Assemblyman talks defensible space

GAINES HOLDS SUCCESSFUL
FIRE PREVENTION TOWN HALL MEETINGS

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, announced today that he held three successful town hall meetings during the last two weeks in Auburn, South Lake Tahoe and Placerville, updating local residents on fire protection efforts and educating them about the importance of building defensible space around their homes and businesses.

“Our town hall meetings helped get the message out about the great efforts that fire officials are making to protect our region against a future devastating fire,” said Gaines. “It is also important that local residents do their part to prevent future fires, and our town halls presented a great opportunity to underscore that building defensible space really does make a difference when trying to control and stop wildfires from destroying our communities.”

The town hall meetings featured speakers from the California Department of Forestry and Fire (CAL FIRE), United States Forest Service, local Fire Protection Districts and Fire Safe Councils. Fire officials spoke about all the efforts that are being done to protect their communities from fire destruction and what people can do to help them prevent future disasters.

“The Assemblyman’s meeting was informative and very productive. The panel provided useful information for citizens on how they can individually and collectively improve their defensible space at home and their neighborhoods,” said Kathay Lovell, Mayor of the City of South Lake Tahoe.

“Preventing catastrophic fire is a team effort involving homeowners, businesses and all levels of government. The fire forum helped convey to Auburn residents the various ways in which we can work together as a team to save lives and our homes,” said Kevin Hanley, Chair of the Greater Auburn Fire Safer Council. Hanley is also an Auburn City Council Member.

“I was pleased to see hundreds of constituents turn out to learn more about the issue of fire protection and I look forward to working together with fire officials and local residents to keep our community safe,” said Assemblyman Gaines.

Assemblyman Ted Gaines represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes portions of Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento & Alpine Counties.