CA lawmakers propose additional $185 Million annually to boost firefighting and prevention

CALIFORNIA – Senate president pro tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) and a bipartisan coalition of State Senators announced, February 4, legislation to boost CalFire’s firefighting and fire prevention efforts.

The Fight for Firefighters Act proposes a staffing plan, at the cost of $175-185 million per year ongoing.

The legislation is a response to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County that burned over 16,000 homes and businesses.

Transition 3,000 firefighters to full-time status

According to the state, the 2024-25 budget, approved in June, included $4.2 billion and 12,511 personnel for Cal Fire.

The additional $185 million proposes to include transitioning 3,000 firefighters – who are typically laid off during the winter months, to full-time status. In addition, all 356 CalFire fire engines would be fully operational 365 days per year.

“This would give every corner of this state a needed shot in the arm when it comes to fire and emergency response,” said a statement in the news release.

The funding also ensures CalFire’s 38 vegetation management crews would be fully operational throughout the year.

These crews help prevent fires by clearing areas around neighborhoods, cutting down dead trees, and creating safe zones in towns and cities.

The Fight for Firefighters Act will also ensure all CalFire helicopter bases are fully staffed year round.

Wildfires don’t take three months off

McGuire says wildfires don’t take three months off.

“So the elite CalFire firefighting force that is our first and last defense in protecting lives and homes across the state should be year-round too,” said McGuire.