Program for Wild Fire Protection

Fire Protection, Public Safety & Affordable Insurance

Protecting the lives, homes, and property of Mariposa County residents is one of the most important responsibilities of local government.

Wildfire remains the greatest public safety challenge facing our county. Beyond the threat to our families, homes, and forests, it has also contributed to rising insurance costs and fewer coverage options for homeowners. While no single solution will eliminate these challenges, I believe we can take practical steps to make our communities safer and strengthen our county's resilience.

"I've fought wildfires on the fire line. I understand the challenges our firefighters face because I've lived them."

As a former California Department of Forestry (CDF) firefighter & California Youth Authority Fire Crew Counsellor, I understand that successful wildfire protection begins long before the first engine is dispatched. It requires preparation, rapid initial attack, well-trained firefighters, defensible space, and strong partnerships among the County, CAL FIRE, local fire districts, and our communities.

Our volunteer firefighters have served Mariposa County with exceptional dedication for generations. They are the backbone of fire protection in many of our rural communities. However, volunteer recruitment and retention have become increasingly difficult, leaving some stations with limited staffing and longer response times. We owe these men and women our gratitude—and we owe them the support they need to continue protecting our communities.

As your County Supervisor, I will work to strengthen our county's fire protection system by supporting practical, fiscally responsible solutions, including:

• Expanding the use of Paid Call Firefighters (PCFs) to strengthen staffing while preserving our proud volunteer tradition.

• Pursuing state and federal grants to improve fire equipment, emergency communications, station facilities, and response capabilities.

• Increasing county vegetation management and roadside fuel reduction to reduce wildfire hazards and improve emergency access.

• Supporting recruitment, training, and retention efforts to build the next generation of firefighters.

• Exploring partnerships with schools, workforce development programs, and community organizations to encourage careers in the fire service.

• Working closely with CAL FIRE, local fire agencies, and neighboring jurisdictions to improve coordination and emergency preparedness.

• Supporting the continued use and expansion of conservation and inmate crews for hazardous fuel reduction, defensible space projects, and community protection where appropriate.

Improving wildfire preparedness is about more than fighting fires. It is about protecting lives, preserving property, safeguarding our forests, and strengthening our local economy.

While no elected official can promise lower insurance premiums, improving our community's wildfire resilience, emergency response capabilities, and overall fire protection can help position Mariposa County more favorably over time as insurers evaluate wildfire risk.

Public safety is not a partisan issue. It is a shared responsibility.

As your Supervisor, I will work to ensure that our firefighters have the resources they need, our communities are better prepared, and our county continues to build a safer future for every resident.

Because protecting lives, homes, and our rural way of life must always come first.