CAL FIRE is putting $70 million on the table for local projects aimed at cutting wildfire risk and shielding communities across California. The new grant funding targets on-the-ground work such as hazardous-fuels reduction, wildfire-prevention education and preparedness planning. Local governments, fire-safe councils, tribes and nonprofit groups are among those that stand to benefit.
BIG NEWS! $70 million in grant funding is available to continue supporting projects that help reduce wildfire risks and protect communities across California. These funds are available through CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program, which focuses on activities that reduce hazardous fuels, increase wildfire prevention education, and support planning and preparedness. https://x.com/i/status/2052101145275843029
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) May 6, 2026
What CAL FIRE said
In a post from CAL FIRE, the agency said the $70 million is being offered through its Wildfire Prevention Grants Program and called out hazardous-fuels reduction, outreach and planning as key priorities. The post directed prospective applicants to detailed guidance and a short link with more information.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants for the Wildfire Prevention Grants Program typically include nonprofits, public agencies and tribal governments, according to the California Grants Portal. The portal and its procedural guide spell out program requirements, submission tools and a contact email for follow-up questions.
What kinds of projects qualify
Program materials describe a wide range of activities the grants can support, including hazardous-fuels reduction and defensible-space work, along with community education, workshops and planning efforts. CAL FIRE’s guidance notes that allowable costs can cover equipment, outreach and mapping, as long as they are tied to measurable reductions in wildfire risk.
How this fits with prior funding
This latest announcement builds on recent state spending. Last December, CAL FIRE awarded nearly $62.7 million to 84 local wildfire-prevention projects, according to the Governor’s office. Those earlier awards backed a mix of fuel breaks, community education campaigns and regional planning efforts as part of a broader prevention push.
Where the money comes from
The Wildfire Prevention Grants Program is funded through California Climate Investments and bond dollars from the 2024 Proposition 4 package, according to the California Grants Portal. Those funding sources have recently been used to support both forest-health work and community-scale prevention projects across the state.
How to find application materials
CAL FIRE hosts the full solicitation, procedural guides, FAQs and a project-mapping hub on its Wildfire Prevention Grants page, and applicants are encouraged to review those documents and coordinate with local partners before submitting. For the procedural guide, application links and agency contacts, see CAL FIRE.
