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Wildfire Mitigation Contractors in Sierra County, CA
Sierra County in 30 secondsContractors, local rules, where to get help
5 wildfire mitigation contractors are listed for Sierra County, 2 with a clear CSLB license.
- Fire hazard zones
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Sierra County Code Chapter 31.04 (Ord. 1138, effective June 19, 2025) adopts the State Fire Marshal's Local Responsibility Area hazard map dated January 22, 2025. The map covers the parts of Sierra Valley and the City of Loyalton that lie outside the State Responsibility Area. The rest of the county's private land falls under CAL FIRE's SRA zones, in effect since April 1, 2024. The county Planning page links the live LRA map and a PDF copy.
- Defensible space rules
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Sierra County's fire code (Title 31) adopts the hazard map and sets smoking, fireworks, and seasonal fire restrictions, but ongoing yard clearance is governed by state law. Public Resources Code 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in the State Responsibility Area (or to the property line), an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet, and more intensive fuel reduction from 5 to 30 feet. New construction, new parcels, and new roads in the SRA must also meet the state's Minimum Fire Safe Regulations (PRC 4290). The county Planning Department and CAL FIRE review site plans jointly, including driveway, water supply, address, and defensible space standards.
- Chipping
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Fire Safe Sierra County offers a Fire Safe Trailer Program: reserve a trailer for free drop-off and pick-up of residential yard waste. Landowners who need help clearing wildfire-hazard vegetation can also submit an Expression of Interest for the council's hazardous fuel reduction work.
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In Sierra County, nearly all private land lies in the State Responsibility Area, so the state's 100-foot defensible space law (PRC 4291) applies, with CAL FIRE's Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit covering the county. The only exceptions are parts of Sierra Valley and the City of Loyalton, which got new CAL FIRE hazard zones that the county adopted in 2025. Contractors below are ranked by public Google rating.
Services in Sierra County
Defensible space rules in Sierra County
Fire hazard zones in Sierra County
The county’s own permit handout notes that all private land in Sierra County is in the State Responsibility Area, except parts of Sierra Valley and the City of Loyalton. The SRA uses CAL FIRE’s hazard zones, in effect since April 1, 2024. For the remaining local areas, the Board adopted the State Fire Marshal’s January 2025 map in County Code 31.04.010. The county Planning page links the live map and a PDF copy.
Local rules and deadlines
Year-round clearance comes from state law. PRC 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space, an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet, and heavier fuel reduction out to 30 feet. Under PRC 4291.1, violations start as a $100–$500 infraction. CAL FIRE’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit covers the county. When you build, the Planning Department and CAL FIRE jointly review your site plan against the state’s Fire Safe Regulations, which cover driveways, emergency water, address signs, and defensible space.
Free chipping and fire-safe programs
Fire Safe Sierra County runs a Fire Safe Trailer Program for free residential yard-waste drop-off and pick-up. It also collects Expressions of Interest from landowners who need help clearing hazardous vegetation. The council posts fuel-reduction contracts, such as the Indian Valley and Sattley projects, on its site.
County resources
The county’s Hazard Assessment & Plans page hosts the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (final January 2026) and the FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan. The contractors listed below serve Sierra County and can handle clearing, thinning, and hardening work.
Frequently asked questions 5
Who enforces defensible space in Sierra County?
Almost all private land in Sierra County is in the State Responsibility Area, where PRC 4291 applies and CAL FIRE's Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit is the state fire agency. The county's Community Wildfire Protection Plan also covers the local fire agencies: Sierra County FPD #1, Loyalton, Sierra City, Downieville, Pliocene Ridge, and Alleghany/Pike City.
What are the penalties for not keeping defensible space?
Under PRC 4291.1, a violation is an infraction with a fine of $100 to $500, and $250 to $500 for a second conviction within five years. A third conviction within five years is a misdemeanor with a minimum $500 fine, and CAL FIRE can do the clearance work and bill the owner.
How much clearance do I need around my house?
100 feet from each side of the structure, or to the property line if that's closer. Clear most aggressively within 30 feet, keep an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet, cut back tree limbs within 10 feet of a chimney, and keep the roof clear of leaves and needles.
Is my Loyalton or Sierra Valley home in a new hazard zone?
Possibly. In 2025 the county adopted the State Fire Marshal's Local Responsibility Area map (dated January 22, 2025), which covers parts of Sierra Valley and the City of Loyalton. Check your parcel on the live LRA map linked from the county Planning page.
Is there free help with yard waste in Sierra County?
Fire Safe Sierra County lends trailers for free yard-waste drop-off and pick-up. Landowners who need help with hazardous vegetation can file an Expression of Interest on the council's Hazardous Fuel Reduction page.