Fire History of Nevada County

Many people who have lived in Nevada County for a long time remember fires frequently occurring when they were young. There are even stories of cattle ranchers who moved their herds from The Little Town of Washington to Nevada City by traveling along North Bloomfield Road, who lit fires along the way to promote increased grass growth for cattle feed. When asked to describe the way that the forest looked along the way, they remember the forest as large, open timber stands, with abundant cattle feed, and very little brush.

In 1905, the Forest Protection Act provided for a new Board of Forestry, a State Forester, fire districts, volunteer fire wardens, fire patrols, and the requirement that citizens fight fire when asked. The USDA Forest Service began a strict fire exclusion policy. As fires continued to burn large numbers of homes in California, the modern era of fire fighting began. Today, fire management includes prevention, suppression, and prescribed fire. Fire supression efforts over the last century have saved thousands of homes from wildfires, but during that time, brush that was once controlled by the native Americans and early settlers of California has now grown into dense thickets causing an increased wildfire risk.

• 49er Fire, September of 1988,

• Caused by a resident burning household debris. The fire burned 33,700 acres and destroyed 312 structures, including homes and outbuildings. Residents of Penn Valley, Lake Wildwood, Rough and Ready, and Nevada City were evacuated from their homes for several days. Today, the un-maintained brush in the areas that burned has grown over 20 feet tall, causing a severe wildfire hazard.

• Cottonwood Fire, August 1994,

• Was ignited by an escaped campfire near Sierraville. During the 15 day firefight, this fire burned 46,000 acres, and cost $12,500,000 to extinguish.

• Trauner Fire, 1994,

  • An exploding electrical unit on a PG&E pole caused the loss of more than a dozen homes, and 500 acres were burned.

• Williams Fire, September 1997

  • In Dobbins, Yuba County, burned 5,743 acres, 83 homes, 65 outbuildings, 16 vehicles, and 2 commercial buildings.

• Pendola Fire, October 1999,

• Was ignited by a recreational vehicle in Dobbins. The total destruction included 15 residences, 55 outbuildings, 2 commercial buildings, 35 vehicles, 11,430 acres.

These are just a few of the larger fires that have affected Nevada County residents, either through the loss of property, or smoke effects from fires burning in our neighboring counties. Our local fire services respond to thouands of fires each year, hoping that each one will not be the next fire that results in the loss of life and property.