By Supervisors Sue Hoek and Lisa Swarthout, members of Nevada County Board of Supervisors’ Ad-Hoc Fire Services Committee

In Nevada County, we all understand the risk of wildfire. Fire protection is not just important — it’s essential. Nevada County residents know this, and so does their local government.

That’s why over the past five years, Nevada County has provided more than $5.8 million in direct support to local fire districts. This includes Proposition 172 public safety funds, grants, Title III Forest Reserve funding, Homeland Security resources, property partnerships, and targeted operational support.

Most notably, in 2023, the County committed $1 million in one-time gap funding to ensure the Rough & Ready Fire Station could remain open while three local districts — Rough & Ready, Penn Valley, and Nevada County Consolidated — explored reorganization. This step was taken at the direct request of the fire districts, with a shared goal of creating a more sustainable and efficient fire protection model for our residents.

Though the initial reorganization effort did not come to fruition, the County’s commitment to public safety has not wavered. At the same time, it's important to acknowledge a key distinction: Nevada County is not responsible for administering local fire districts. These are independent agencies, governed by their own boards, funded through their own revenue streams.

Because fire protection is so vital to the safety and well-being of our residents, the County has consistently stepped up to be a partner — especially during times of need. In addition to direct financial support, we continue to invest in wildfire education, prevention, mitigation, and preparedness through our Office of Emergency Services.

That said, the need for a broader consolidation process remains. First explored six years ago, the goal has always been to reduce redundancies, improve staffing and response capacity, and create a more coordinated, efficient fire service model for Western Nevada County.

As we look to the future, we recognize that the challenges facing fire districts — particularly in rural areas — are real and growing. We also must be realistic: not every solution or funding request made to the County can be fulfilled — especially when balanced with other critical public safety responsibilities.

That’s why long-term solutions must include a combination of local leadership, regional collaboration, and state-level reform — including a reevaluation of how fire districts are funded statewide.

The County remains ready to support fire districts in pursuing shared services, advocacy, grant opportunities, and innovative models that improve efficiency and coverage. We also deeply value the incredible efforts of local residents, volunteers, and fire personnel who contribute daily to our community’s safety.

In addition to volunteer work and important fundraising efforts — like the volunteers in Penn Valley who raised $250,000 in 2024 alone through their thrift store to support needed equipment — residents play a vital role in supporting long-term solutions. This includes civic engagement, providing public input, and staying informed about the evolving needs and options for fire services in their area.

To continue fostering that engagement, the County looks forward to supporting a community Town Hall to help educate residents about special districts — how they are funded, how they operate, and the role they play in serving the public. As fire districts consider how to sustain service levels in the years ahead, strong community voices will continue to be an essential part of that conversation.

Strengthening fire protection in Nevada County will take continued partnership — and continued realism. Together, we can build a future where our communities are not only fire-ready, but also financially and operationally resilient.