Part 4/9:
However, this idyllic picture is shadowed by a serious and life-threatening risk: wildfires. The area’s challenging topography—marked by steep slopes, dense forests, and abundant vegetation—creates a perilous environment prone to devastating fires. Nevada County’s planning director, Brian Foss, highlights the difficult balancing act faced by local authorities. They are under pressure to meet statewide mandates for increasing housing supply, which includes building in wildfire-prone areas.