Tehama County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance to allow temporary camping at two Tehama County parks: Mill Creek Park and Tehama County River Park for Camp Fire evacuees.
The ordinance, which required at least four votes to approve, was presented by Administrative Services Director Julie Sisneros in response to the Camp Fire in Butte County. The fire destroyed most of the town of Paradise and caused evacuations there and in neighboring communities, reported the Red Bluff Daily News. Sisneros was raised in Paradise and said she has family that have lost their homes in the fire.
While Tehama County does not normally allow camping in county parks, an ordinance was passed Tuesday to allow self-contained RVs to stay up to seven days at Mill Creek Park. Over the weekend, requests for evacuee RV camping were received as well as a request from a volunteer organization from Lake County for permission to stage in Tehama County River Park in Corning, next to a private RV park, to provide services to those evacuated.
Mill Creek Park also was evaluated and it was determined it had enough space to allow for self-contained RV camping.
According to the staff report, “The vast number of evacuees from the Camp Fire has overwhelmed Butte County.” The ordinance allows for camping in the park for a seven-day period for those with an ID showing an address in an evacuation zone.
There is no direct financial impact to the county. Park caretakers and facilities maintenance staff will monitor RV camping at the parks.
As of Wednesday morning, there were no campers at Mill Creek Park.
Bravo to Tehama County for doing this.
I agree but it needs to be a much extended time.