The Plumas County Board of Supervisors has moved forward with the approval of fire hazard maps that significantly increase the number of private parcels classified in “very high” severity fire hazard zones. This decision has not been well-received by the supervisors or the public, with Supervisor Mimi Hall stating, “We don’t have a choice. We have to pass this as is or with even stricter rankings.”
The board conducted the first of two meetings on June 3 to discuss an ordinance adopting these state-recommended maps, which apply to the towns of Chester, Quincy, East Quincy, and Sierra Valley. The maps are designed to inform local planning decisions, but they have raised concerns about their potential impact on insurance rates and property values. Supervisor Jeff Engel mentioned that the higher severity ratings could force some residents to leave their homes due to escalating insurance costs.
Tracey Ferguson, the county planning director, noted that while the board has the authority to increase fire hazard ratings, they cannot lower them. She suggested sending a letter to express the board’s objections to the state fire officials who created the maps. Engel expressed frustration about the lack of communication from state officials, stating, “Nobody contacted us.”
The insurance implications of these maps were highlighted during the meeting, with Engel asserting that insurance companies would undoubtedly consider the new ratings. Eric Ewing, chief of Calfire’s Susanville unit, encouraged the supervisors to reach out to the California insurance commissioner, Ricardo Lara, to voice their concerns, though Engel remained skeptical about the impact of such discussions.
The board is scheduled to hold a second reading of the ordinance on June 10, where they are expected to approve a letter addressing their objections to accompany the ordinance. The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. in the Plumas County Courthouse.
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