In 2024, California wildfires burned over 1 million acres, doubling the destruction of 2023 and marking one of the worst seasons on record. The increasing number of wildfires within the state each year highlights the urgent need for robust wildfire management, prevention strategies, and awareness of both state and federal grants that can support communities impacted or at risk of wildfire destruction.
A Devastating Milestone in California's Wildfire Emergency
On October 4, 2024, California reached a staggering milestone — 1 million acres had officially burned within the state, making the 2024 wildfire season one of the worst on record.
So far this year, CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service has reported nearly 6,700 wildland fires and more than 1 million acres burned. This represents more than twice the number of acres burned in 2023, which saw a combined total of 5,623 wildfires burning 424,183 acres.
The number of acres burned by wildfires each year has increased since the 1980s. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the most extensive acreage burned has increased annually since 2004, peaking in 2015 and 2020. This period coincides with many of the warmest years on record nationwide, with the most significant increases occurring in the spring and summer months.
Firefighting Efforts
State firefighting crews have made significant efforts to control and mitigate the fires. Their strategies have included:
- Rapid deployment of firefighting crews to affected areas, including Smokejumpers and Hotshots
- Use of aerial firefighting resources, including water-dropping helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft
- Coordination with local, state, and federal agencies for resource sharing and support
- Implementation of evacuation plans to ensure resident safety
Preventing Wildfires: All Hands-on Deck
When it comes to wildfire prevention, everyone plays a crucial role, including the public. Public education is crucial, especially advocating for safe disposal of flammable materials and campfire management.
Encourage the use of “go bags” — an evacuation preparedness bag that includes a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each person, necessary medications, clothing, first aid kit, flashlight, pet supplies and more. Experts also advise keeping sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed in case of a sudden night evacuation.
Additionally, landowners are encouraged to clear dead vegetation and create defensible spaces on their property. Defensible space is considered 100 feet of maintained space with a grass height no higher than four inches. All combustible materials must be located at least 30 feet away from the space, including propane tanks, gas tanks, paint supplies, lawnmowers, and snowblowers.
Developers also should consider using less flammable building materials and creating gaps in vegetation to slow or stop fires. Fire regulations, including safety restrictions and bans on open burning during dry seasons, should always be enforced.
Mitigation and Remediation
Fire surveillance systems are crucial for early wildfire detection. Other wildfire mitigation measures include:
- Controlled Burns: Use prescribed burns to manage vegetation and reduce fuel
- Community Preparedness: Organize fire safety programs and drills
- Infrastructure Resilience: Build fire-resistant infrastructure like roads and water systems
There are also various remediation strategies to prevent future wildfires. These include removing debris and burned vegetation to prevent erosion following a fire, as well as preventing landslides by using mulch and covering crops to stabilize the soil.
Planting trees to restore the ecosystem, known as reforestation, can also reduce the risk of a future fire. Following a wildfire, experts also recommend protecting the quality of water sources from wildfire runoff and offering mental health and financial resources to help in community rebuilding efforts.
Utilizing Grants to Assist with Wildfire Relief
Many state and federal grants are available to support wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. Examples of notable grants that may offer assitance include:
Federal Grants
- FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants support public and firefighter safety projects that reduce fire-related injuries and deaths.
- U.S. Forest Service Cooperative Forestry Assistance (CFA) Grants help landowners and local governments manage forests to reduce wildfire risks.
- National Fire Plan (NFP) Grants increase firefighting capacity, rehabilitate burned areas, reduce hazardous fuels, and assist at-risk communities.
State Grants
- CalFire Fire Prevention Grants provide funding for local fire risk-reduction and prevention projects.
- Washington DNR Community Resilience Grants support community wildfire risk reduction efforts, including planning and education.
- CSFS Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grants provide funds for hazardous fuel reduction, forest health improvement, and watershed resilience.
Looking Forward
The 2024 California wildfire season has emphasized the critical need for robust wildfire management and prevention strategies. As states move forward in their recovery and rebuilding efforts, integrating these lessons will enhance resilience and preparedness for future wildfire seasons.
