/strategy/CSPhaseIIINationalStrategyA pr2014.pdf. Accessed April 2023.
———. 2021. The National Strategy. Available at:
https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/strategy/thestrategy.shtml. Accessed October 2024. 365
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———. 2023. National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy Addendum Update. Available at:
https://www.forestsandrangelands.gov/documents/strategy/natl-cohesive-wildland-fire-mgmtstrategy-addendum-update-2023.pdf. Accessed November 2024.

Greenberg, M., H. Angelo, E. Losada, and C. Wilmers. 2023. Relational Geographies of Urban Unsustainability: The Entanglement of California’s Housing Crisis with WUI Growth and Climate Change. Available at: https://bpb-use1.wpmucdn.com/sites.ucsc.edu/dist/0/1412/files/2024/09/Greenberg_2024_Proceedings-of-theNational-Academy-of-Sciences_Relational-geographies-of-urban-unsustainability-Theentanglement-of-Californias-housing-crisis-with-WUI-growth-and-climate-change.pdf. Accessed November 2024.

Interagency Fuel Treatment Decision Support System (IFTDSS). 2021. About Map Values - Highly Valued Resources or Assets (HVRAs). Available at:
https://iftdss.firenet.gov/firenetHelp/help/pageHelp/content/30- tasks/qwra/mapvalues/hvraabout.htm. Accessed October 2024. ———. IFTDSS. n.d.a. About Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment (QWRA). Available at:
https://iftdss.firenet.gov/firenetHelp/help/pageHelp/content/30-tasks/qwra/qwraabout.htm.

Accessed April 2025.
———. IFTDSS. n.d.b. Burn Probability. Available at:
https://iftdss.firenet.gov/firenetHelp/help/pageHelp/content/20-models/lbp/out/burnprob.htm.

Accessed November 2024.
———. IFTDSS. n.d.c. Quantitative Wildfire Risk Assessment (QWRA) Response Functions (RFs).

Available at: https://iftdss.firenet.gov/firenetHelp/help/pageHelp/content/30- tasks/qwra/risk/in/responsefunctions.htm. Accessed November 2024. ———. IFTDSS. n.d.d. Automatic 97th Percentile Landscape Fire Behavior (Auto97th) Report. Available at: https://iftdss.firenet.gov/firenetHelp/help/pageHelp/content/00- concepts/cheatsheet_auto97th.htm?TocPath=Get%20Started%7C_____9. Accessed November 2024.

International Association of Fire Chiefs. 2021. Ready, Set, Go! Available at: http://wildlandfirersg.org/.

Accessed April 2023.

Keely, J.E., and A.D. Syphard. 2016. Climate Change and Future Fire Regimes: Examples from California. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/6/3/37. Accessed September 2024.

Link, E., and A. Maranghides. 2023. Burnover events identified during the 2018 Camp Fire. International Journal of Wildland Fire. Available at:
https://nwfirescience.org/sites/default/files/publications/Burnover%20events%20identified%20duri ng%20the%202018%20Camp%20Fire.pdf. Accessed December 2024.

Long, J.W., F.K. Lake, and R.W. Goode. 2021. The importance of Indigenous cultural burning in forested regions of the Pacific West, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 500(2021):119597, ISSN 0378-1127, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119597.

Los Angeles Times. 2024. California wildfires off to explosive start, burning 30 times as many acres as all of last year. Available at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-07-31/california-wildfireshave-burned-750-000-acres-so-far-this-year. Accessed October 2024. 366
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Sierra Nevada Conservancy. 2021. 2020 megafires create risks for California’s water supply. Available at:
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Society of American Foresters. 2004. Preparing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan: A Handbook for Wildland Urban Interface Communities. Sponsored by Communities Committee, National Association of Counties, National Association of State Foresters, Society of American Foresters, and Western Governors’ Association. Available at:
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Accessed April 2023.

Stephens, S., R. Martin, and N. Clinton. 2007. Prehistoric Fire Area and Emissions from California’s Forests, Woodlands, Shrublands, and Grasslands. Available at:
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St. John, P., J. Serna, and R-G Lin II. Must Reads: Here’s how Paradise ignored warnings and became a deathtrap. Available at:
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University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). 2019. Cattle grazing reduces fuel and leads to more manageable fire behavior. Available at:
https://calag.ucanr.edu/Archive/?article=ca.2022a0011#:~:text=CAL%20FIRE%27s%20California %20Vegetation%20Treatment%20Program%20%28CalVTP%29%20utilizes,plays%20an%20imp ortant%20role%20in%20fuel%20load%20reductions. Accessed October 2024. ———. 2020. Mass Tree Mortality, Fuels, and Fire: A Guide for Sierra Nevada Forest Landowners.

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U.S. Census Bureau. Explore Census Data. Available at:
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2005. Terminology and Definitions Associated with Revegetation.

Available at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/wapmctn6333.pdf. Accessed October 2024
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U.S. Fire Administration. 2020. Exposures. Available at: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfirs/codinghelp/nfirsgrams/nfirsgram-including-exposures.html. Accessed October 2024. ———. 2021a. What is the WUI? Available at: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/what-is-the-wui.html.

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APPENDIX A:

Planning and Policy Background
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PLANNING PROCESS
The Society of American Foresters, in collaboration with the National Association of Counties and the National Association of State Foresters, developed a guide entitled Preparing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan: A Handbook for Wildland-Urban Interface Communities (Society of American Foresters 2004) to provide communities with a clear process in developing a community wildfire protection plan (CWPP). While this guide is now dated, the eight steps for developing a CWPP are still relevant and have been followed in preparing the Butte County CWPP:

Step One: Convene Decision-Makers. Form a Core Team made up of representatives from the appropriate local governments, local fire authorities, and state agencies responsible for forest management.

Step Two: Involve Federal Agencies. Identify and engage local federal representatives and contact and involve other land management agencies as appropriate.

Step Three: Engage Interested Parties. Contact and encourage active involvement in plan development from a broad range of interested organizations and stakeholders.

Step Four: Establish a Community Base Map. Work with partners to establish a base map(s) defining the community’s wildland-urban interface (WUI) and showing inhabited areas at risk, wildland areas that contain critical human infrastructure, and wildland areas at risk for large-scale fire disturbance.

Step Five: Develop a Community Risk-Hazard Assessment. Work with partners to develop a community Risk-Hazard Assessment that considers fuel hazards; risk of wildfire occurrence; homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure at risk; other values at risk; and local preparedness capability. Rate the level of risk for each factor and incorporate this information into the base map as appropriate.

Step Six: Establish Community Priorities and Recommendations. Use the base map and Community Risk-Hazard Assessment to facilitate a collaborative community discussion that leads to the identification of local priorities for treating fuels, reducing structural ignitability and other issues of interest, such as improving fire response capability. Clearly indicate whether priority projects are directly related to the protection of communities and essential infrastructure or to reducing wildfire risks to other community values.

Step Seven: Develop an Action Plan and Assessment Strategy. Consider developing a detailed implementation strategy to accompany the CWPP as well as a monitoring plan that will ensure its long-term success.

Step Eight: Finalize Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Finalize the CWPP and communicate the results to community and key partners.

In 2024, CAL FIRE published the California CWPP Toolkit, which provides important guidance and resources for developing CWPPs in California, including an overview of California CWPP requirements (CAL FIRE 2024h). The Toolkit was used to ensure that this CWPP meets specific considerations required by CAL FIRE: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/community-wildfire-preparedness-andmitigation/california-cwpp-toolkit. 375
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FIRE MANAGEMENT POLICY
The responsibility for fire prevention and protection lies with a combination of property owners, state, county, and municipal governments. Property owners are expected to comply with applicable state statutes and local regulations. These efforts should be coordinated with federal agencies and the private sector to ensure a comprehensive approach to fire management. The current federal fire policy prioritizes the protection of 1) life, 2) property, and 3) natural resources. These priorities often limit flexibility in the decision-making process, especially when a wildland fire occurs within the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

LEGISLATIVE DIRECTION
Local Direction
Fire management policy within Butte County emphasizes a comprehensive approach to reducing wildfire risk and improving fire prevention measures. This strategy includes locally tailored policies and statewide legislation, focusing on enforcing fire protection standards, supporting vegetation management, enforcing weed abatement programs, and ensuring that all properties and development projects address wildland fire risks, particularly in areas identified by CAL FIRE or the local jurisdiction as being at increased risk.

One local ordinance that demonstrates Butte County’s fire management approach includes Chapter 38A of the Butte County Code of Ordinances, titled "Fire Prevention and Protection," which mandates property owners maintain defensible space and manage hazardous vegetation to prevent the rapid spread of fire.

This chapter builds off the state-level Public Resources Code 4291 and outlines administrative procedures for addressing fire hazards. The overall goal of Chapter 38A is voluntary compliance. Often, non-compliant properties can be referred to a local organization, such as the Fire Safe Council or Resources Conservation District, that can provide additional guidance and support in achieving compliance. For those parcels that remain out of compliance, Chapter 38A provides for issuing legal notices, enforcing compliance through abatement hearings, forced abatement of hazardous properties, and civil penalties. There are also provisions for Butte County to abate urgent fire hazards without formal hearings when immediate threats to public safety exist (Butte County 2024b).

Butte County’s Building Code Ordinance (Ordinance No. 4172) adopts the 2019 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and other relevant codes to establish minimum construction standards, promote fire safety, and ensure compliance with state requirements.

In response to recent devastating wildfires, Butte County has enacted two key chapters in its Code of Ordinances to support recovery efforts. Chapter 53 - Camp Fire Recovery, enacted as an urgency ordinance, addresses the aftermath of the 2018 Camp Fire by relaxing zoning and building restrictions to alleviate the housing shortage for displaced residents, permitting temporary housing solutions such as RVs, modular homes, and tiny houses. Similarly, Chapter 54 - North Complex Fire Recovery, implemented after the 2020 North Complex Fire, mandates the removal of hazardous structural debris and trees to ensure public safety and facilitate rebuilding efforts, providing property owners with options to participate in state-managed cleanup programs or choose private removal under county supervision.

Chapter 56 – Park and Thompson Fire Recovery outlined mandatory requirements for debris and hazard tree removal, interim housing provisions, and enforcement measures to address the public health and safety risks caused by the Park Fire and Thompson Fire disasters (Butte County 2024b).

The passage of Measure H in Butte County’s 2024 General Election signifies the securing of essential public services and community resources for regional public safety entities. This measure, which 376
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implements a 1% sales tax, is expected to generate $44,000,000 annually toward maintaining emergency 911 response times; preparing for and recovering from wildfires and natural disasters; protecting abused and neglected children; addressing homelessness and mental health challenges; retaining and attracting qualified firefighters, EMTs, and sheriff's deputies; preventing thefts and property crimes; and supporting library services. The tax will be applied to both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county and includes strict accountability measures such as public spending disclosures and annual audits (Butte County 2024c).

State Direction
The 2021 California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan recognizes that California faces continued and urgent threats from catastrophic wildfire. The purpose of this plan is to provide a foundation for supporting healthy, resilient, fire-adapted forests. The plan is organized into four overarching goals with sub-goals and their correlated action items. Some of the goals/strategies specific to wildfire include:
• Increase fuel breaks: Reduce the risk of wildfire and slow fire spread within the wildland-urban interface (WUI).
• Protect wildfire-prone homes and neighborhoods: Expand and extend defensible space programs.
• Improve utility-related wildfire risk: Ensure electrical corporations are compliant with wildfire regulations.
• Create fire-safe roadways: Ensuring emergency evacuation routes that can function as a fuel break.

Like the 2014 National Strategy, the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, CAL FIRE’s 2024 California CWPP Toolkit, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 all mandate community-based planning efforts with full stakeholder participation, coordination, project identification, prioritization, funding review, and multiagency cooperation. In compliance with Title 1 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, a community wildfire protection plan must be mutually agreed upon by the local government, local fire departments, and the state agency responsible for forest management. See Figure A.1 for an overview of California’s wildfire regulatory environment.

California Proposition 4, which passed in California’s 2024 General Election, authorizes the state to sell a $10 billion bond for natural resources and climate activities. Of this amount, $1.95 billion is specifically allocated for wildfire prevention and extreme heat mitigation. This funding will support activities such as thinning overgrown forests, clearing vegetation near residential areas, and helping homeowners make their properties more resistant to wildfire damage. The measure prioritizes projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and mandates annual audits. The bond will be repaid from the State General Fund, with an estimated annual cost of $400 million over 40 years. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance California's wildfire management by providing substantial resources for prevention and mitigation efforts, potentially reducing the severity and impact of future wildfires (California Secretary of State 2024).

An overview of California CWPP requirements is included as part of the California CWPP Toolkit published by CAL FIRE. To access the Toolkit, visit: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/california-cwpp-toolkit. 377
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Figure A.1. California’s wildfire regulatory framework. Source: Cal OPR (2022a) California Bills and Regulations
Assembly Bill 38 (2019): Assembly Bill 38 creates a financial support program for wildfire mitigation, focusing on home hardening, retrofitting, and defensible space improvements in high-risk wildfire areas (Cal OPR 2022a). The bill also requires a disclosure of the defensible space status by the seller whenever improved property is sold anywhere in the High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) in both the State Responsibility Area (SRA) and Local Responsibility Area (LRA). This requirement does not apply to unimproved parcels (direct communication, CAL FIRE, 2025).

Assembly Bill 179 (2022): In September 2022, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 179, allocating $1.3 billion over 2 years to enhance wildfire resilience and forest health across California (California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force [CA WFRTF] 2024).

Assembly Bill 1550 (2016): Assembly Bill 1550 requires state agencies to prioritize investments in disadvantaged communities facing environmental and economic challenges (California Environmental Protection Agency 2022).

Assembly Bill 1823 (2019): This bill requires the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to establish a “Fire Risk Reduction Community” list by July 1, 2022, for local agencies in high fire risk areas (Cal OPR 2022a).

Evacuation Planning Requirements: Assembly Bill 747 (2019), Assembly Bill 1409 (2020), and Senate Bill 99 (2019) require local agencies to assess evacuation routes and identify communities with fewer than two routes (Cal OPR 2022a).

Public Resource Code (PRC) 4290: Establishes minimum wildfire protection standards for building, construction, and development in the SRA, effective since 1991 (California Legislative Information 2019b). Additionally, PRC 4290 grants the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection authority to adopt fire safety regulations in the SRA and very high FHSZs (Cal OPR 2022a). 378
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PRC 4291: Mandates defensible space around structures in the SRA or very high FHSZs, including clearing vegetation and debris near homes. An update in January 2021 added an ember-resistant zone requirement within 5 feet of structures, commonly referred to as “Zone 0” (California Legislative Information 2022; Cal OPR 2022a). In February 2025, in response to the Los Angeles Fires, Governor Newsom signed an executive order to direct the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to accelerate its work to adopt Zone 0 regulations.

PRC 4292–4296: These sections set vegetation management standards around overhead power lines to prevent fires (Cal OPR 2022a).

Senate Bill 246 (2015): Senate Bill 246 established the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP), responsible for coordinating responses to climate change impacts across California (Cal OPR 2022a).

Senate Bill 379 (2015): Senate Bill 379 requires all California general plans to address climate change adaptation and resilience in the safety element (Cal OPR 2022a).

Senate Bill 535 (2012): Senate Bill 535 allocates funds from California Climate Investments to benefit communities identified as “Disadvantaged Communities” (DACs), based on pollution burden and federal land status (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment 2023).

Senate Bill 901 (2018): Senate Bill 901 updated the California Emergency Services Act, allowing the governor, with the advice of the Office of Emergency Services, to divide the state into mutual aid regions for wildfire response coordination (Cal OPR 2022a).

Senate Bill 1035 (2018): Senate Bill 1035 mandates that local agencies update the climate adaptation section of their general plan every 8 years, incorporating new information on fire hazards, climate resilience, and adaptation strategies (Cal OPR 2022a).

Senate Bill 1241 (2012): Senate Bill 1241 mandates that cities and counties in the SRA or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZs) include wildfire hazard strategies in their safety elements (Cal OPR 2022a).
2022 Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) Update: In 2023, CAL FIRE updated the FHSZs within the SRA, considering factors like vegetation, wind, and fire history. The 2023 FHSZ update for the SRA became effective April 1, 2024. FHSZs in the LRA are currently in the update process, with final maps expected in spring 2025 (CAL FIRE 2024g).

California Proposition 4: Proposition 4 authorizes a $10 billion bond with $1.5 billion dedicated to forest health and wildfire prevention. This funding is crucial for reducing wildfire risks by supporting forest thinning, vegetation clearing, and home hardening. These measures aim to decrease the severity of wildfires, protect communities, and potentially save state and local governments significant costs in disaster response and recovery (California Legislative Analyst Office 2024).

Federal Direction
The National Fire Plan was established after the 2000 fire season to foster collaboration between state, federal, and tribal agencies, ensuring preparedness for severe wildland fires. It was followed by a 2001 report, and was updated in 2002 and 2006, which emphasized restoring fire-adapted ecosystems, reducing hazardous fuels, and improving fire prevention. The 2006 update introduced a landscape-level vision for restoration, continued improvements in collaboration, and the importance of using fire as a 379
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management tool. Annual reports track progress in community fire prevention efforts (Forests and Rangelands 2006).

In 2003, the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) was enacted to expedite hazardous fuels reduction on federal lands, encouraging collaboration between agencies and communities. Revised in 2009, it introduced new funding provisions and refocused on wildfire mitigation. A key feature of the HFRA is the development of community wildfire protection plans, which allow communities to define their wildlandurban interface (WUI) and prioritize treatment areas for funding and hazard reduction projects (H.R. 4233 - Healthy Forest Restoration Amendmen
ts Act of 2009).

In 2023, the Wildfire Leadership Council updated the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy through an Addendum Update. This update highlighted new emphasis areas, including climate change, workforce capacity, community resilience, and environmental justice. The updated strategy also outlined management options and addressed challenges faced by the 2014 framework (Forests and Rangelands 2023).

PLANNING EFFORTS
LOCAL
2024 Butte County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP): This comprehensive hazard mitigation plan identifies the primary risks faced by Butte County, including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Mitigation goals are aligned with Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA’s) guidelines to ensure eligibility for federal disaster assistance and grant funding (Butte County 2024a). The LHMP contains more than 20 annexes for jurisdictions, special districts, and nonprofits and can be found here:
https://www.buttecounty.net/808/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan. 2025 CAL FIRE Butte Unit Fire Danger Operating Plan (FDOP): The CAL FIRE Butte Unit FDOP serves as a critical framework for managing wildfire risks, providing standardized procedures for assessing, communicating, and responding to fire danger levels. It uses local data, weather forecasts, and historical fire behavior to understand the magnitude of local fire danger, guiding decisions on staffing, resource allocation, and public advisories. By outlining clear protocols for various fire danger levels, the FDOP helps fire management agencies implement measures to prevent and mitigate wildfires, protect communities, and coordinate effectively among multiple agencies.

Butte County Community Health Assessment: The 2023 Community Health Assessment, updated in 2024 and led by the Butte County Department of Public Health, provides a comprehensive overview of health and social factors impacting county residents. It also underscores the county’s efforts to address the lingering effects of disasters such as wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for targeted public health initiatives to improve the overall well-being of the population (Butte County 2024c). 2021 Butte County Climate Action Plan: The Butte County Climate Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change, including the increased threat of wildfires. This document serves as a guide for aligning wildfire prevention with broader environmental goals, such as enhancing carbon sequestration through forest management and improving air quality (Butte County 2021).
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Upper Ridge Community Plan: The Upper Ridge Community Plan focuses on the recovery and redevelopment of the communities affected by the Camp Fire, including strategies for reducing wildfire risks in the wildland-urban interface. The plan includes recommendations for land use, infrastructure improvements, and community resilience, aiming to rebuild in a way that mitigates future fire risks while fostering economic and social recovery (Butte County 2022).

California Department of Water Resources Oroville Facilities Fuel Load Management Plan (FLMP):

The Oroville Facilities FLMP was developed by the California Department of Water Resources and outlines strategies to manage and reduce wildfire risks within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission project boundary. The plan focuses on reducing fuel loads through various treatments like prescribed burns, thinning, grazing, and herbicide application (California Department of Water Resources 2023).

Butte County CWPP/CAL FIRE Butte Unit Fire Plan: The Butte County CWPP and the CAL FIRE Butte Unit Fire Plan are a single, integrated document that serves as both the countywide CWPP and Unit Fire Plan for Butte County. This plan identifies and prioritizes pre- and post-fire management strategies in collaboration with federal, state, city, town, and county agencies, as well as tribal entities, private companies, nonprofits, and other non-governmental organizations. It provides a comprehensive framework for wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response by addressing the unique wildfire hazards of the local region while aligning with CAL FIRE’s statewide goals. The 2025 CWPP/Fire Plan is a complete rewrite of the 2020 document that was last revised in May 2024. The plan ensures coordinated, localized strategies and tactics to effectively manage wildfire risks and enhance community safety (CAL FIRE 2024i).

All-At-Once Evacuation Plan: The Town of Paradise All-At-Once Evacuation Plan was developed based on findings from the Camp Fire After Action Review and Corrective Action reports. The plan is designed to move traffic off the ridge and onto Highway 99 without interruption. The plan includes the Town of Paradise Public Works, Butte County Public Works, the City of Chico, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

Butte County Emergency Evacuation Report: In 2021, Butte County received a grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to enhance emergency evacuation planning. Partnering with a transportation consulting firm in 2022, the County conducted traffic pattern analyses and evacuation modeling scenarios to develop an Emergency Evacuation Report and detailed evacuation maps for unincorporated communities. Completed in 2025, these resources were informed by community input gathered through public meetings and provide critical guidance for safe evacuations (Butte County 2025).
2022 Butte Forested Watersheds Plan: The Butte Forested Watersheds Plan aims to create a resilience framework for Butte County’s forested watersheds, focusing on health and sustainability amidst wildfire risks and climate change. Key objectives include fire adaptation through reduced fuel loads, promoting biodiversity, ensuring climate resilience, maintaining water quality, and managing herbivory. The plan emphasizes a shift from project-based to programmatic management, collaboration with local tribes, and community-based fire management. Additionally, it seeks to develop biomass capacity to use forest thinning byproducts and reduce wildfire risks. Access the plan at:
https://www.bcrcd.org/files/dcf88caf7/Butte+Forested+Watersheds+Plan+Final+Revised+2-18-22.pdf.

City of Chico Vegetative Fuels Management Plan (VFMP): The City of Chico's 2021 VFMP provides a comprehensive framework for managing over 6,400 acres of parks, greenways, and open spaces to reduce wildfire risk while improving ecological health and community values. The plan outlines specific goals and objectives, focusing on minimizing fire hazards, protecting native biodiversity, enhancing 381
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wildlife habitat, and maintaining ecosystem services like water quality. It prioritizes key projects but also authorizes vegetation management across all City-owned lands (City of Chico 2021).

STATE
Strategic Fire Plan for California: The 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California is a comprehensive document developed by CAL FIRE and the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. It aims to enhance the state’s ability to manage and mitigate wildfire risks through a combination of fire prevention, suppression activities, and natural resource management (CAL FIRE 2018a).

Key Focus Areas
• Fire Prevention and Suppression: The plan emphasizes activities to protect lives, property, and ecosystem services.
• Natural Resource Management: Maintaining the state’s forests as a resilient carbon sink is crucial.
• Community Engagement and Education: Increasing public awareness and education on fire prevention and safety is a significant component.

Goals and Objectives
The 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California outlines eight primary goals, supported by 66 specific objectives. These goals include identifying and evaluating wildland fire hazards, integrating land use planning, enhancing collaborative community fire protection planning, increasing fire prevention awareness, integrating fire and fuels management practices with landowner/land manager priorities across jurisdictions, determining the adequate level of fire suppression and fire planning resources, and implementing post-fire assessment programs (CAL FIRE 2018a).

California State Hazard Mitigation Plan: The 2023 California State Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines California’s strategy to reduce the impacts of disasters through a multi-sector and community-wide approach to risk reduction (Cal OES 2023).

Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory: In 2022, the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (Cal OPR) updated the Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory. The goal of the guide is to provide a framework for planners and decision-makers in addressing hazards, increasing resilience, and reducing risks associated with fire (Cal OPR 2022a).

Wildland-Urban Interface Planning Guide: In 2022, in accordance with the requirements of Assembly Bill 75, the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (Cal OPR), together with the Community Wildfire Planning Center and CAL FIRE, created the wildland-urban interface (WUI) planning guide. The guide serves as a supplement to the Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory. The regulation section of the guide provides required and recommended codes for resilient WUI planning as well as rationale for how these measures promote a fire-safe community (Cal OPR 2022b).

California’s Forests and Rangelands: 2017 Assessment: In 2018, CAL FIRE published California’s Forests and Rangelands: 2017 Assessment. CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program evaluates California’s forests and rangelands and analyzes their condition to establish management and regulatory guidelines (CAL FIRE 2018c).

Community Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation Report: In 2019, CAL FIRE published the Community Wildfire Prevention & Mitigation Report in response to Executive Order N-05-19, which directs CAL FIRE 382
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and other state agencies to recommend administrative, regulatory, and policy changes to prevent and mitigate wildfires (CAL FIRE 2019a).

California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan: In 2021, the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force (CA WFRTF) developed California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.

The purpose of the plan was to sustain economic strength of the forests, improve forest health and resilience, and increase the level of fire safety within communities (CA WFRTF 2021).

Vegetation Management Program: In addition to the 2018 Strategic Fire Plan for California, CAL FIRE operates a Vegetation Management Program (VMP) that focuses on addressing resource management and wildfire fuel hazards within State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands. The VMP utilizes cost-sharing methodology, prescribed fire, and mechanical fuels treatments to address wildland fuel hazards on SRA lands. Landowners can apply for participation in the VMP program and once approved as a VMP project, CAL FIRE assumes liability for conducting treatments (CAL FIRE 2022c).

California Vegetation Treatment Program: The State of California operates the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP). This program was developed by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to create healthy fire regimes, reduce hazardous vegetation that increases wildfire risk, and reduce risk within communities (California Department of Conservation 2024a).

PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT

LAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Forest managers in the region are addressing land management objectives through the use of prescribed fire, mechanical, and manual treatments to promote more resilient forest lands. Private, state, and federal lands are interspersed, creating a matrix of land ownership, which is often a hurdle to implementation of landscape-level treatments. By working with private landowners, forest managers are enhancing landscape-scale efforts to create more resilient forest communities.

Local Land
At a broad level, the guiding principles for management of public local lands are established in the Butte County General Plan 2040 (Butte County 2023).

Butte County’s parks and recreational facilities are managed by five municipalities and five large, independent special districts. The five key recreation and park districts are Chico Area, Durham, Feather River, Paradise, and Richvale Recreation and Park Districts (Butte County 2023). Notably, the Gridley and Biggs areas are not served by a special park district. Instead, the Cities of Gridley and Biggs provide recreation facilities. Additionally, the City of Chico owns and manages Bidwell Park, one of the largest city-owned parks in the United States.

State Land
California and the federal government currently are in a shared stewardship agreement for California forests and rangelands. This agreement sets goals for fuels treatment, forest management, and watershed health (California Governor 2020). More information on this shared stewardship agreement can be found under the Stewardship Agreements subsection of this appendix. 383
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Priority Landscapes
Priority landscapes, as defined by the California Fire and Resource Assessment Program, are areas where ecosystems, infrastructure, or economic assets face high risks from wildfires, pests, or climate change. Ranked by asset value and threat severity, high-priority landscapes, particularly in the WUI, demand immediate action to mitigate wildfire risks through strategies like forest thinning and defensible space.

For more information on the Fire and Resource Assessment Program, visit the following webpage:
https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-resource-assessment-program/.

California Department of Parks and Recreation
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (commonly referred to as California State Parks) is the largest state park system in the United States, spanning approximately 1.4 million acres across 279 park units. The system is divided into 21 districts, each responsible for the upkeep and management of their respective regions (California State Parks 2024a). Butte County falls under the Northern Buttes District.

The primary objectives of land management within California State Parks include preserving biological diversity, protecting cultural resources, providing recreational opportunities, and offering educational programs. In response to the state’s wildfire risks, the parks have implemented various mitigation strategies such as fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and the creation of firebreaks (California State Parks 2024b).

Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area is a scenic destination in Butte County, managed by California State Parks and the California Department of Water Resources. The area spans approximately 15,500 acres of lake surface with 167 miles of shoreline. The park’s goals include water conservation, flood control, recreation, and environmental protection. In July 2024, parts of the park were affected by the Thompson Fire, leading to temporary closures of some trails (California State Parks 2024c).

The Lake Oroville State Recreation Area includes the Thermalito North and South Forebays.

The 300-acre North Forebay offers a day-use area with manicured turf, diverse shade trees—including European sycamore, olive, valley oak, and zelkova—a sandy swimming beach, picnic sites with ramadas, and a fishing pier. The South Forebay features a parking area, a four-lane boat ramp, picnic tables, and a sandy beach. Though it lacks shade and drinking water, it remains a popular spot for power boating and fishing.

Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area
Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is located about 2 miles west of Oroville in Butte County. This 220-acre area is characterized by its unique topography that was formed when clay was mined from the area during construction of the nearby Oroville Dam. This area provides recreational opportunities for a wide range of Off Highway Vehicles, including motorcycles, 4x4s, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) (California State Parks 2024d; direct communication, CAL FIRE, 2025). 384
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Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park
Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park, located near Chico, spans more than 355 acres of picturesque riparian habitat along the Sacramento River and Big Chico Creek. The park is characterized by its lush oak woodlands, cottonwood trees, and scenic river landscapes (California State Parks 2024e).

California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages well over 1 million acres of fish and wildlife habitat across 749 properties throughout California. These properties serve as habitat for a great diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species and include varied habitats from major ecosystems in the state (CDFW 2023). In 2021, the CDFW initiated the largest wildfire protection and resiliency endeavor in its history, with a focus to improve wildfire protection and resiliency in most of its ecological reserves, wildlife areas, and surrounding communities. Methods employed by the CDFW to accomplish its wildfire resiliency goals include the installation of fire breaks, brush removal, vegetation thinning, livestock grazing, and prescribed burns (CDFW 2021b).

CDFW-managed lands in Butte County are listed below:
• Butte Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve
• Butte Creek House Ecological Reserve
• Coon Hollow Wildlife Area
• Feather River Fish Hatchery
• Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
• North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve
• Oroville Wildlife Area
• Upper Butte Basin Wildlife Area
California Department of Water Resources
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR), a key agency in managing the state's water resources, oversees approximately 1,200 miles of levees and 700 miles of canals. The DWR system is divided into several regions, each responsible for the maintenance and management of their respective areas. Butte County falls under the Northern Region.

The primary objectives of water management within the DWR include ensuring water supply reliability, protecting water quality, providing flood protection, and supporting ecosystem health.

Oroville Facilities
The Oroville facilities, designated as FERC Project No. 2100 (P-2100), are situated along the Feather River in Butte County. Key components include Oroville Dam and Reservoir, Edward Hyatt Powerplant, Thermalito facilities, Feather River Fish Hatchery, and various recreational and conservation areas.

The hydroelectric system has a licensed capacity of approximately 762 megawatts, generating an average of 2.2 billion kilowatt-hours annually.

Federal Land
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) manages over 150 million acres across more than 560 national wildlife refuges as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, dedicated to conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats (USFWS n.d.a). In Butte County, the two USFWS-managed areas are the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge and the Steve Thompson North Central Valley Wildlife 385
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Management Area. The USFWS manages a total of 4,004 acres of land in the Butte County planning area.

A key part of the USFWS mission is its fire management program, which employs 498 professionals who manage prescribed fires to reduce combustible materials and prevent large wildfires. These prescribed burns, which treat about 342,845 acres annually nationwide, promote native vegetation and improve wildlife habitats (USFWS n.d.b). In addition, the fire management team responds to wildfires, protecting natural resources and human communities. The USFWS collaborates with other agencies to conduct prescribed burns and manage wildfire risks (USFWS n.d.b).

Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the largest fire program in the U.S. Department of the Interior, managing over 245 million acres of public lands, primarily in the western United States and Alaska. The BLM’s Redding Field Office manages 13,814 acres in Butte County as part of the Northern California District, mostly in the northwestern portion of the county. The BLM Fire Program prioritizes public safety through fire suppression, preparedness, fuels management, community assistance, and education (BLM n.d.a).

In California, the BLM faces challenges from diverse landscapes, increasing wildland development, unpredictable weather, and tree mortality from drought and bark beetles. The BLM California Fire Management Program protects people, property, and resources across over 2,000 communities at risk.

BLM California collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies through a cooperative fire protection agreement that coordinates statewide fire suppression efforts (BLM n.d.b).

U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, focusing on public safety, ecosystem health, and resource protection. For over 100 years, the USFS has employed a comprehensive fire management approach that includes fire suppression, prescribed burning, and community protection, guided by the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (USFS n.d.a).

In California, the USFS faces significant challenges due to diverse ecosystems and frequent wildfires.

The USFS California Fire Management Program, part of the Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5), protects people and resources across 18 national forests, covering 20 million acres. The USFS collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, participating in the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force and utilizing strategies such as fuel breaks, fuel load reduction, and prescribed burns to manage fire risk and promote ecosystem health (USFS n.d.b).

In Butte County, parts of two national forests—Plumas National Forest (1,146,000 total acres, and 141,915 acres in the planning area) and Lassen National Forest (1,200,000 total acres, and 55,480 acres in the planning area)—are located in the eastern and northeastern portions of the county, respectively.

These portions fall under two ranger districts: the Almanor Ranger District (Lassen National Forest) and the Feather River Ranger District (Plumas National Forest).

Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs manages fire through its Division of Wildland Fire Management. The goal of this program is to protect lives, property, and resources while restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting Indian self-determination. The Division provides wildland fire protection for 386
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federally recognized tribes and individual Indians through collaboration with other agencies where applicable under Public Law 93-638 (Bureau of Indian Affairs 2024).

Services provided by the Division of Wildland Fire Management include, but are not limited to, ecosystem improvements, wildland firefighter and safety training, fuels management, prescribed fire, and postwildfire recovery. The Bureau of Indian Affairs oversees 637 acres in the southern portion of Butte County.

Stewardship Agreements
Land stewardship agreements are vital for the sustainable management and preservation of our natural resources. These agreements foster collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including government agencies, tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners, to ensure that land is managed in a way that balances ecological health, cultural values, and community needs. By pooling resources and expertise, stewardship agreements enable the implementation of comprehensive land management practices that address critical issues such as wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, and water quality protection.

In 2020, California and the federal government signed an agreement of the shared stewardship for California forests and rangelands. The agreement sets many goals for the state of California and the federal government to accomplish together (California Governor 2020). These goals include treating at least 1 million acres of California lands per year to reduce the risk of wildfires, developing a 20-year cooperative forest management plan, which will outline projects and priorities, encouraging and increasing the use of sustainable land management practices such as prescribed fire, increase the forest management workforce and in turn increase the pace and scale of forest management, and prioritizing forest health benefits such as carbon sequestration and healthy watersheds. Funding for this agreement is provided from the Great American Outdoors Act (California Governor 2020). You can find the stewardship agreement here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/8.12.20-CA-SharedStewardship-MOU.pdf In a landmark collaboration, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Mooretown Rancheria have signed a co-stewardship agreement to manage over 1,300 acres of public and tribal lands near Lake Oroville in Butte County. This agreement, the first of its kind between BLM California and a federally recognized tribe, aims to enhance natural and cultural resource protection by integrating tribal management practices with federal land management. The Mooretown Rancheria, with its robust forestry department, has been actively managing forested lands to protect against wildfires and improve ecosystem resilience. This partnership, stemming from a 2021 Secretarial Order, underscores the commitment to protect the treaty, religious, subsistence, and cultural interests of federally recognized tribes (BLM 2023).

Further, the Northern California Regional Land Trust and the Butte County Collaborative Group (BCCG) are working together on wildfire preparedness and recovery, emphasizing community involvement and the use of advanced planning tools to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance land stewardship (Northern California Regional Land Trust 2024).
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APPENDIX B:

Mapping
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Figure B.1. Fire intensity levels across critical habitat areas in the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Figure B.2. Fire intensity levels around railroads in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 392
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Figure B.3. Rate of wildfire spread potential in the Butte County CWPP planning area, measured in chains per hour.
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Figure B.4. Fire intensity levels across the Butte County CWPP planning area, indicating areas where wildfires are likely to burn with greater severity. 394
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Figure B.5. Estimated fireline intensity across the Butte County CWPP planning area, measured in British thermal units (BTU) per foot per second, showing areas likely to experience severe fire behavior.
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Figure B.6. Burn probability and integrated hazard levels across the Butte County CWPP planning area, categorizing areas based on their likelihood of burning and potential hazard level. 396
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Figure B.7. Density of historical fire occurrences (2000–2024) in the Butte County CWPP planning area, with areas shaded by frequency.
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Figure B.8. Fire station service areas in the Butte County CWPP planning area, illustrating response times of 5, 10, and 15 minutes from each station.

Note: This analysis does not differentiate between Local, State, and Federal Responsibility Areas, nor does it account for cooperative agreements. It is limited to areas accessible by road within a maximum 15-minute drive time from a fire station. 398
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Figure B.9. Division of fire responsibility areas in the Butte County CWPP planning area, indicating federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
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Figure B.10. Direct protection areas for fire response within the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Figure B.11. Designated emergency travel routes within the Butte County CWPP planning area. 401
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Figure B.12. Water resources, including hydrants, dams, streams, and waterbodies, within the Butte County CWPP planning area.
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Figure B.13. Critical infrastructure related to energy and communication in the Butte County CWPP planning area, including power plants, substations, pipelines, transmission lines, and communication sites.
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Figure B.14. Key transportation routes and water resources in the Butte County CWPP planning area, including highways, bridges, railroads, dams, and community water systems. 404
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Figure B.15. Areas in the Butte County CWPP planning area eligible for treatment under the California Vegetation Treatment Program, which focuses on reducing wildfire risk through vegetation management practices.
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Figure B.16. Potential operational delineations (PODs) in the Butte County CWPP planning area, which help define areas where fire control efforts could be prioritized, providing strategic locations for containment and management operations.
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Figure B.17. Distribution of educational facilities in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 407
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Figure B.18. Locations of health care facilities in the Butte County CWPP planning area. 408
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Figure B.19. Key socioeconomic infrastructure in the Butte County CWPP planning area, including wastewater treatment plants, mobile home parks, and mines. 409
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Figure B.20. Public safety resources within the Butte County CWPP planning area, including fire stations, EMS stations, law enforcement facilities, emergency operation centers, and radio sites. 410
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Figure B.21. Priority populations within the Butte County CWPP planning area, as determined by the California Environmental Protection Agency.
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Figure B.22. Estimate of persons aged 17 and younger in the Butte County CWPP planning area.