Lassen – Modoc Unit - Board of Forestry and Fire Protection - State ...

FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008
Lassen-Modoc Unit
COMMUNITY EDUCATION, OUTREACH, AND INVOLVEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
Wildfires constitute a significant threat to the communities of Modoc County. However, some of
the outlying homes and ranches, both within and outside the defined community areas of Fire
Protection Districts, which are located in the sage/annual grass and/or the pine/mixed conifer fuel
types are at risk from wildland fire. The Modoc County CWPP has been prepared to assist the
communities in Modoc County. The goal is to achieve a greater level of protection from
wildfires. When fires occur, most people rely on the fire department for their protection.
This approach to safety is perilous in the urban/wild land interface. The individual property
owner cannot rely solely on fire-fighting agencies to protect his or her property. The primary and
initial burden for protection rests with the property owner. Residents, business owners, and local
officials must take the necessary measures to prepare themselves and their communities in the
event of fire and make it easier for firefighters to successfully do their jobs. Effective community
education and outreach can mitigate the risk of wildfires to the community if initiated and
maintained by citizens within the community.
This Plan is specifically prepared assuming that the Fire Protection Districts, the communities and
Modoc Fire Safe Council will take the leadership role to act on recommendations included in the
plan. The Council has already been instrumental in gaining cost-share assistance to work on fuel
reduction projects in Modoc County.
It is recommended that the MFSC continue to use the services of the California Department of
Corrections, Devil’s Garden Conservation Camp Fire crews to work on fuel breaks, such as
CalPines Phase I, II and III. One CDC crew costs $160.00 per day for 16 workers and one
captain. This is a great service provided by the CDC. It is also recommended that communities
around the county be encouraged to develop their own Fire Safe Councils.
Area Fire History
WILDFIRE THREAT EVALUATION
The “Fire History 1910-2003” Map shows fire hazard and fire history of
Modoc County. The forested areas north of Lookout, north and east of Davis
Creek, south and east of Likely and many other areas scattered through the
county have had a history of large fires, several over 300 acres. Area
communities have been listed in the Federal Register (August 17, 2001) as
Urban Wildland Interface Communities in the Vicinity of Federal Lands that
are at High Risk from Wildfire. These communities are Adin, Alturas, Cal-
Pines Lower Units, Cal-Pines Upper Units, Canby, Cedarville, Eagleville, Davis
Creek, Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Likely, Lookout, New Pine Creek, Newell, and
Tulelake, California.
Expected Fire Behavior
The climate is Great Basin high desert type with warm, dry summers and cold, dry winters.
Thunderstorms are common over the adjacent mountains during the summer with dry lightning a
common occurrence. The prevailing afternoon wind is S-SW at 5-15 mph. Normal afternoon
high temperatures in the summer fire season average 80-85 degrees F. Annual precipitation is
Modoc County Community Wildfire Protection Plan/Revised May 2008 92