SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— In an effort to help prevent wildfires and protect communities, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is joining forces with local Fire Safe Councils to enhance the safety and preparedness of local communities. PG&E is providing $2 million to fund local Fire Safe Council projects to reduce the threat of wildfires and help keep communities safe.
“Years of drought, extreme heat and 129 million dead trees are creating a ‘new normal’ in our state and we must continue to adapt to these challenges. We appreciate our continuing partnership with local Fire Safe Councils to complete this important safety work. These projects create fuel breaks to protect communities, clear vegetation from evacuation routes, and help underserved customers create critical defensible space to protect their homes from fire,” said Kevin Dasso, PG&E vice president of Electric Asset Management.
Since 2014, and including this year, PG&E will have provided $13 million to local Fire Safe Councils and 501(c)(3) organizations to fund more than 200 projects in Northern and Central California. Projects have included fuel reduction, shaded fuel breaks, emergency access and wood-chipping programs. This year, PG&E is providing funding to local councils and nonprofits to complete approximately 30 projects in 24 counties. Projects must be completed by October of this year. A list of Fire Safe Councils receiving project funding is below.
Community Wildfire Safety Program
In addition to partnering with local Fire Safe Councils, PG&E is preparing for wildfires through its new Community Wildfire Safety Program. The company launched the program in March as an additional precautionary measure intended to reduce wildfire threats and strengthen communities for the future. Through the program, PG&E is bolstering wildfire prevention and emergency response efforts, putting in place new and enhanced safety measures, and doing more over the long term to harden its electric system to help reduce wildfire risks and to keep its customers safe.
Local Fire Safe Councils Receiving Funding for Projects
Organization – County
Amador Fire Safe Council – Amador
Butte County Fire Safe Council – Butte
Calaveras Foothills Fire Safe Council – Calaveras
Calaveras Resource Conservation District – Calaveras
Comptonville Community Partnership for Yuba Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council (Yuba County Watershed Protection and Fire Safe Council ) – Yuba
Diablo Fire Safe Council – Alameda Contra Costa
East Bay Regional Park District/Regional Park Foundation – Alameda
El Dorado Fire Safe Council – El Dorado
FIRESafe MARIN – Marin
Fire Safe SMC (Woodside Fire Protection District) – San Mateo
FSC of Monterey County – Monterey
Fire Safe Council of Nevada County – Nevada
Highway 108 Fire Safe Council – Tuolumne
Highway 168 Fire Safe Council – Fresno
Iowa Hill Community Club (Forest/Iowa Hill FSC) – Placer
Lassen County Fire Safe Council – Lassen/Shasta
Mariposa Fire Safe Council – Mariposa
Mattole Restoration Council – Humboldt
Mendocino County Fire Safe Council – Mendocino
Mount Veeder Fire Safe Council – Napa
Napa Communities Firewise Foundation: Angwin FSC & Deer Park FSC – Napa
Plumas Corporation: Plumas County Fire Safe Council – Plumas
San Luis Obispo County FSC – San Luis Obispo
Santa Clara FSC – Santa Clara
Yosemite/Sequoia Resource Conservation & Development Council – Madera
Yosemite Foothill Fire Safe Council – Tuolumne
Western Shasta Resource Conservation District – Shasta