California is receiving a boost to fight wildfires in the latest emergency spending bill from Congress.
Congress has allocated $75 million in emergency diaster funding for shaded fuel breaks in the Pacific Regions of the U.S. Forest Services.
The big picture: This substantial investment is intended to safeguard communities, protect irreplaceable ecosystems, and reduce the economic toll of wildfires.
- The request for funding was driven by a collaborative effort, spearheaded by CAL FIRE, CaliforniaGov. Gavin Newsom and a bipartisan group of California legislators, including Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R–Richvale) and Mike Thompson (D–Napa).
- This substantial allocation of funds is expected to have far-reaching positive effects in enhancing wildfire prevention and safety measures across the state, providing reassurance and support for Californians faced with the ongoing threat of wildfires.
Why it matters: The effectiveness of fuel breaks in halting wildfires and ensuring the safety of firefighters has been repeatedly demonstrated.
- The most recent example came during the Park Fire this summer, where CAL FIRE effectively utilized miles of fuel breaks established by Sierra Pacific Industries to contain the fire and save communities and timberlands.
Go deeper: Every dollar allocated to disaster preparedness can yield savings of up to $4 in disaster response and recovery costs.
- This underscores the proactive construction of fuel breaks as a sound and fiscally responsible investment for mitigating the risks and costs associated with future wildfires.
What they’re saying: CAL FIRE Chief Joe Tyler said the shaded fuel break near Highway 32 was instrumental in slowing down and eventually halting the Park Fire.
- “The proven effectiveness of fuel breaks on private lands emphasizes the importance of expanding these measures onto public lands to create a coordinated network in high-risk areas,” Tyler said. “Fuel breaks save lives, and they allow CAL FIRE to make better use of available resources. I am grateful to see funding for these projects included in the supplemental funding bill.”
- LaMalfa added, “I’m pleased to see funding in the disaster package for projects like fuel breaks in Region 5 of the U.S. Forest Service. The extra $75 million will help expand and maintain fuel breaks across California, putting critical fire prevention measures in place. Folks in my district have faced one wildfire after another, losing homes, land, and far too much along the way. This funding is a crucial step toward protecting both people and property, and we’re ready to work with the U.S. Forest Service to make sure it gets put to good use here in Northern California.”
