Yreka Ridge Fuel Break

A hillside scene with a mix of green vegetation and dry patches under a cloudy sky.
Mastication work on the south face of the ridge. Image taken 5/4/23.

This strategic ridge fuel break was completed in 2025 to help protect the towns of Yreka and Hawkinsville from wildfires by reducing fire behavior and aiding fire suppression efforts. The project reduced hazardous fuels on over 200 acres of private property between Humbug Road and Long Gulch Road north of Yreka.

Project work began in April 2023. The fuel break is highly visible from the town and I-5, and comparing the masticated areas to the untreated brushfields outside the project boundary are striking. In fall 2025, work began on the Osgood Fuel Break immediately below Yreka Ridge to create over 600 acres of fuel reduction from the ridge to the outskirts of the city of Yreka.

A sloped, grassy landscape featuring a few bare trees and some fallen branches under a clear blue sky.
Retained white oaks on the bottom of the project area. Masticated material seen on the ground are the remains of thick brush cover. Image taken April 27th, 2023.

 

A scenic view featuring blooming plants in the foreground and a snow-capped mountain in the background under a clear sky.
Flowering manzanita illustrates the fuel-loading on the ridge prior to project implementation

 

Timeline

 Environmental Compliance Reviews and Surveys 2022
 Project Out to Bid Winter 2022-2023
 Implementation of the Fuel Break April 2023 - March 2025
 Project Completion March 2025

 

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Looking down from Yreka Ridge at the town of Yreka. 

 

California Climate Investments- GHG emission reduction 

Yreka Ridge Fuel Break is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investments website at: www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

The image shows textured, green leaves growing among dried leaves, indicating a mix of plant life on the ground.
A bright yellow flower with green leaves growing in a natural setting, surrounded by dry grass and stones.
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Funding for this project was provided by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as part of the California Climate Investments Program.