State Senator Brian Dahle, District 1 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
State Senator Brian Dahle, District 1 | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senators Brian Dahle and Mike McGuire have announced a new initiative to address California's firefighter shortage, aiming to protect life and property from wildfires. The legislation, set to be introduced in 2022, seeks to provide hundreds of additional full-time firefighters and hand crews.
"Wildfires are becoming increasingly intense and destructive. If we don’t focus on the root cause of fuel loads, we are putting more lives and property in danger. This new legislation will address staffing shortages so our brave men and women firefighters are able to protect California’s communities, forests, and wildlands while reducing future risks," said Senator Brian Dahle.
The bipartisan effort is expected to cost $240 million and could add over 360 firefighters and 16 hand crews to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The plan includes creating minimum staffing levels that prioritize the physical and mental health of first responders, freeing up resources to combat fires effectively.
California's 1st Senate District encompasses all or parts of Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Siskiyou, Shasta counties as well as portions of Tehama, Butte, Colusa, and Glenn counties.
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