COMMUNITY BURNING IN SOUTHERN EL DORADO COUNTY
Community burning through the Cosumnes River Prescribed Burn Association brings landowners, volunteers, and trained practitioners together to safely use fire across Southern El Dorado County. In areas impacted by the Caldor Fire, these burns reduce hazardous fuels, restore forest health, and create defensible space around homes and infrastructure. The Cosumnes PBA provides hands-on training, mentorship, and shared equipment—building local capacity to bring good fire back to the landscape. By working together, the community accelerates recovery, reduces future wildfire risk, and strengthens long-term resilience across the Cosumnes watershed.
Building Local Capacity
Building local capacity develops skilled community members, increases prescribed fire knowledge, strengthens collaboration, and empowers residents to safely manage fuels and reduce wildfire risk.
Reducing Wildfire Risk
Reducing wildfire risk lowers fuel loads, protects homes and infrastructure, improves forest health, and creates safer, more resilient communities through proactive fire management.
Reinforcing Resilience
Reinforcing community resilience strengthens partnerships, builds preparedness, supports recovery, and empowers residents to adapt, respond, and thrive in fire-prone environments together.
COMMUNITY FIRE CULTURE: THE BARN-RAISING APPROACH
Showing Up for Each Other
Willing to step in, lend a hand, and support neighbors when work needs to get done.
Learning Together
Values hands-on learning, mentorship, and passing knowledge within the community.
Shared Responsibility
Understands that caring for the land and reducing wildfire risk is a collective effort.
Pitch-In Attitude
Ready to contribute in any role—ignition, holding, prep, logistics, or support.
Stewardship Mindset
Committed to taking care of the land for current and future generations.
Trust & Respect
Builds strong relationships through reliability, communication, and respect for others.
COMMUNITY-LED BURNING
& LOCAL TRAINING EVENTS
The CosumneThe Cosumnes River Prescribed Burn Association will host community-focused training and burn events across Southern El Dorado County, bringing local landowners, neighbors, and volunteers together to put good fire on the ground.
These events are built around learning by doing—working side-by-side with experienced practitioners to safely conduct burns that reduce fuels and protect homes, especially in areas impacted by the Caldor Fire. Participants gain practical skills, build confidence, and connect with others committed to stewardship. By empowering locals to lead and support burns, the Cosumnes PBA is growing a strong, fire-adapted community.s River Prescribed Burn
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Good Fire Advisory Council
CHRISTIAN ERIKSON
PBA COORDINATOR
Christian Erikson is a prescribed fire practitioner and soil scientist focused on using good fire to restore ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk. His work integrates fire behavior and soil health to support effective, science-based prescribed burning. He serves as the Coordinator of the Cosumnes River Prescribed Burn Association, bringing a science-driven perspective to land stewardship and community-based fire use. Through his work, Christian supports landowners in applying practical, field-based solutions that improve both soil function and fire outcomes.
LOUIS HEINRICH
Advisory Council Member
Louis Heinrich is a Fire Practitioner and landowner in El Dorado County, where he manages a tree farm and conducts small-scale timber harvesting. With hands-on experience in fuels management and prescribed fire, Louis is committed to restoring forest health and reducing wildfire risk through practical, land-based stewardship. He serves on the Cosumnes River Prescribed Burn Association Advisory Council, bringing real-world knowledge and a strong connection to working landscapes and the needs of local landowners.
Vacant
We’re seeking community members, landowners, and fire practitioners to help guide our Prescribed Burn Association. Advisory Council members support outreach, training, and good fire projects that strengthen local capacity and reduce wildfire risk. Interested in being on our Advisory Council? Reach out today.
Vacant
We’re seeking community members, landowners, and fire practitioners to help guide our Prescribed Burn Association. Advisory Council members support outreach, training, and good fire projects that strengthen local capacity and reduce wildfire risk. Interested in being on our Advisory Council? Reach out today.
Vacant
We’re seeking community members, landowners, and fire practitioners to help guide our Prescribed Burn Association. Advisory Council members support outreach, training, and good fire projects that strengthen local capacity and reduce wildfire risk. Interested in being on our Advisory Council? Reach out today.
From The Blog
GET IN TOUCH
(530) 287-8660
coordinator@crpba.org