The Dixie Fire, igniting on July 13, 2021, stands out as one of the state’s largest wildfires in history. Its rapid spread through counties like Butte, Plumas, Lassen, and Tehama prompted widespread evacuations and posed significant threats to life and property. Fought by a coalition of local, state, and federal agencies, the fire showcased the ongoing challenges California faces in managing wildfires amid factors like climate change and drought.

For our project, we are focusing on the localized area of Greenville, CA–highlighting fire safety techniques as well as an educational short term-stay retreat center. At the Dixie Fire Retreat Center, visitors may learn more about the history of the Dixie fire and design initiatives we have created to prevent the future spread of wildfires along this perimeter.

Known for its rich history in indigenous culture and wildlife, Greenville, CA is home to the Lassen and Las Plumas National Forest and lies within the Dixie Fire perimeter. The project draws on indigenous practices for fire safety as heritage to the Native American tribes who practice cultural burning along the site. These individuals then teach the burning techniques alongside other fire wildfire mitigation strategies to outside visitors throughout a series of days at the Dixie Fire Retreat Center.