Wildfire risk reduction efforts lead to recognition for the City of Shasta Lake

The City of Shasta Lake was named a 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community for the next two years, the city announced today. 

The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, a state-appointed body which works closely with CAL FIRE, designates the Fire Risk Reduction Community List every two years. The list recognizes local agencies in areas with high fire hazard risk “that meet best practices for local fire planning.” 

The board named 42 cities this year, including Shasta Lake.

The basis for recognition is a demonstrated commitment to reducing wildfire risk, through criteria such as compliance with the Board’s regulations of fire safety standards, participation in national programs like FireWise USA, and local efforts such as vegetation management, building code improvements, and community education. 

The City of Shasta Lake has prioritized wildfire prevention and education in recent years. The city’s website notes the City of Shasta Lake has received $2 million in CAL FIRE grants to work on fuel reduction projects. The city says it has also made efforts to create fire breaks and manage vegetation to reduce fire risk. The city also produced a wildfire preparedness guide in 2025. 

Benefits of being recognized as a Fire Risk Reduction Community include higher eligibility for state and federal grants that help wildfire risk reduction, as well as potential insurance benefits for residents. Shasta Lake residents could see improved coverage options, lower premiums, and wildfire mitigation discounts for certain properties, the city’s press release noted. 

Like many areas of Shasta County, Shasta Lake has high wildfire risk, and is categorized as a “Very High” Fire Hazard Severity Zone as identified by the State Fire Marshal.

Moe Shimizu is a student at Yale University. She’s reporting for Shasta Scout as a 2026 summer intern, with support from the Nonprofit Newsroom Internship Program — created by The Scripps Howard Fund and the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Do you have a correction to share? Email us: editor@shastascout.org.