Fire Foundation Grants Help Departments with Wildfire Prevention

Few areas of the world have felt the impact of climate change more acutely than California: Devastating wildfires fueled by punishing drought and heat waves; flooding and mudslides driven by torrential rains; erosion and coastal damage from rising sea levels.

With over 1.2 million acres burned, California’s 2017 fire season was the most destructive year on record … and its deadliest with dozens of lives lost.

The California Fire Foundation and Pacific Gas & Electric have come together to help address the catastrophic effects of climate disasters … effects that threaten millions of residents in California.

The Foundation and PG&E have partnered in helping local fire departments and firefighter associations address these issues through a $1 million grant. Individual grants from this fund are aiding these agencies in helping communities address issues such as wildfires, floods, and climate-caused disasters.

Grant funding has been distributed to over 65 departments throughout California, and will be used for projects such as:

• Improved land-use planning regarding vegetation near power lines

• Clearing grass and brush near homes

• Rebates/education on fire-retardant roofs for homes and businesses

• Specialized firefighting equipment, or other fire safety and disaster preparedness and prevention programs

Through this funding, the Foundation, PG&E and first responders are working together to help communities prepare for and prevent safety hazards that can make climate-related disasters even worse.