On this live Nevada County Fair edition of Insight, Tom Fitzsimmons speaks with Nevada City Community Risk Reduction and Outreach Officer Evan McLenithan and a city defensible-space inspector about protecting homes from wildfire. They explain Zone Zero, ember-resistant vent screens, street-side defensible-space inspections, red flag warnings, Nevada County emergency alerts and the importance of regularly maintaining vegetation. The conversation also highlights Measure C-funded programs, including Nevada City’s $100 home-hardening microgrant, free defensible-space assistance and the community green-waste bin at Pioneer Park.

Tom then talks with retired fire chief Tom Vallee of the Nevada County Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Council about supporting local firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency-response teams. Vallee discusses funding a paved multiagency helicopter landing zone, rescue rigging, emergency radios, drones, water pumps and other equipment for departments including Washington Volunteer Fire Department. Recorded at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, this episode offers practical wildfire-prevention advice while celebrating the organizations helping keep Nevada County safe.