Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of new measures aimed at strengthening community defenses against wildfires in California. After discussions with state and federal leaders about recovery efforts for Los Angeles firestorm survivors, Newsom is set to sign an executive order that will initiate several key initiatives to protect communities from urban firestorms.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of adapting to extreme weather conditions that affect older buildings not designed for current realities. “The devastation in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena aren’t new lessons. They are the latest lessons in urban firestorms that have devastated communities across the globe,” he stated.
As part of these efforts, the State Board of Forestry will advance regulations known as “Zone 0,” requiring an ember-resistant zone within five feet of structures in high-risk areas. This measure aims to mitigate risks similar to those experienced during the Palisades and Eaton firestorms. Additionally, CAL FIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal will update Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, incorporating 1.4 million new acres into higher tiers of fire severity.
“These steps will spur proactive actions to defend the most vulnerable homes and eliminate combustible material within five feet of homes to reduce the risk of a home igniting in an ember-driven fire,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot.
The Governor also plans to enhance cooperation among local, federal, and tribal partners to improve wildfire response systems and mutual aid requests during large-scale incidents.
Since 2020, California has significantly increased its investments in wildfire prevention, allocating over $2.5 billion towards resilience efforts with an additional $1.5 billion from the 2024 Climate Bond for proactive projects this year. The state has made strategic investments in fuels reduction projects near recent fire perimeters, treating over 14,500 acres since 2021.
The Newsom Administration has expanded CAL FIRE operations with a $2 billion investment, resulting in a workforce increase from 5,829 positions in 2018 to 10,741 currently. Plans are underway to add another 2,400 firefighters over the next five years while implementing shorter workweeks for firefighter well-being.
Technological advancements include expanding California’s aerial firefighting fleet with more helicopters and C-130 air tankers equipped for night operations. The state is also utilizing AI-powered tools for early fire detection and real-time mapping technologies like FIRIS.
In anticipation of severe weather conditions earlier this year, resources were prepositioned across Southern California counties. During recent wildfires, California mobilized over 16,000 personnel including firefighters and National Guard servicemembers along with more than 2,000 firefighting apparatuses.
Governor Newsom will finalize these measures upon returning from Washington D.C., where he is seeking federal aid for firestorm survivors.
