Plumas Supervisors Adopt Fire Hazard Severity Maps— With Objections

QUINCY — The second reading of a county ordinance adopting new wildfire hazard severity maps was held at the June 10 meeting of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors. The maps were issued earlier this year by the State Fire Marshall as a result of state legislation that also effectively requires counties and cities to adopt the maps without changes.

At the first reading of the ordinance on June 3, members of the public and the Board expressed concerns that the classification of most of Quincy, East Quincy, and Chester as high or very high-hazard areas on the new maps could lead insurance companies to raise rates or deny coverage. Objections to the lack of local input into the creation of the maps and the inability to change them were also raised.

Although members of the public attending the June 10 hearing did not comment further on the proposed ordinance, the Board’s discussion reflected the concerns expressed previously. The Board resolution adopting the ordinance included a clause stating that “on behalf of the County and LRA property owners, the Board of Supervisors expresses significant frustration...as Plumas County should have direction to decrease the fire hazard severity zone level... if findings can be made based on best available local data.” Board Chairman Kevin Goss noted that approving the ordinance with objections would be an opportunity for the county’s concerns to be heard. Supervisor Jeff Engel said he “never liked this whole process” which he said was “shoved down our throat with no input.” He concluded that if the county did not pass the resolution and “tell them exactly what we think” it would be fine with him.

Following discussion, the Board adopted the ordinance with Supervisor Engel voting no and all other members present voting yes (Supervisor Dwight Ceresola was absent for the vote).