CAL FIRE Placer County prepares for wildfire season with public expo in Auburn

The Colfax City Council meeting on May 28, 2025, highlighted critical updates on wildfire preparedness as fire season approaches. Eric Schwab, assistant chief with CAL FIRE Placer County Fire, reported a concerning increase in vegetation fires, with 24 incidents recorded in just one week. The largest fire spanned 65 acres, underscoring the urgency for residents to maintain defensible space around their homes.

Schwab emphasized the importance of community awareness, particularly regarding safe mowing practices during high heat, which has been linked to several recent fire starts. He also announced a Wildfire Preparedness Expo scheduled for June 21 at Station 10 in Auburn. This event aims to educate the public on evacuation procedures and home hardening techniques, featuring demonstrations and participation from various local fire agencies and the sheriff's department.

In addition to fire safety discussions, Schwab shared that the Grass Valley emergency command center is the third busiest in California, handling nearly 39,000 incidents last year. This statistic highlights the significant demand for emergency services in the region.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to engage in fire safety initiatives and to attend the upcoming expo, reinforcing the city's commitment to public safety and preparedness as the fire season looms.