What may appear to be untouched forest across Martis Camp’s 2,177 acres is in fact an onging project which requires seasonal maintenance, clearing, planting and evaluation to improve forest health and create defensible space. As any mountain resident knows, defensible space is crucial to wildfire prevention and one of the most important aspects of living here that we must all understand.

The story and video linked below explain in detail the many facets of managing our forest, as well as the incredible commitment of Martis Camp to leading the way, for others to follow, in protecting our mountain environment. If you are concerned about wildfire, I implore you to please read on and learn about Martis Camp's community history of forest management, the details of our defensive infrastructure, the importance of residential defensible space, and how to be prepared for evacuation in the event of a wildfire.

We have much to be proud of at Martis Camp. We have led by example as a community that cares deeply for its land while working tirelessly toward a future of reduced wildfire risk. It is an endeavor that doesn’t end but one to which we are entirely dedicated as we continue to write our story and strengthen our defense.

Scott Bower
MCCA General Manager

Martis Camp Forest Map

1999 Forest Fuels Assessment & Planning

Starting in 1999, DMB/Highlands Group established the framework for ongoing fire prevention and protection, spending more than $3 million to treat and maintain the 2,177 acres encompassing the community. Through this effort, Martis Camp has formed valuable relationships with surrounding property owners including the National Forest Service, Vail Resorts and Northstar Community Service District. Together with these partners in forest management, we have carried out fuel management and reduction projects, and also applied for and received grants for fuel reduction on Martis Camp property.

2005 Lodgepole Management

A focused effort was made in fall of 2005 to reduce heavy slash accumulations, and clear downed and dead Lodgepole pines on the north and south side of Martis Creek. This effort reduced fuels and increased Lodgepole forest health greatly, with the collected material either burned or hauled off site.

Forest fuel reduction

Roadside ground fuel reduction

2006 Forest Fuels Reduction Program

Since Martis Camp opened in 2006, the community has maintained an aggressive and efficient forest fuels reduction program. The primary goal of the program is to prevent the effects of a catastrophic wildfire in the community. This is accomplished through canopy spacing, forest understory thinning, brush thinning, tree limbing and ground fuel reduction. This work is visible in the Martis Camp Forest Map above, showing our community outlined in white, within surrounding forest and neighboring communities.

A State of California Registered Professional Forester oversees the program, utilizing satellite technology to identify needs. The community also employs a full-time employee to scan the residential and internal open space for dead or dying trees, for removal by a team of six contract employees specifically trained in tree and debris removal.

Martis Camp Forest Fuels Management Map

In addition, Martis Camp maintains a Forest Fuels Management Map. This map shows completed areas and progress of fuel management as well as what’s planned and projected for current and future seasons. The map is shared seasonally with homeowners through monthly digital newsletters and also is available by request. 

2007 Botanical Survey

A botanical survey was conducted across Martis Camp to identify the plants and trees present on the property. The survey found that a second-growth conifer forest covered the majority of the project, dominated by Red firs with White firs, Lodgepole pines, Jeffrey pines and Sugar pines also present. No rare, threatened or endangered species of any kind were found by the survey.

2008 First Completed Martis Camp Home

Homesite 113 was the first at Martis Camp with a completed residential project. Martis Camp’s Architecture Review guidelines not only influence the characteristics of the community’s residential design, they also protect the natural environment and features found on each property. Site setbacks are maintained and BMPs are enforced. Native vegetation is strongly encouraged in landscaping around each home, with a particular focus on defensible space to protect against the threat of wildfire.

MCCA General Manager Scott Bower (second from right)
at Martis Camp's Firewise USA Certification in 2018

2018 Firewise USA Certification

Martis Camp has been a pioneering force in wildfire safety in the Truckee region. In 2018, Martis Camp achieved Firewise USA   ® certification through the nationally recognized Firewise USA® Program (top left). The Firewise USA® Program provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors in a geographic area get organized and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community, and to reduce wildfire risks at the local level. The program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association and is co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.

Our early adoption of high standards in fire safety has positioned Martis Camp as a regional leader, demonstrating effective wildfire mitigation strategies long before they became widely recognized. Moreover, our leadership and commitment have inspired surrounding communities to also pursue Firewise certification, contributing to a broader regional network of enhanced safety. Our approach serves as a model for other areas in the Truckee/Tahoe region. Keep reading for more information about the  Firewise USA® Program.

2019 Residential Emergency Preparedness Program

With the incidence of wildfire increasing dramatically around California, the MCCA recognized the need for a thorough emergency preparedness plan to inform and equip homeowners in the event of an emergency.

To achieve this plan, the MCCA worked with local agencies including Cal Fire, Truckee Fire Protection District and Placer County Emergency Services to compile various types of information needed for the plan. Information included how to receive emergency notifications, how to prepare a home before evacuation, what to pack in a disaster Go-Bag, a map of evacuation routes and a list of important local contact numbers. The plan also includes helpful information about maintaining defensible space and why it's critical when living in a Wildland Urban Interface.

With the information compiled and approved by agencies, Martis Camp designed its first-ever Residential Emergency Preparedness Program manual (above). More than 1,000 copies were printed, and a program was given to every Martis Camp homeowner, with a digital version still available for download on the Member website. The program has been recognized locally and nationally as a model to follow for both community and residential emergency preparedness. Since publication, the program manual files have been shared with neighboring communities so they, too, may create their own programs, educate thier homeowners and be prepared in the event of a wildfire.

Planting Sugar pines at Martis Camp

2020 Sugar Pine Planting

The MCCA paired up with the Sugar Pine Foundation and local Scouts to plant Sugar pine seedlings in the open space east of the Springs Pavilion and north of Schaffer Mill Road. Only five percent of Sugar pines are resistant to white pine blister rust, a non-native invasive fungus killing forests around the U.S.

As the Sugar Pine Foundation notes on their website, “Once comprising 25% of Lake Tahoe’s forests, Sugar pines now make up less than 5% of the forest composition. We find trees that are resistant to the fungus, then we collect their cones and plant their progeny.”

Martis Camp’s Sugar pine seedlings, now nearly five years old, continue to grow while contributing to forest health and disease resistance. In addition, having more Sugar pines leaves less room for non-native White firs, which have low resistance to drought conditions and contribute to forest degradation.

From left: TFPD Battalion Chief Laura Brown, former TFPD Chief Bill Seline,
MCCA General Manager Scott Bower, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara,
Placer County D5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson and Martis Camp Director of Security Ray Holcombe
at Martis Camp’s 2021 homeowner education event

2021 Homeowner Education Event

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara teamed up with MCCA General Manager Scott Bower, Martis Camp Director of Safety & Security Ray Holcombe and representatives from Truckee Fire Protection District to share important information with Martis Camp residents about the community’s forestry and fuel management, Firewise USA® designation, and emergency preparedness against wildfire. Additional topics covered included home insurance, defensible space and inspections, emergency notifications, evacuation routes, and what to expect from local agencies during an emergency.

2022 Community Engagement

In spring of 2022, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara reached out and returned to Martis Camp to bring together local leaders and agencies strategizing about fire protection. Commissioner Lara recognizes the Truckee/North Lake Tahoe region as a model for cooperative engagement and action against wildfire. Representatives from more than 10 agencies and organizations gathered at Martis Camp to discuss fire mitigation and resources, as well as fire insurance availability for businesses and residents.

On-site field training with Western Confluence Group

2022 Western Confluence Group Partnership

In 2022, Martis Camp Community Association partnered with Western Confluence Group, a leader in wildfire risk mitigation, emergency services and executive protection. WCG’s services include wildfire threat assessments, 24/7 wildfire monitoring, custom fire safety training and on-site fire safety officers. To date, 14 Martis Camp employees have been trained through a rigorous three-day wildland fire course, combining classroom instruction with practical field experience. This training is refreshed annually to ensure staff remain prepared and knowledgeable in basic wildland fire response procedures.

WCG recently provided direct support to Martis Camp Members and other clients in Southern California in response to the Palisades Fire. WCG maintained real-time communication with firefighters in the field to assist directly with Members’ homes, track fire movements and adapt strategies based on the latest data. Because of our partnership with WCG, they were able to deploy a portion of Martis Camp’s Thermo-Gel fire retardant to help safeguard homes near Malibu, exemplifying our collaborative and far-reaching efforts.

2024 Martis Camp Fire Mitigation Film

In 2024 in partnership with Epic Insurance, Martis Camp made a short film showing 20 years of fire mitigation and forestry health management in our community. The 13-minute documentary details the ongoing forestry work within and near our property boundary, showing insurance companies that we are doing everything possible to protect our community and Members from wildfire. Read on for more info and the link to the film.

From left: Scott Bower, MCCA General Manager
Dillon Sheedy, Assistant Wildfire Prevention Manager/Forester, TFPD
Eric Horntvedt, Wildfire Prevention Manager, TFPD
Jaime Haddad, MCCA Assistant General Manager

2024 $1.289 Million Cal Fire Grant Recipient

In 2024, the Nevada & Placer County Cooperative Landscape Resilience Project was selected for funding through the Forest Health Grant Program of Cal Fire. The total amount of funding for the project is just under $7 million for 2,627 acres. As part of this this project, Martis Camp will receive $1.289 million to treat 380 acres within the eastern boundary of our community.

The Nevada & Placer County Cooperative Landscape Resilience Project is one of the first of its kind in the Truckee area. Seven partners are involved including Martis Camp, Tahoe Donner, Northstar/Vail Resorts, National Forest Foundation, Sierra Pacific Industries, North Tahoe Fire and Truckee Donner Land Trust. The forest health treatments specified in the project will be implemented over the next five years and contribute to Truckee Fire’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

Visit the CWPP online story map to learn more.

WHAT IS A HEALTHY FOREST?

A healthy forest is one that is ecologically balanced, diverse, and resilient. It supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, provides essential ecosystem services (like carbon sequestration, water filtration, and air quality maintenance), and is self-sustaining over time. In a healthy forest, natural processes like nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, and tree growth function properly. It also includes a balance of age classes of trees, adequate understory vegetation, and functional soil ecosystems.

Characteristics of a Healthy Forest

• Biodiversity: A variety of plant, animal, and microbial species.
• Age Diversity: A mix of young, mature, and old trees, creating habitats for different wildlife.
• Structural Complexity: Various layers of vegetation, from forest floor plants to tree canopies.
• Resilience to Stressors: The ability to bounce back from disturbances like fires, pests, and diseases.
• Connectivity: Healthy forests are often interconnected with other natural habitats, allowing for wildlife migration and genetic diversity.

Path to a Resilient Forest After Wildfire

Wildfires are a natural part of many forest ecosystems and can help maintain forest health by clearing dead vegetation and promoting the regeneration of certain species. However, they also pose significant challenges, especially in regions experiencing increasing fire frequency and severity due to climate change and human activities.

A resilient forest is one that can recover from disturbances (like fire) and adapt to future changes. Here’s how a forest can become resilient to wildfires:

Promote Fire-Resistant Vegetation

• Native, Fire-Adapted Species: Planting and encouraging fire-resistant species that have evolved with fire (e.g., some pines, oaks, and chaparral plants).
• Diverse Vegetation: A mix of grasses, shrubs, and trees can slow the spread of fires and offer protection to wildlife and soil.

Reduce Fuel Loads

• Prescribed Burns: Controlled, intentional burns can reduce the accumulation of dry, flammable material (like dead wood and dense underbrush).
• Thinning and Pruning: Selectively removing dense undergrowth and thinning trees can reduce the likelihood of crown fires (which spread through tree tops).
• Firebreaks: Creating zones where vegetation is cleared or managed can help control the spread of fires.

Maintain Soil Health

• Healthy soil can improve water retention, making the forest more resistant to drought and fire. After fire, soil erosion is a major concern. Implementing erosion control methods (like planting ground cover and using mulches) helps maintain soil integrity.

Post-Fire Restoration

• Natural Regeneration: Allowing native species to naturally regenerate after fire can enhance resilience.
• Replanting Native Species: In areas where natural regeneration is slow, replanting native fire-adapted species can help restore ecological functions.
• Monitoring and Adaptive Management: Ongoing monitoring helps determine the forest’s recovery trajectory, ensuring that interventions are timely and effective.

Forest Landscape Planning

• Landscape Diversity: Avoiding large areas of uniform forest composition, which are more vulnerable to large-scale fires.
• Connectivity: Ensuring forests are connected to other natural areas allows for species movement and genetic diversity, enhancing overall resilience.

Climate Change Adaptation

• Given the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires due to climate change, forests need to be managed in ways that incorporate future climate scenarios.
• Water Management: Ensuring forests have adequate water supplies helps reduce stress during drought periods and can make them less prone to fire.
• Species Adaptation: Helping forests adapt by choosing species that are more likely to thrive under changing conditions.

Community and Landowner Engagement

• Educating local communities and landowners on fire management strategies, such as creating defensible space around homes, can reduce the risk of fire spreading to forests and improve overall fire resilience.

By focusing on these strategies, a forest can be made more resilient to wildfire, ensuring that it can recover quickly after a fire and continue to provide vital ecological services.

WHAT IS A TIMBER HARVESTING PLAN?

THP stands for Timber Harvesting Plan. It’s a detailed document required by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) before any timber can be harvested on private forest land. The plan outlines how the timber will be harvested, taking into account environmental, ecological, and safety concerns. It includes information such as:

• The location and scope of the timber harvest
• The methods to be used (e.g., selective cutting, clear-cutting)
• Measures for protecting water quality, wildlife habitats, and soil
• Reforestation and erosion control plans
• Potential impacts on surrounding areas and how they will be mitigated

The purpose of a THP is to ensure sustainable forest management practices that minimize environmental damage and promote the health of forest ecosystems.

Where does the wood go?

The wood being pulled from the property boundary is going to Alpenglow Timber LLC, which is working on developing an environmentally-designed integrated wood products facility. This facility will process locally harvested logs to produce a variety of products, including graded lumber, firewood, biomass heat, and eventually mass timber. The goal of this project is to fill the need for local wood product infrastructure in the North Tahoe/Truckee region, where the nearest sawmill is 70 miles away. By processing wood locally, the facility aims to reduce transportation emissions and keep the economic benefits within the community.

Martis Camp's Timber Harvesting Plan

Why a THP?

Managing forest health and wildfire risk are critical priorities. Here are a few key reasons why we are utilizing a THP:

• Wildfire Risk Reduction: One of the main objectives of a THP is to reduce the risk of wildfires by thinning forests and removing dead or diseased trees. By creating defensible space and reducing the buildup of fuel, communities can significantly lower the likelihood of a catastrophic fire.
• Forest Health Management: A THP helps to manage the overall health of the forest ecosystem by identifying and addressing issues like overcrowding, disease, and invasive species. Healthy forests are more resilient to pests, diseases, and fires, contributing to long-term sustainability.
• Erosion and Watershed Protection: Proper Forest management can help protect water quality and prevent soil erosion. For communities near sensitive watersheds or slopes, a THP can guide the removal of trees in a way that minimizes environmental impacts and maintains soil stability.
• Sustainable Resource Utilization: A THP can also outline sustainable harvesting practices for timber and wood products. By managing timber resources responsibly, a community can support local industry and economy while ensuring that the forest remains healthy and productive for future generations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many jurisdictions, especially in California, require a THP to be submitted and approved before any commercial logging activities take place. This ensures that timber harvesting complies with state and local regulations, including environmental protections.
• Improved Aesthetic and Recreational Value: A well-managed forest contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the community, providing scenic views and healthy landscapes. Additionally, it can enhance recreational opportunities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.

In summary, a Timber Harvest Plan will help our community responsibly manage its forest resources, mitigate wildfire risk, preserve the environment, and ensure long-term sustainability, making it an essential tool for communities in forested areas.

WUI: WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE ZONE

WUI is the Wildland Urban Interface zone, generally defined as areas of human development that are immediately adjacent to and intermixed with undeveloped wildland. Martis Camp and the entire Truckee-Tahoe region is classified as a WUI zone. 

As a means of protecting property and life from wildfire in these areas, 24 states have some measure of active WUI building codes in place, including California.//WUI codes were adopted and implemented by Placer County in 2008 and every home in Martis Camp was built in compliance with them. Exterior materials and targeted assemblies on every home aligns with the material list created and approved by the State Fire Marshall. 

Some examples of the WUI code in action:

• Every roof has a Type “A” fire rating, meaning it is able to stand up to extreme fire exposure. Metal and asphalt shingle roofing, for example, are commonplace throughout Martis Camp.
• Exterior vents (for attic, foundation) are required to be covered with tightly woven metal mesh and treated with an intumescent coating (very fire resistant) which greatly resists the intrusion of flame and windblown embers.
• Roof eaves and exterior soffit assemblies are all built to inhibit combustion and flame spread. Some examples include 2x wood soffit decking fitted in a tongue and groove fashion (minimizing/eliminating gaps where flame or embers can intrude into the roof structure) or, soffit material that is backed by 5/8” thick, type “X” gypsum panels, which have a one-hour fire rating.
• Windows have at least one pane of tempered glass, allowing it to withstand higher temperatures before cracking or shattering.

As building codes and materials continue to evolve, updates to both the WUI code itself and the Building Materials List (BML) as curated by the Office of the State Fire Marshall are regularly made. Most architects and general contractors working in Martis Camp have worked with these codes and material lists for close to 20 years and can be great resources for a deeper information dive relative to your own home.

Building Materials Listing | OSFM

2022 WUI Listed Products Handbook

Due to the relatively recent implementation of the WUI code, very little information exists demonstrating the effectiveness of these building standards up against intense wildfires in a residential setting. However, in an Association Fire Ecology report from 2021 where the survival rate of homes in the Camp Fire, and specifically in Paradise, CA, were measured against the age of the home and building code it was constructed under, homes built after 2008 survived at a rate of 4x compared to homes build prior to 1990.

Improvements and changes in our building codes will be ongoing as building technology and fire science are ever evolving and the implemented WUI codes will continue to play a crucial role in the survival of a structure facing wildfire.

Wildland-Urban Interfaces | CA Dept. of Housing & Community Development

Martis Camp is equipped with some of the most advanced infrastructure available to enhance fire defense, ensuring that the community remains protected in the event of a wildfire. The design of our infrastructure integrates strategic planning, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on maximizing safety for both residents and the surrounding environment.

Fuel breaks around the Camp Lodge

Fuel Breaks

To limit the spread of wildfires and improve the defensibility of the community, Martis Camp has established a 100- to 200-foot-wide fuel break that surrounds the entire property perimeter. This wide area is cleared of combustible vegetation and debris, reducing the fuel load and making it much harder for fires to penetrate the community. Additionally, we benefit from natural fuel breaks such as our 102-acre golf course and the adjacent Northstar Ski Resort, both of which provide large expanses of cleared, fire-resistant areas that act as buffers in the event of a wildfire. These carefully positioned breaks help contain potential fires and allow fire crews to more easily control any outbreaks.

258 hydrants in Martis Camp's system

Water System & Hydrants

Martis Camp, located within the Zone 4 water system (which includes Schaffer’s Mill and Lahontan), benefits from a comprehensive hydrant and water distribution infrastructure designed to meet both everyday needs and fire flow requirements. The hydrants in the area generally have water pressure ranging from 45-100 psi, depending on their location within the pressure zone, which is influenced by elevation. The allowable pressure range is between 20-120 psi, with an operational target to maintain pressures in the middle of this range.

The Zone 4 water system includes five tanks with a combined storage capacity of approximately 2.2 million gallons (MGal). These tanks can be managed in a way that allows them to supply all developments in the zone, with Martis Camp benefiting most directly from four of the tanks, totaling 1.7 MGal during fire events.

Currently, there are 453 hydrants across the Zone 4 system, with 258 hydrants located within Martis Camp itself. These hydrants are spaced approximately 250 feet apart and are designed to provide a minimum flow of 1,500 gallons per minute (gpm) at a residual pressure of 20 psi.

The Martis Camp water system also includes three operational wells capable of producing about 1,450 gpm, though only two wells can operate simultaneously. To further enhance fire flow capabilities, the system is supported by two pump stations:

• Olana Pump Station: Capable of providing approximately 3,000 gpm with two pumps running.
• Newhall Pump Station: Similarly, capable of delivering 3,000 gpm with two pumps running.

This water system is maintained and overseen by Northstar Community Services District (NCSD) in partnership with the Martis Camp Community Association (MCCA). Together, these resources ensure that Martis Camp is well-equipped for both regular water distribution and increased demand during fire emergencies.

Concert Park Lake Water Reserve

Concert Park Lake (section photo above), strategically located in the heart of Martis Camp, serves as a critical emergency water reserve. The lake holds a substantial 20 million gallons of water, sourced from two on-site wells, each with a capacity of 1,500 gallons per minute. This reserve ensures that we have a large and reliable supply of water during fire season, which can be quickly accessed by fire crews to help suppress any wildfires. The lake’s strategic location and significant water volume make it an invaluable resource in mitigating fire risks.

Martis Camp fire response vehicle

Advanced Fire Detection & Response Technologies

In addition to our physical infrastructure, Martis Camp employs a suite of advanced fire detection and response technologies to ensure swift action in the event of a fire. Our AI-powered fire detection cameras continuously monitor the environment for signs of smoke or heat and use artificial intelligence to provide instant alerts when any potential fire threat is detected. This technology allows us to respond to fires quickly, even before they become visible to the human eye.

Additionally, Martis Camp is equipped with specialized fire response vehicles, including utility task vehicles (UTVs) with 85-gallon tanks that can spray fire retardants or gels. These vehicles are designed for immediate intervention and can quickly create fire lines or douse small fires before they spread. We also have a 250-gallon truck that complements the fleet and adds extra capacity for delivering fire retardants to key areas.

Finally, we utilize thermal drone surveillance, which offers enhanced visibility in detecting hotspots or areas of heat within the community. The thermal drones are capable of flying over the property and scanning for temperature anomalies, enabling our team to spot any smoldering embers or emerging fire risks in real-time. This proactive surveillance system helps to significantly reduce response times and ensures that any fire threat is addressed before it escalates.

Proximal Fire Stations

Martis Camp is protected by five fire stations within the Cal Fire and Truckee Fire Protection District, with an additional station located two miles from our front entrance and Northstar Fire Department located three miles from our back emergency exit. The front entrance and back exit fire stations are staffed with employees 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Truckee Fire Department has an Insurance Service Organization (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating of 4, which is exemplary. Fire department ISO ratings are on a scale of 1 through 10, with 1 being the best possible protection and 10 being no protection. The Northstar Fire Stations have a (ISO) rating of 2.

Leading the Way

Through these advanced defensive infrastructure elements – ranging from fuel breaks and water reserves to cutting-edge detection technologies – Martis Camp is leading the way in wildfire preparedness. Our community remains one of the safest and most well-protected areas in the region, with an infrastructure designed to mitigate risks, respond rapidly, and safeguard both our homes and the natural environment.

HOME HARDENING

Home hardening options – ways to make your home more fire resistant – vary widely in both time commitment and cost but even the most minor tasks can greatly improve odds of a structure surviving wildfire.

Some low-cost, easy options include:

• Installing non-combustible gutter covers to keep pine needles and other vegetation from accumulating
• Caulk and plug gaps around rafters, between siding boards and trim
• Be sure weather stripping at all doors is still closing off the opening entirely and be sure replacement stripping is a fire resistant/rated product
• Inspect attic, soffit and foundation venting to be sure a Vulcan (brand) vent (or equal) is in place
• Regularly clean gutters and remove accumulations of pine needles from the roof
• Keep the Zone Zero space cleaned up, do not store anything below deck areas and re-visit general defensible space conditions around the entire property on an annual basis

Modifications requiring a greater commitment financially include changes to exterior siding and roofing materials and for older homes, full window replacement.

Contact the Architecture Review office for a conversation, on-site consultation or to assist with providing further specifics and/or contacts in your home hardening efforts. Additional information may be found here:

• Harden Your Home, TFPD
• Home Hardening, CAL FIRE
  
  

DEFENSIBLE SPACE

The MCCA, in partnership with the Truckee Fire District and Cal Fire, reminds homeowners to maintain their properties in compliance with key regulations – Public Resource Code (PRC) 4291 and California Code of Regulations (CCR) 1299. These regulations play a critical role in protecting homes and surrounding areas from the threat of wildfire.

What is Defensible Space?

The purpose of the guidelines found in PRC 4291 and CCR 1299 is to offer homeowners specific fuel modification measures that create a defensible space around their homes. This defensible space is essential for providing firefighters with a safer environment to protect homes from encroaching wildfires. It also helps to reduce the risk of a structure fire spreading into the surrounding wildlands. Your home and the vegetation around it are potential fuel sources for a wildfire. As a homeowner, you play a crucial role in safeguarding your property and preventing fire destruction.

Key Information for Homeowners

All new homes in the Martis Camp community undergo an inspection by the Truckee Fire Department before they are approved for occupancy. However, homeowners are responsible for maintaining defensible space on their properties each year. Regularly updating your property to comply with defensible space guidelines is essential to ensuring the safety of your home and the surrounding environment.

Before beginning any work related to defensible space, please contact both the Truckee Fire Department and Martis Camp Architecture Review to schedule a joint inspection. This allows the fire department and the Architecture Review team to work together, marking trees and vegetation for removal as needed.

Helpful Resources

For more information about Truckee’s Defensible Space Program and the Fuels Management Program, visit the following websites:

• TFPD Defensible Space
• TFPD Defensible Space Inspection Form
• Cal Fire Ready for Wildfire

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and fire-resilient community, and working together to protect our homes, families and environment from the threat of wildfire.

ZONE 0

Zone 0 (Zone Zero) is the area immediately surrounding a structure that plays a critical role in fire prevention and creating defensible space. It is the first line of defense against wildfires and is designed to reduce the risk of a structure being ignited by direct flame, radiant heat, or flying embers. Zone 0 typically extends from the exterior walls of a home or building outward to a designated distance – usually within 5 feet – and focuses on eliminating any fire hazards in this high-risk zone.

The primary goal of Zone 0 is to ensure that the area closest to the structure is free of combustible materials that can easily catch fire. By creating a fire-safe perimeter around the home, Zone 0 helps protect the structure from both direct flame contact and radiant heat, which can ignite a building even if flames do not reach it directly.

Key Components of Zone 0

• Removal of Combustible Materials: Zone 0 requires the clearing of any dead vegetation, dry leaves, pine needles, grass, and other materials that can serve as fuel during a fire. This includes trimming tree branches that hang low to the ground and removing any other combustible debris that could catch fire easily.
• Fire-Resistant Landscaping: In Zone 0, homeowners are encouraged to use non-combustible materials such as gravel, stone, and fire-resistant plants. Landscaping that incorporates fire-resistant plants and hardscaping can significantly reduce the risk of ignition.
• Clearance Between Vegetation and Structure: There should be at least a 5-foot buffer zone between any vegetation and the structure itself. This space prevents the transfer of fire from plants to the building and minimizes the risk of ember ignition.
• Fireproofing of Structures: Although primarily focused on the land around a structure, Zone 0 also encourages fireproofing of the building itself, such as using fire-resistant roofing materials and covering vents with ember-resistant screens.
• Proper Storage: Fire hazards such as firewood, propane tanks, and other combustible materials should be stored a safe distance from the home, typically at least 30 feet away. This prevents these materials from igniting and contributing to the spread of fire.

Zone 0 is an essential part of fire prevention, acting as the first line of defense against wildfires. By clearing combustible materials, using fire-resistant landscaping, and ensuring proper storage of hazardous materials, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of their property catching fire. Enforcing Zone 0 requirements ensures a community-wide effort to protect lives, structures, and the environment from the destructive impact of wildfires.

Zone 0, Zone 1 & Zone 2 Specifications

Zone 0: Extends 5 feet horizontally and vertically from any structure.

• No combustible bark or mulch around structure.
• Remove all dead and dying weeds, grass, plants, shrubs, trees, branches and “vegetative debris”-leaves, needles, cones, bark, etc.
• Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from roof and gutters.
• Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney, stovepipe and roof.
• Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs near windows.
• Limit combustible items (outdoor furniture, planters, etc.) on decks.
• Relocate firewood and lumber to Zone 2.
• Consider relocating garbage and recycling containers, boats, RVs, vehicles and other combustible items outside this zone.

Zone 1: Extends from 5 to 30 feet from any structure.

• Remove dead plants, grass and weeds and vegetative debris.
• Trim tree branches to a minimum of 6 feet from the ground.
• Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
• Remove vegetation and items that could catch fire from around and under decks, balconies and stairs.
• Create a separation between trees, shrubs and items that could catch fire, such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.

Zone 2: Extends from 30 feet to no less than 100 feet from any structure.

• Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches.
• Create spacing between shrubs and trees.
• Reduce “duff” – fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones and small branches to a maximum depth of 3 inches.
• All exposed wood piles must have a minimum of 10 feet of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

OUR PROGRESS, OUR STORY

In 2024 in partnership with Epic Insurance, Martis Camp made a short film showing 20 years of fire mitigation and forestry health management in our community. The 13-minute documentary details the ongoing forestry work within and near our property boundary, showing insurance companies that we are doing everything possible to protect our community and Members from wildfire. With our partners, the film also shows Martis Camp’s commitment to maintaining a wildfire-safe community within the greater region and why Martis Camp should not be subject to a zip code fire rating.  The more we can show the work being done, the more we can assist insurance companies with reentering the California market. We will also utilize the film to assist other communities within the state in doing the work needed to ensure their communities are safer from wildfire.

INSURANCE AVAILABILITY

At Martis Camp, ensuring the safety and protection of our residents is always our top priority. This commitment extends to not only fire mitigation efforts on the property but also to providing comprehensive insurance options for our homeowners. Over the past few years, we have worked diligently to build relationships with numerous insurance providers, consistently tracking updates and assessing the best options available for our community.

A Proactive Approach to Wildfire Risk & Coverage

Our journey began three years ago when we reached out to a wide range of insurance providers, carefully navigating the complexities of the insurance market in California, particularly when it comes to wildfire risk. We’ve held extensive meetings with underwriters, brokers, and agents, ensuring that we stay informed of the latest trends, updates, and challenges in wildfire insurance coverage. We continue to track new developments in this space and take proactive steps to support our homeowners by connecting them with trusted insurance partners. Our success has been significant, with numerous homeowners successfully securing the coverage they need. We will persist in these efforts, continuously exploring new options and avenues to guarantee the best possible protection for the Martis Camp community.

While we have had considerable success in helping homeowners with their insurance needs, it’s important to recognize that fire insurance in California, in general, is a growing challenge for many residents. Wildfires have become a persistent threat in the state, leading to a spike in insurance premiums and, in some cases, the denial of coverage altogether. Many insurance companies have pulled out of high-risk areas, which has created a more limited market for fire insurance. Homeowners in California now face rising premiums and reduced options, and in some cases, they may be forced to seek alternative insurance products or private market options.

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara (front row, third from right)
at Martis Camp in 2022 with local leaders in fire protection and preparedness

In this difficult landscape, it’s vital for homeowners to be proactive. The California Department of Insurance has worked to address this issue by requiring insurance companies to offer coverage to high-risk areas, but navigating the complexities of wildfire risk and maintaining affordable coverage remains a significant challenge. For Martis Camp residents, we are committed to ensuring you have access to trusted partners and up-to-date information about your insurance options. As we move forward, we will continue our efforts to engage with insurance professionals, monitor developments, and support homeowners in securing the protection they need in a changing landscape of home insurance.

Our team will remain a resource for owners and homeowners, providing ongoing support, advice, and referrals to ensure that everyone has access to the most appropriate and effective insurance coverage possible. We will continue to meet with providers, track the ever-changing insurance market, and take action to ensure the well-being of our community. If you have any questions about your insurance options or would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the MCCA.

Home photo: Vance Fox

GO-BAGS & BACK-UP PLAN

A Go-Bag is a crucial element of any emergency preparedness plan, especially in areas prone to wildfires or other natural disasters. It’s a pre-packed, portable bag containing essential items that you can quickly grab and take with you if you need to leave your home in a hurry, whether due to an evacuation order, shelter-in-place scenario, or unforeseen emergency. The goal of a Go-Bag is to ensure that you have everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours without immediate access to other resources.

What Should Be in Your Go-Bag?

• Water and Food: Include at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Pack non-perishable food that is easy to eat without cooking, such as energy bars, canned goods with pull-tabs, or dehydrated meals.
• First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating injuries or illness until medical help can be accessed. Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, any necessary prescription medications, and medical supplies for specific health needs.
• Personal Identification & Important Documents: Keep photocopies of important documents such as IDs, passports, insurance policies, medical records, and any other essential paperwork. Store them in a waterproof bag or container to prevent damage.
• Clothing & Shelter: Pack weather-appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes, warm layers, rain gear, and blankets. Consider adding a tarp or emergency shelter to provide protection if you end up needing to shelter outdoors.
• Communication Tools: Ensure you have a fully charged power bank, extra charging cables, and a portable solar charger. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is also helpful for receiving emergency updates if power goes out.
• Flashlights & Batteries: Pack flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries to light your way in the dark. It’s crucial to have a reliable light source if power is lost during an emergency.
• Cash: In emergencies, ATMs may not be functioning, so it’s helpful to have cash on hand for essentials like food, gas, or lodging.
• Hygiene Items: Include wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items to stay clean and healthy during an evacuation or sheltering period.
• Pet Supplies: If you have pets, include food, water, a leash, carrier, and any other necessary pet items in your Go-Bag to ensure their well-being during an emergency.
• Special Needs Items: Don’t forget to include any necessary items for infants, elderly family members, or individuals with disabilities—such as extra medication, mobility aids, or medical devices.

Your Back-Up Plan

In addition to having a Go-Bag, it’s essential to develop a back-up plan for your family or household. This plan should include:

• Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple evacuation routes from your home and community. Plan where you will go, such as a friend or relative’s house, a nearby shelter, or a designated evacuation site. Always have a backup destination in case your primary option is unavailable.
• Communication Plan: Establish a communication strategy with family members, including how to contact each other if phone lines are down or if you get separated. Set up an emergency contact outside the area who can help relay information if needed.
• Meeting Points: If you are evacuated or need to leave your home, agree on predetermined meeting spots. These can be local landmarks, the home of a friend or family member, or a designated safe zone.

By preparing a Go-Bag and establishing a back-up plan, you’ll be much more equipped to handle unexpected situations quickly and safely. Taking these simple yet essential steps helps reduce stress in the event of an emergency and ensures that you and your loved ones can be more self-sufficient and resilient. Your Go-Bag is your ticket to security during uncertain times, and having a reliable back-up plan in place ensures you won’t be left unprepared.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION & ALERTS

Both Placer County and Nevada County offer comprehensive emergency preparedness programs to support residents during evacuations and other disasters through Ready-Placer and Ready-Nevada County.

• ReadyPlacer: Placer County emergency preparedness, evacuation routes, shelter locations and real-time alerts.
• Ready-Nevada County: Nevada County evacuation zone maps, shelter locations and preparedness tools.

Additionally, Truckee offers a local emergency alert system to keep residents informed during emergencies:

• Town of Truckee Emergency Alerts - CodeRED: Sign up for notifications about emergencies such as wildfires and evacuations.
• Ready Truckee Disaster Preparedness website

Emergency Alert Links

Know Emergency Numbers! Have local emergency numbers (fire, medical, police) programmed into your phone or posted in a visible area.

Sign Up for Alerts! Many regions offer emergency alerts for fires, weather events, and other hazards. Signing up will help you stay informed before, during, and after an incident.

• Placer Alert & Nevada County CodeRED: These messaging services offer emergency notifications for the Truckee Tahoe area.
• Genasys.com: This app links all public safety incident and evacuation information based on your address. It’s used by Nevada County alongside CodeRED.
• Watch Duty App: An excellent resource for fire alerts, status updates and response information.
• Martis Camp Mass Messaging: All members are automatically signed up for this system, sending email and text alerts to contacts in your profile on GateAccess.net. To update your profile, log into the app or website using your 4-digit member number (no alphanumeric characters) and MCP as the community code.

For Martis Camp residents, if you live in another county as your primary residence, similar resources will be available in your home county. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these programs to ensure you’re prepared for an emergency. By staying informed and connected with local Ready programs and alert systems, you can ensure you and your family are ready for any emergency situation.

MEMBER EVACUATION PLAN

Early evacuation is crucial to ensuring the safety of all Martis Camp residents. Our MCCA Evacuation Plan is designed to guide residents to safety while avoiding the hazards and delays that can occur with county and state-wide evacuation notices. The goal is to reduce members’ exposure to traffic congestion, road closures, and other obstacles, allowing for a smoother and faster exit from the community.

If the Martis Camp main entrance is blocked or inaccessible due to an emergency, road signs will be placed along Schaffer Mill Road, guiding residents to the East Gate (Northstar Gate) for alternative evacuation. This ensures that members can still safely exit the community via the most accessible route, even in the event of road obstructions or other complications.

Additionally, Martis Camp falls under Placer County evacuation zones, specifically Zone 106. This zone designation helps ensure that evacuation routes and shelters are appropriately coordinated with the broader county-wide efforts.

Key Resources for Members

• Placer County Evacuation Site: Information about Placer County evacuation zones and shelters can be found on the Ready-Placer website, which provides real-time updates and evacuation maps. Learn more here: Ready-Placer
• Martis Camp Residential Emergency Preparedness Program: Our program provides specific instructions on preparing for emergencies and evacuations. You can access this program by visiting the Member website under Association Documents.
• Martis Camp Evacuation Map: For detailed evacuation routes and key information, view the Martis Camp Evacuation Map available on the Member website under Association Documents.
• Evacuation Books and Details: We also have Evacuation Books and additional information available for pick-up or delivery at any time from the Gatehouse. Please reach out to the Gatehouse staff to have one delivered to your home or to pick it up directly.

We strongly encourage all residents to familiarize themselves with the Evacuation Plan, the Evacuation Map, and the broader Placer County resources to ensure they are well-prepared in the event of an emergency. The ability to leave early, know your routes, and be familiar with all evacuation options is vital in keeping you and your family safe during any disaster.

At Martis Camp, our commitment to fire safety and resilience extends well beyond our community boundaries. We actively engage in partnerships and collaborations with a variety of local agencies, fire departments, and regional organizations to enhance our wildfire mitigation efforts, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the growing threat of wildfires. These collaborations strengthen our overall strategy and broaden the impact of our fire safety initiatives, benefiting not only Martis Camp but the greater region as well. As our team often says, “We are all in this together.”

Martis Camp's 2024 Community Day

Fire Department Partnerships

One of the core elements of our wildfire preparedness is our strong relationship with local fire departments, which provides us with the expertise and resources needed for proactive fire management. We work closely with the Truckee Fire Protection District and Northstar Fire Department, both of which are within a few miles of our community. These departments have been invaluable partners in ensuring that Martis Camp is properly prepared to handle fire threats, and they play a crucial role in providing rapid response capabilities should an emergency arise.

Additionally, we collaborate with Cal Fire and North Tahoe Fire to enhance regional coordination for fire suppression and mitigation efforts. These agencies bring a wealth of experience in managing wildfires across the broader North Tahoe and Truckee region, and their involvement ensures that we benefit from statewide expertise and resources. We also maintain close relationships with Placer County and Nevada County, which provide critical support during fire seasons, offering additional personnel and equipment as needed.

Local leaders from 83 agencies attended the
2024 Nevada County Sustainability Summit hosted at Martis Camp

Local and Regional Partnerships

Beyond our direct collaborations with fire departments, Martis Camp also engages with local government and environmental organizations to strengthen our wildfire resilience. Our ongoing work with the Town of Truckee ensures that we are aligned with regional policies and regulations aimed at wildfire prevention and land use planning. By participating in community-wide efforts, we help drive the adoption of best practices for wildfire risk reduction across the Truckee and Tahoe regions.

We are also proud to be involved with organizations like the Climate Transformation Alliance and the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF), which focus on addressing climate change and its impacts on wildfire risk. These partnerships allow us to be part of a regional movement working to create a more resilient and sustainable future. By collaborating with these groups, we ensure that Martis Camp’s fire safety efforts are aligned with broader regional goals, including addressing the root causes of climate change and its role in increasing wildfire intensity.

Ongoing Education & Training

Our fire preparedness efforts also include a strong emphasis on education and training. As noted above, we have partnered with Western Confluence, a respected organization specializing in wildland fire training, to provide our staff with in-depth fire response training. This three-day course combines classroom instruction with practical field experience, equipping our team with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to wildfire threats. This training is refreshed annually to ensure our team stays prepared for any emergency.

We also engage with our residents regularly through educational workshops and community outreach programs. These initiatives are designed to raise awareness about fire prevention and preparedness, with a focus on topics like defensible space, fire-resistant landscaping, and evacuation planning. By ensuring our residents are well-informed and proactive in their efforts, we create a more resilient and unified community in the face of wildfire threats.

Stronger Together

Through these collaborations and educational initiatives, Martis Camp fosters a culture of shared responsibility, resilience and preparedness. Our partnerships with local fire departments, government agencies, regional organizations and homeowners ensure that we are not only protecting our community but also contributing to the broader goal of wildfire mitigation in the Truckee-Tahoe region. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for Martis Camp and the surrounding areas.