SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As California sinks deeper into drought it already has had more than 900 additional wildfires than at this point in 2020. And that was a record-breaking year that saw more than 4% of the state's land scorched by flames.
The danger has prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to propose spending a record $2 billion on wildfire mitigation. That's double what he had proposed in January, though lawmakers have already approved a quarter of the funding to get a quicker start on an earlier fire season.
“Climate change has created a new wildfire reality in California, and we are proposing the single largest investment in wildfire preparedness in our state’s history – $2 billion for emergency preparedness,” said Gov. Newsom. “With new investments in state-of-the-art firefighting technology and equipment and a focus on building resilience through fuel breaks, forest health projects and home hardening to protect our high-risk communities, the state is more prepared than ever to face wildfire season.”
In a news release, officials said the Investments include $48.4 million to phase in 12 new Cal Fire HAWK helicopters and seven large air tankers, $143.3 million to support 30 additional fire crews, and an additional $708 million to restore landscape and forest health.
California's mountains and foothills are expected to see above-normal wildfire potential from June through August and potentially into the fall.
For the full AP story, click HERE.
WATCH ALSO:
California Governor Newsom is investing $2 billion into wildfire preparedness for the state of California, and is highlighting some of his proposed plan. This plan reportedly includes everything from purchasing new firefighting equipment to investments in land and forest management projects.
