A fire hydrant system will be installed in the rural community of Covelo to help reduce wildfire risk and improve community safety, state Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, announced.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, Covelo faces a “very high risk” of wildfires — higher than 92% of communities nationwide.
Despite that risk, the community has never had a fire hydrant system.
Located in northeastern Mendocino County, Covelo comprises about 1,400 residents and includes the Round Valley Indian Reservation. Covelo is served by a volunteer fire department and relies on mutual aid from Cal Fire when additional resources are needed during emergencies.
The lack of a hydrant system places the community at high risk for a major catastrophe, McGuire said. It has also contributed to higher home insurance costs in a community where, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 46% of residents live below the poverty line.
Mendocino County 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak said the lack of infrastructure investment in Covelo has limited housing and commercial development while increasing risks for volunteer firefighters operating with minimal resources.
“We’re so grateful that Sen. McGuire understands the needs of our rural communities and has made an investment that will help Covelo chart a path forward toward installing this desperately needed fire suppression system,” Haschak said.
The installation will not happen immediately.
McGuire said the state has earmarked $150,000 for the project’s first phase, which includes a feasibility study, preliminary engineering, permitting and budget development.
Multiple stakeholders will be involved in the project, including tribal and community leaders, the county and the state, McGuire said.
“With this state investment, Covelo will take the first big step toward installing a modern fire hydrant system, stabilizing homeowner insurance rates and building a more resilient future in one of the most beautiful and remote pockets of Northern California,” he said.
McGuire is running for California’s 1st Congressional District in the 2026 election, which includes Covelo.
This story originally appeared in The Mendocino Voice.