In the heart of Willow Creek, where the beauty of the wilderness meets the reality of wildfire risk, the Willow Creek Fire Safe Council stands as a beacon of safety and community spirit.
This group of dedicated volunteers is on a mission to help the greater Willow Creek area stay prepared and resilient in the face of wildfire threats.
Who They Are: The Willow Creek Fire Safe Council is more than just a group; it’s a community effort to protect what we love most about living here – our homes, our neighbors, and the stunning natural environment that surrounds us. These folks aren’t just planning for ‘what if’; they’re actively working on ‘what now’ to make sure we’re all ready for the unexpected.
What They Do: The Council’s work is all about prevention and preparation in order to support a thriving greater Willow Creek community. From organizing neighborhood chipper days to offering practical advice on how to make your home more fire-resistant, they’re helping everyone in and around Willow Creek take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks. This grassroots group works hard to obtain grants and direct funding that provides no-cost fuels reduction programs to landowners from Redwood Valley to Cedar Flat. The Council also works with Humboldt County to maintain Willow Creek’s designation as a certified FireWise Community by keeping track of the work that residents do on their property – whether through their own efforts or by hiring out a landscaping or tree service. They also collaborate closely with local fire departments at educational community events and by implementing the Blue Dot Program, which informs firefighters of water sources on private property that can be utilized during an emergency.
How You Can Get Involved: Want to make a difference? The Willow Creek Fire Safe Council is always looking for more hands and hearts to join the cause. Whether you have a few hours to help out at an event, are interested in being a neighborhood liaison to coordinate a chipper day, or have ideas to share on how we can keep our community safe, your involvement is welcome and needed. This is about coming together as neighbors, looking out for one another, and taking collective action to safeguard our river communities.
Join the council at their monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings are held at their office in the yellow A-frame building located at 40620 Hwy. 299, Willow Creek, CA. Willow Creek, Salyer, Hawkins Bar, and Burnt Ranch Fire Districts are all certified FireWise communities. This means residents of those areas are eligible for a 7% discount on fire insurance through the California FAIR Plan. You can help maintain FireWise Community Certification by reporting any volunteer hours you spend landscaping, mowing, or doing tree work on your property – this includes reporting the dollar equivalent that you’ve paid for tree or landscaping services. These meaningful community contributions can be recorded through the Willow Creek Google Form or Trinity County GoogleForm. If you want to claim your discount for living in a FireWise Community, visit the WCFSC website to download your community’s FireWise Certificate. Please note that it is not currently recommended to submit the FireWise Certificate to any insurer other than the California FAIR Plan.
A Personal Touch: The Council isn’t just about removing hazardous fuels; it’s about people – our friends, families, and neighbors. They’re here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and work with you to design programs and obtain funds that go toward creating a safer greater Willow Creek area. It’s this personal connection that makes their work so impactful and important.
So, the next time you see a notice about a Fire Safe Council event, consider joining in and becoming a member. It’s not just about protecting property; it’s about preserving the place we all call home.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Willow Creek Fire Safe Council’s website at www.wcfiresafe.org, or connect with them at the next community event. Together, we can make Willow Creek a fire-adapted community.
