El Dorado Co. recognized for wildfire planning, preparedness

El Dorado County has been recognized by the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection as a Fire Risk Reduction Community, reaffirming the county's long-term commitment to building wildfire-resilient communities. El Dorado is one of six counties to earn the designation for a second consecutive cycle. "This recognition reflects El Dorado County's continued commitment to reducing wildfire risk through strategic planning, collaboration and action," said Sue Phillips, chief administrative officer. "We are proud to be recognized again by the state for our work to make our communities more resilient." The 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community List recognizes public agencies that demonstrate proactive wildfire planning and risk reduction measures. Eligible communities must be located with a State Responsibility Area or a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and demonstrate best practices in wildfire preparedness, mitigation and community engagement. The county's Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience (OWPR) developed the application in partnership with the Planning and Building department, local fire districts, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit and other key partners. The application highlighted the county's recent update and implementation of its Community Wildfire Protection Plan, wildfire mitigation, hazardous fuel reduction, defensible space efforts, support for home hardening, public education and outreach, and the strong cross-agency collaboration that are central to earning and maintaining the Fire Risk Reduction Community designation. "Earning this designation for a second time reflects the significant progress we've made through the dedication of our county departments, fire agencies, community partners and residents," said Tanya Harlow, OWPR's wildfire resilience officer. "While we're pleased with the designation, we recognize the job is never done. By collaborating with our partners on planning, mitigation, preparedness and education, we will continue to reduce wildfire risk and help make our communities safer and stronger." In addition to recognizing El Dorado County's leadership in wildfire preparedness, the designation may benefit residents directly, as California Department of Insurance regulations require insurers to consider Fire Risk Reduction Community status in their rating plans. Homeowners should contact their insurance provider to determine whether the designation qualifies then for available discounts. It also strengthens the county's competitiveness for wildfire mitigation funding opportunities. For more information about El Dorado County's wildfire preparedness programs and resources, visit https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety-Justice/Wildfire-Disaster/Office-of-Wildfire-Preparednessand-Resilience