AUBURN, CA (MPG) - With wildfire season on the horizon, Placer County foothill communities are taking action to protect their homes and neighborhoods.

Throughout April and May, a series of events will equip residents with the knowledge and resources they need to reduce wildfire risks.

Planned activities include defensible space work, hazardous vegetation removal, wildfire mitigation forums, a wildfire-related resource event and more.

The Placer County Office of Emergency Services urges residents to attend events in their local area and participate in their local Firewise community district, which could result in receiving a fire insurance discount from the California Department of Insurance.

Residents can search and find their local Firewise community online, here.

For more information or assistance forming a neighborhood Firewise community, residents can contact the Placer County Firewise Program coordinator at 530-886-3473 or [email protected].

The following events have been confirmed and new events will be publicized as they’re scheduled. 

Land Tender Virtual Community Forum
Tuesday, April 2, 6 - 8 p.m.
Online via Zoom (*Open to all participants from all zones)
https://placer-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/92559592689 
*Please note that the virtual session and in-person meetings will have the same information.
Organized by the Placer County Regional Forest Health Division, residents are invited to participate in this virtual-only community forum focusing on mitigating wildfire risk to communities, improving water quality, protecting recreational opportunities and other critical assets.  Learn more

Christian Valley Wildfire Preparedness Day
Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
California Conservation Corps Placer Center; 3710 Christian Valley Road, Auburn
Organized by the North Auburn/Ophir Fire Safe Council with support from CAL FIRE NEU/Placer County Fire and California Conservation Corps, the event will educate attendees about the risks and responsibilities associated with living in a high wildfire-risk area by providing demonstrations and distributing information that can be put into action to reduce the risk of loss of life and personal property due to wildfire. Attendees will also learn about the California Conservation Corps's role in responding to natural and manmade disasters, including fire. Learn more

Foresthill Firewise Communities Open House
Thursday, April 25, 5 - 7 p.m.
Brew Master’s Deli; 24340 Foresthill Road, Foresthill
Organized by the Foresthill/Iowa Hill Fire Safe Council, participants will learn the basics, benefits and work involved with joining or creating a Firewise Community. The Placer County Firewise Community coordinator will be available to answer any questions. Learn more

Land Tender Summit - West Community Forum
Monday, April 29, 6-8 p.m.
Leroy E. Botts Memorial Park; 24601 Harrison Street, Foresthill
Organized by the Placer County Regional Forest Health Division, residents are invited to participate in this in-person-only community forum focusing on mitigating wildfire risk to communities, improving water quality and protecting recreational opportunities and other critical assets. Learn more

Foresthill Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. - noon
Leroy E. Botts Memorial Park; 24601 Harrison Street, Foresthill
Organized by the Foresthill Fire Safe Council with support from the Foresthill Fire Protection District, residents are invited to learn about wildfire preparedness, Firewise communities and what they can do to provide additional wildfire safety around their residences. Learn more

Stop the Embers
Friday-Sunday, May 17-19
Gold Country Fairgrounds; 209 Fairgate Road, Auburn
Hosted by the Auburn City Fire Department, this year’s Stop the Embers event is now part of the Auburn Spring Home Show. Stop the Embers celebrates Auburn’s community effort to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Community members will be able to learn from firefighters and prevention specialists, ask questions and get resources, and more. Admission to the Auburn Spring Home Show is required. Learn more

Free Green Waste Day
Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Foresthill Fire Safe Council and Foresthill Fire Protection District are cp\o-hosting a community green waste day. The Fire Safe Council and Firewise Communities collaborate and hold this annual event to ensure all residents have the opportunity to reduce fuels on their property prior to fire season. This event will be held at the old mill site behind the Dollar General store in Foresthill. This event is open to Foresthill-area residents only. Please bring green waste only (including log rounds up to 12 inches). No food, pet or construction waste and no dirt, sod or rocks. Customers must bring proof of residency, tarp over and under the load and empty their own load. For questions email [email protected]. Learn more