Warm Connections at the 19th Annual Wildfire Safety Summit

Looking back at 2025, let’s revisit a fantastic event that NCRLT staff was able to attend!

The 19th Annual Wildfire Safety Summit, hosted by Butte County Fire Safe Council, took us above the Chico fog to a sunny December day in Paradise. The venue, Paradise Elks Lodge, was aptly decorated with both holiday flair and GIS maps.

Beyond Butte County Fire Safe Council, some additional participating individuals and community organizations included CAL Fire, Butte County RCD, Berry Creek Rancheria, the Rebuild Paradise Foundation, and beyond. The turnout of individuals representing local organizations was simply amazing to see, both as attendees and as speakers during the Summit’s panels and presentations.

Katie Simmons skillfully moderates the Wildfire Recovery Panel. Photo credit: Butte Firesafe

While this conference primarily focused on close coordination formed through wildfire safety, it drew attention to the deep value of a community connected by partnerships. From healthy partnerships we can share time, resources, and expertise, benefiting both organizations and the communities they serve, building a strong network of support. The strength of dedication and care extended by the participating organizations was clear to see and inspired a feeling of hope that we plan to carry with us through this new year.

For NCRLT’s AmeriCorps member, it was an opportunity to meet and learn alongside peers serving AmeriCorps through different programs but with intersecting missions and spatial and temporal overlap. Making the most of an 11-month service assignment relies on forming partnerships and relationships.

NCRLT staff enjoys the sun in Paradise after lunch! Photo credit: Butte Firesafe

After a morning rich with networking, invigorating discussions, and an interactive lunch, NCRLT staff finished the afternoon with a quick trip to Billie Park before meeting up with the Butte Environmental Council and their California Climate Action Corps Fellows to glean persimmons from a participating neighbor in Paradise in an effort to promote food insecurity!

NCRLT staff and California Climate Action Corps Fellows gleans persimmons! Photo credit: Kim Armstrong

Check out Butte County Fire Safe Council’s website at buttefiresafe.net to see how you can learn more about what they do and how you can get involved!

We look forward to attending the next Annual Wildfire Safety Summit!