Fire Reorganization
Reorganization of Fire Providers in Eastern Plumas
Given the tragic wildfires of the last couple of fire seasons, extensive challenges faced by the fire service agencies, and the transitional state of many of the fire providers around the County, the Commission has taken a particular interest in supporting positive change in fire service structure.
In May 2018, LAFCo staff attended the Gold Mountain CSD Board Meeting to present on options available to fire providers. A town hall was held in June 2018, where LAFCo staff presented the history of the fire protection districts and options for restructuring. The Commission invited representatives from the various fire districts to its regular meeting on October 15th to continue the conversation and receive a status update on each agency, including the challenges that are being faced presently and any potential for change of service structure that the agency is considering to address these issues. Following these discussions, affected agencies chose to develop a memorandum of understanding and establish the Local Emergency Services Study Group(LESSG).
The LESSG recommended formation of a new fire protection district to the member agencies, and member agencies chose to consider formation by conducting a feasibility study. Ultimately, the feasibility study demonstrated that a new fire protection district serving constituents within the City of Portola, Beckwourth Fire Protection District, Gold Mountain Community Services District, Sierra Valley Fire Protection District, and surrounding unserved areas, was feasible and would result in improved services. The LESSG is in the process of compiling an application to LAFCO.