Press Release Provided by Senator Shannon Grove
Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) is co-sponsoring a bipartisan budget proposal with Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) to increase the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) staff in order to meet the national standard of three firefighters per engine.
Over the last few years, wildfires have devastated and ravaged many communities across California. Due to major staff shortages, firefighters are working long overtime hours for multiple weeks at a time, without a single day off in between shifts. California’s worsening fire conditions are requiring more resources and staff to ensure we keep our communities and first responders safe.
“This proposal will be a critical down payment in supporting our firefighters who meet the increasing demands that wildfires have on our state,” said Senator Grove. “Our firefighters continue to battle wildfires of historic proportions and work tirelessly to protect our communities.”
California’s wildfire season is starting earlier and ending later each year. The length of the fire season has increased substantially, requiring firefighters to work extremely long stretches at a time. California wildfires are burning in historical proportions and affecting not only rural areas but urban cities as well. Therefore, we must take proactive measures in order to protect our communities.