Fire History
Nevada County's Sierra Nevada foothills communities have faced persistent and growing fire risk. The 2014 Rough Fire burned in the American River canyon. The 2021 Dixie Fire burned through the northern edges of the county. The 2022 Mosquito Fire burned extensively along the county's southern border with Placer County. Communities along the Highway 49 corridor from Nevada City to Grass Valley represent some of the highest-density WUI development in the Sierra foothills.
Local Compliance Notes
CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit serves unincorporated SRA areas. The Nevada City and Grass Valley corridor is one of the highest-priority Zone Zero compliance areas in the Sierra foothills given its density of older structures, mature landscaping, and proximity to fire-prone terrain. Contact CAL FIRE or your local fire district for Phase 2 timeline information.
Neighborhoods in Zone Zero
High-FHSZ communities in Nevada County include Nevada City, Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Chicago Park, Lake Wildwood, Alta Sierra, North San Juan, You Bet, and communities along Highway 20 and the South Yuba River corridor.
Local FAQs
Is the Nevada City and Grass Valley area subject to Zone Zero? Yes — these communities are in FHSZ areas and Zone Zero requirements apply fully. The high density of older wood-frame structures in this corridor makes compliance particularly important. Early assessment is strongly recommended.