Fire History
Placer County's fire risk spans from the American River Canyon communities to the high Sierra communities near Tahoe. The 2022 Mosquito Fire (76,788 acres) was the largest in California that year, burning extensively through the Oxbow Reservoir area. Placer County has experienced numerous canyon fires along the North Fork and Middle Fork American River corridors. Communities in the Auburn, Colfax, and Alta areas face ongoing risk from fast-moving canyon fires.
Local Compliance Notes
CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit serves unincorporated SRA areas. Communities in the Auburn area, Foresthill, Colfax, Alta, and American River Canyon communities face the most significant Zone Zero obligations. The Highway 49 corridor through Auburn and Grass Valley represents a high-priority Zone Zero compliance area given the density of older structures.
Neighborhoods in Zone Zero
High-FHSZ communities in Placer County include Auburn, Foresthill, Colfax, Alta, Applegate, Loomis foothills, Rocklin eastern areas, Lincoln foothills, and American River Canyon communities along the North Fork and Middle Fork corridors.
Local FAQs
Is the Auburn area subject to Zone Zero? Yes — Auburn and surrounding foothill communities are in FHSZ areas. The American River Canyon creates fire channel conditions that can produce rapid fire spread. Contact CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit for Phase 2 timeline information specific to your area.