CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION
Recovery Through Community and Collaboration
The California Fire Foundation (CFF) continues to take meaningful strides toward building a safer, more fire-resilient California. Following the devastating January 2025 wildfires that significantly impacted Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, the Foundation has been focused on the long-term recovery process, distributing critical grants to fire departments, firefighter associations, and community-based organizations. These grants are fueling a coordinated, community-driven approach to natural disasters, recovery and long-term resilience.
Through its grant programs, the California Fire Foundation supports a wide range of projects designed to strengthen communities. Eligible initiatives include community relief efforts, long-term recovery planning, public education and outreach, specialized firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction. Together, these efforts ensure that first responders and communities alike are better prepared to respond rapidly and recover effectively.
Organizations across Southern California have already begun putting these resources into action. Sierra Madre Fire and Rescue, Redondo Beach Firefighters, the Oxnard Firefighters Foundation, and many others are actively implementing projects that prioritize preparedness, rapid response, and community safety — demonstrating the powerful impact of collaboration at the local level.
Last year, the Oxnard Fire Department responded as part of the initial attack to the fire in Palisades and the Eaton Fires. “While we had personnel assigned to those fires, we then responded to the Hughes, Kenneth, and Auto Fire incidents, which is where it became clear that we do not have an adequate amount of wildland line gear and shelters for all of our firefighters,” says Oxnard Fire Department Chief Alexander Hamilton, Oxnard Firefighters Foundation. “This grant would allow the department to increase our supply of web gear and shelters and dramatically increase the safety of our responders regardless of the apparatus or incident they are assigned.”
To date, over $10 million has been distributed through the Wildfire & Disaster Relief and Recovery in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties Grant, directly supporting frontline recovery and mitigation efforts. Additional funding opportunities are on the horizon, including the Foundation’s upcoming Proposition 4 Wildfire Prevention and Firefighter Safety Grant, which will further expand support for wildfire resilience initiatives across the state.
The California Fire Foundation remains committed to standing alongside firefighters and communities as California rebuilds and prepares for the future. Through sustained investment, partnership, and shared purpose, the Foundation looks forward to continuing this work: helping create a safer, stronger, and more resilient California for all.