National Forest fire station on Angeles Crest Highway, 2020 (File Photo – Reg Green)
As California faces ongoing wildfire threats, Governor Gavin Newsom announced $135 million in new funding for wildfire prevention projects aimed at protecting communities across the state. The funding will be administered through CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program, which supports local efforts to reduce hazardous fuels, plan for fire prevention, and educate the public about wildfire safety.
By News Desk
This latest round of funding builds on the $72 million announced last month for forest health initiatives and is part of a broader $2.5 billion investment in wildfire prevention since Newsom took office. According to state officials, the program has already demonstrated effectiveness in past years by supporting local projects that reduce fire risk and enhance community safety.
Examples of successful projects include the creation of shaded fuel breaks in Sonoma County that helped slow a wildfire in 2024, allowing for safe evacuations and effective firefighting, as well as efforts in Los Angeles County that helped protect homes and historical structures in 2025.
“Over the last five years, over $500 million has been awarded to more than 490 projects across the state,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal. “These examples demonstrate how grant funds are effectively helping to improve wildfire resilience in California communities.”
In addition to local grants, California is expanding its firefighting capacity. CAL FIRE has nearly doubled its workforce since 2019 and continues to grow, with plans to hire thousands of additional personnel in the coming years. The state’s aerial firefighting capabilities have also been enhanced, including the recent addition of a second C-130 Hercules airtanker.
The state’s wildfire prevention work continues despite strain on resources attributed in part to federal-level decisions, including reduced U.S. Forest Service funding and limited availability of California National Guard firefighting crews.
California officials emphasized that, even amid challenges, the state remains committed to safeguarding residents and building long-term resilience against wildfires, particularly as climate conditions grow more extreme. The new funding and recent regulatory streamlining efforts are part of a larger strategy to accelerate and expand forest and vegetation management projects statewide.
Applications for CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants are now open, with communities across the state encouraged to apply.
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