MENDOCINO COUNTY–In rural Covelo, the risk of wildfire is higher than in 92% of communities nationwide. Yet, fire hydrants were never installed in the community. This reality has delayed fire suppression efforts for local structure fires, prevented rebuilding after a fire, and impacted insurance rates in the commercial district and throughout the community.

Now thanks to critical state funding secured by Senator Mike McGuire, the County of Mendocino will advance an engineering study to kick off the process of installing a comprehensive, modern fire hydrant system in Covelo to protect homes, businesses, and livelihoods. This study is the critical first step needed to develop a community-wide installation plan and an overall budget for the project.

Without a hydrant system for fire suppression, residents in Covelo live with a sharply elevated fire risk, especially as wildfire threats intensify across California. And the lack of modern fire protection infrastructure has made it nearly impossible for many residents to obtain affordable home insurance, worsening the economic instability in this extremely rural and isolated region.

“Fire protection is absolutely mandatory for every Californian, no matter their zip code, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Covelo’s volunteer firefighters who always show up no matter what,” said Senator Mike McGuire. “With this state investment, Covelo will take the first big step to installing a modern fire hydrant suppression system, stabilizing homeowner insurance rates, and building a more resilient future in one of the most beautiful and remote pockets of Northern California. 

The $150,000 earmarked for Covelo will fund Phase I of the project, which includes the feasibility study, preliminary engineering and permitting and the development of a project budget.

“In Covelo, the lack of fire infrastructure has handicapped housing investment and commercial development for years, while also putting our brave first responders at a disadvantage in this fire-prone region,” said Mendocino County 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak. “We’re so grateful that Sen. McGuire understands the needs of our rural communities and has made an investment that will help Covelo chart a path forward to installing this desperately needed fire suppression system.”

This state investment comes a few years after Senator McGuire championed a successful effort to improve cell coverage in Covelo and the greater Round Valley Region by installing two new cell towers in the region.

Sen. McGuire has long-championed legislation to make California more wildfire safe. Last year, he delivered a major budget win to begin the transition of California’s 3,000 seasonal firefighters to full-time to meet the reality of California’s year-long fire season. In addition, more than $4 billion in state investments have been secured for vegetation management and community hardening projects to reduce wildfire risks across the Golden State.

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore Emeritus of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senate Leader McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/