The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is accepting applications for up to $70 million in wildfire prevention grants funded through Proposition 4, the California Climate Bond approved by voters in November 2024.
The solicitation opened May 7, coinciding with Wildfire Preparedness Week, and closes July 8. Applications must be submitted through the CAL FIRE Grants Portal.
Awards support three categories of activity: hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning and wildfire prevention education. Eligible projects include approaches like removing ladder fuels and dead or dying trees, strategic thinning of forested areas, creation or update of Community Wildfire Protection Plans and evacuation contingencies, and community training in defensible space and fire-resistant construction practices.
Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, tribes, joint powers authorities, special districts and nonprofit organizations.
Applications will be evaluated on wildfire risk addressed, alignment with strategic fire plans, demonstrated capacity to administer the grant, budget clarity and greenhouse gas reduction potential.
Projects located in or working toward eligibility on CAL FIRE’s Fire Risk Reduction Community List currently comprised of 50 jurisdictions statewide will receive additional priority, as will those serving disadvantaged or low-income communities. Proposition 4 requires that at least 40% of total bond funds benefit vulnerable or disadvantaged populations, with at least 10% directed to severely disadvantaged communities.
Matching funds, though not required, strengthen an application. Projects that incorporate the California Conservation Corps or a certified community conservation corps are also given preference under the bond statute.
CAL FIRE is hosting a virtual workshop May 13, along with a series of office hours for prospective applicants.
The current solicitation is part of $185 million Proposition 4 has allocated to CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants program overall. In the prior funding cycle, CAL FIRE awarded nearly $62.6 million across 84 projects statewide.
Photo by Gasper Pogacar from Pexels
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