CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department has officially commenced work on the 8,000-acre South Paradise Vegetation Management Project (VMP) this week. Photo courtesy of Butte County Fire Department

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department has officially commenced work on the 8,000-acre South Paradise Vegetation Management Project (VMP) this week, following the receipt of a $1.5-million Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

The funding has been used to purchase a new excavator specifically built for the purpose of masticating brush, along with a transport vehicle and maintenance costs for the next five years.

The new masticator will play a key role in the project’s efforts to reduce hazardous wildfire fuels, create defensible firebreaks and enhance overall community protection in the South Paradise area. The project will utilize various treatments, including mastication, chipping, pile burning, and prescribed fire applications, all carried out with safety and environmental responsibility at the forefront.

“This project marks a critical step in our ongoing work to protect Butte County from the increasing threat of wildfires,” said CAL FIRE Butte County Fire Department Chief Garrett Sjolund. “With the addition of this new masticator, we are strengthening our ability to reduce wildfire fuels, build firebreaks and ensure a safer, more fire-resilient landscape for our communities.”

The South Paradise Vegetation Management Project has involved collaboration with the Butte County Fire Safe Council in both planning and determining the location of treatments. In addition to vegetation management, the project will provide fire crew training before the upcoming fire season, ensuring that personnel are prepared for the demanding tasks of fire suppression.

The treatments in the South Paradise area are aimed at reducing the overall fire risk while promoting a safer environment for residents. The project is part of a broader effort to protect communities, wildlife and natural resources by addressing wildfire threats before they can escalate into catastrophic events.

The work is expected to continue throughout the year, with additional updates provided to the community as the project progresses. CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department encourages residents to stay informed and continue practicing fire-safe measures to reduce the risk of wildfires.