Resident tells Lassen County supervisors fire chief was hired without board approval, cites safety concerns

A resident told the Lassen County Board of Supervisors during the public-comment period that the local fire chief was hired without the board’s approval and has acted in ways that jeopardize community safety.

"He was hired illegally without board approval by law violation," Javier Jimenez said, describing what he called procedural flaws in the chief’s appointment and in how the chief handled a local burning incident. Jimenez told the board the chief issued an ordinance that he said has alienated support from CAL FIRE and has created fines he believes the chief cannot enforce. "He's driving the fire truck around on various occasions. No license," Jimenez said, asking how that affects insurance and liability.

Jimenez said a January fire burned for roughly two weeks and that he has photos he offered to show the board. He also said he believed the chief and others had been "insubordinate to the board" at a prior meeting and urged supervisors to listen to the recording of that meeting.

Board Chair acknowledged the comment and said staff would follow up. The board did not take immediate action during the meeting.

Why it matters: Allegations about hiring process irregularities, the enforceability of local orders, and potential uninsured operation of county equipment raise governance and public-safety questions for the fire district and the county. The board will need to determine whether the claims require staff investigation or formal inquiry. The public commenter requested that county officials respond to his concerns.

What happens next: The speaker asked the board to review past meeting recordings; the chair said the county would follow up. The transcript shows no immediate motion, staff report, or formal board direction to investigate during this session.