The Valley Chronicle - CAL FIRE Funding Drives Local Action to Protect People and Property from Wildfire

Sacramento – As part of California’s strategy to prepare properties and communities against the devastating impacts of wildfire, CAL FIRE announced it will award nearly $62.6 million in funding for 84 local wildfire prevention projects across the State, including 41 projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Over the last six years, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $566 million in Wildfire Prevention Grants to over 575 projects across the state.

“These grants represent more than just funding — they are a direct investment in the safety and resilience of our communities,” said CAL FIRE Director/Chief Joe Tyler. “By supporting local projects that reduce risk and strengthen preparedness, communities are empowered to take meaningful action before wildfire strikes.”

CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants enable local organizations like fire safe councils to implement activities that address the hazards of wildfire and reduce wildfire risk to communities. Funded activities include hazardous fuel reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education.

These projects all meet the goals and objectives of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, as well as the Strategic Fire Plan for California.

In Siskiyou County, the Shasta Valley Resource Conservation District will implement wildfire prevention efforts on the McCloud Fuels Management and Forest Stewardship Project, which proposes 375 acres of treatment including 200 acres of mastication and thinning and 175 acres of ridgeline shaded fuel break.

In Riverside County, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will reduce hazardous fuels (saltcedar) on 223 acres of tribal lands. The project will reduce dust and wildfire fuel loads by removing saltcedar using root plowing and chipping.

In Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments is one of many organizations receiving funding towards wildfire prevention efforts. Their project will work towards developing a Regional Wildfire Protection Plan that will help to protect over 31 cities and communities, 22 of which are identified as “Communities at Risk”.

“California’s wildfire prevention strategy is rooted in proactive, community-driven solutions,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant.  “The grantees who carry out this work locally are vital to this strategy. These 84 projects will make a difference in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire and strengthening public safety.”

The Wildfire Prevention Grants Program is funded as part of the State’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Strategy, in part with Cap-and-Invest auction proceeds administered by the California Climate Investments (CCI) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. CCI is a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities. For more information about CAL FIRE’s other CCI programs, please visit CAL FIRE Grants.

Click here for a full list of the 2025/2026 Wildfire Prevention Grant recipients.