The Fuels Reduction/Modification Program

This program allows a process for homeowners whose lands are adjacent to properties managed by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation to perform fuel reduction/modification work on Reclamation lands in an effort to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to improved property(s). This program consists of an application process, approval process, site inspection prior to and after completed projects under the direction of the Auburn City Fire Department.
Components of this program include:

• An application must be submitted to the Auburn City Fire Department for consideration and approval
• All applications must be approved prior to any work being performed
• Approvals will be based on the need to achieve Defensible Space or implement and or maintain the American River Canyon Shaded Fuel Break
• A minimum of 100’ feet of Defensible Space must be provided around your home prior to approval of your application (Areas within the 100’ on Reclamation land must be included in the application to achieve the full 100’ of defensible space as part of the approval process)
• It is recommended that neighboring private property owners join together and submit larger area projects rather than single parcel submittals
• Site visits by the fire department will be conducted to: verify need for work, mark and identify areas of work, discuss methods of treatment/prescriptions, review safety practices, and review all requirements and conditions
• All fuel reduction/modification activities and costs are the responsibility of the applicant; there is no obligation of the City of Auburn or U. S. Bureau of Reclamation for project costs or reimbursement
• The applicant will be responsible for any costs associated with damage to Reclamation lands, violation of conditions of approval, and remediation to any associated damages
• An agreement and release of liability must be signed upon project approval and prior to start of work
• All work performed will follow established fuel reduction/modification prescriptions such as: defensible space; Public Resource Code (PRC) and Auburn Municipal Code (AMC), and the American River Canyon Shaded Fuel Break prescription
• All work must be in compliance with environmental requirements of which may be subject to mitigation measures by the applicant
• All applicants receiving project approval will ensure safe equipment use and fire safety practices at all times
• Additional requirements, conditions, and specifications will be outlined in the approved application, these must be adhered to

Applications will be processed in a timely manner as resource availability permits. There may be limitations placed on work projects during certain periods of the year due to weather, endangered species nesting periods, and recreational events in the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA).

For additional information about this program contact:
The Auburn City Fire Department at (530) 823-4211