Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) recently announced the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) awarded $43.5 million to local organizations to reduce the threat of wildfires to homes and communities. More than $9.8 million was awarded to organizations and communities in Fresno, Mono, Mariposa, Calaveras, Tulare, and Amador counties through the California Climate Investments (CCI) Program.

“I have spoken with many residents in our wildfire prone communities who are in need of resources to prepare for the next fire. As the threat of wildfires becomes year-round, we must ensure our communities are prepared and have the resources to prevent a major catastrophe,” said Borgeas. “Smart forest and vegetation management is also a critical component to reduce the risk of wildfires. I’ve introduced SB 880 to protect homeowners in wildfire prone areas by providing a two-year permit to engage in vegetation management and forest thinning work within 750 feet from the boundary of a community.”

The CAL FIRE grants were awarded to the following organizations: Amador Fire Safe Council (Amador County) - $1,044,296; Wheeler Crest Fire Protection District (Mono County) - $135,550; Oak to Timberline Fire Safe Council (Fresno County) - $661,005; County of Fresno - $2,565,920; Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians of California (Fresno County) - $230,499; Mariposa County Fire Safe Council, Inc. (Mariposa County) - $674,577; Calaveras County Resource Conservation District (Calaveras County) - $2,161,776; Calaveras Healthy Impact Product Solutions (Calaveras County) - $1,980,749; Three Rivers Fire Safe Council (Tulare County) - $113,289.

Senator Borgeas represents the 8th Senate District, which encompasses all or portions of Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Sacramento, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties.