City of Chico - Government

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the region, including
the City of Chico, beginning Wednesday, June 10, at 11:00am and continuing through Thursday, June
11, at 5:00pm.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm
temperatures create critical fire weather conditions. Under these conditions, any fire that starts can
spread rapidly, become difficult to control, and threaten lives, property, and natural resources.
As a safety precaution, the City of Chico will close the gate at Horseshoe Lake to Upper Bidwell Park
June 10 and June 11. We also ask residents to refrain from using BBQs in Lower Bidwell Park during
this period of elevated fire danger. We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping prevent wildfires
and keep our community safe.
The Chico Fire Department urges residents to exercise extreme caution and take steps to prevent
accidental fires during the warning period. Residents are encouraged to take the following
precautions:
• Avoid any outdoor activities that could generate sparks.
• Discard ci******es or matches appropriately and NEVER on the ground.
• Do not park vehicles on dry grass or vegetation, as hot exhaust systems can ignite fuels.
• Ensure trailer safety chains are secured and not dragging on roadways.
• Postpone welding, grinding, mowing dry grass, or using equipment that may create sparks
during peak fire weather conditions.
• Have an emergency plan in place and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts at Smart911

06/09/2026

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning impacting our region beginning Wednesday, June 10 at 11am and continuing through Thursday, June 11 at 5pm. A Red Flag Warning is issued when a combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures create critical fire weather conditions.
🚧 As a safety precaution, the City of Chico will close the gate at Horseshoe Lake to Upper Bidwell Park June 10 and June 11.
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
🔴 Refrain from using BBQs in Lower Park
🔴 Avoid any outdoor activities that could generate sparks
🔴 Discard ci******es or matches appropriately and NEVER on the ground.
🔴 Do not park vehicles on dry grass or vegetation
🔴 Ensure trailer safety chains are secured and not dragging on roadways
🔴 Postpone welding, grinding, mowing dry grass, or using equipment that may create sparks

06/08/2026

📢‼️Red Flag Warning‼️📢 - The US National Weather Service Sacramento California has issued a Red Flag Warning beginning at 11am on Wednesday, June 10. The warning is anticipated to extend through 5pm on Thursday, June 11. Gusty winds + high humidity = critical fire weather. Use extra caution with anything that could create a spark!

We've issued a Red Flag Warning for portions of the Sacramento Valley for Wednesday morning - Thursday afternoon. Gusty northerly winds and low humidity will lead to critical fire weather conditions! Make sure to use caution with anything that could create a spark and have those emergency plans ready!

06/02/2026

With areas of Moderate HeatRisk in the Valley this week, be sure to follow these tips to stay safe:
-Stay hydrated
-Protect your skin
-Wear lifejackets near waterways
-Look before you lock

HeatRisk: wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

05/29/2026

🎓🌳 As graduation ceremonies take place across our community, we celebrate the hard work and achievements of this year's graduates!

Wishing the Class of 2026 success and happiness in the journey ahead! The future is full of opportunity, and the best is yet to come!

05/27/2026

UPDATE 12:50PM- The hazardous material has been identified and mitigated by CFD. The shelter in place has been lifted, and all roadways reopened. There is no danger to the public.

# # #

⚠️ SHELTER IN PLACE ADVISORY- HAZMAT INVESTIGATION ⚠️

All residents of Carlene Place, Lester Court, and Milan Terrace are being requested to shelter in place due to an active HazMat (hazardous materials) investigation being conducted by Chico Fire Department.

There is a temporary road closure at W. Lassen Avenue between Lester Ct. & Camden Ct.

Please avoid the area while first responders are on scene making assessments. An update will be provided when available.

05/26/2026

🎉 Congratulations, Chief Metroka! 🎉

We are proud to announce the appointment of Wes Metroka as the new Fire Chief for the Chico Fire Department.

With more than 28 years of fire service experience, Chief Metroka brings extensive leadership in emergency response, fire investigation, hazardous materials, firefighter wellness, training development, and community risk reduction.

Chief Metroka was raised in Paradise, California. After graduating the Butte College Fire Academy, Chief Metroka worked for the Paradise Fire Department before transferring to the Chico Fire Department. Chico Metroka rose through the ranks of Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Captain and Battalion Chief within the Chico Fire Department. Chief Metroka has deep ties to Butte County and the Chico Community.

Chief Metroka shared, “I am honored to serve the City of Chico as Fire Chief. The Chico Fire Department has a proud tradition of service and professionalism, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated personnel, city leadership, and community members in this new role.”

In a statement, City Manager Mark Sorenson shared, "Wes Metroka’s experience and institutional knowledge make him an outstanding choice to lead the Chico Fire Department. We are confident he will continue strengthening the department’s mission of providing the highest quality fire, rescue and emergency services to the Chico community in a caring and professional manner.”

Please join us in welcoming Chief Wes Metroka as our new Fire Chief!

05/25/2026

City of Chico offices will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25, 2026.