#United States #PG&E #Oakland #Wildfires #California Fire Foundation

PG&E and California Fire Foundation Open Applications for Wildfire Safety Grants

As California approaches its peak fire season, the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the California Fire Foundation (CFF) have announced the opening of applications for their Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Grant Program. This initiative aims to support fire departments and community organizations in California by funding essential wildfire preparedness programs and projects. The deadline for applications is set for June 30, 2025, with award notifications beginning on July 31, 2025.

This year's grant program is particularly significant as it marks the continuation of a partnership between PG&E and CFF, which has been in place for over eight years. Together, they have committed a total of $1.65 million to the CFF's Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program (WSPP). This program focuses on raising public awareness of wildfire safety and providing resources to underserved communities located in high fire-risk areas.

In the previous year, the grant program allocated $750,000, which assisted 55 local fire departments and community organizations. This year, the funding has increased to $950,000 as part of their ongoing commitment to enhance community preparedness. Importantly, these funds come from PG&E's shareholders and not from its customers, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on those they serve.

In 2024, the program made a substantial impact by supporting various safety measures, including:

• - The purchase of around 7,560 pieces of personal protective equipment such as helmets, boots, gloves, goggles, and fire shelters.
• - The removal of over 21 acres of hazardous trees and brush.
• - Chipping and hauling away 1.5 million pounds of combustible materials.
• - Conducting 22 prescribed fires or pile burns for forest management.

Angie Carmignani, the Executive Director of CFF, remarked, "Now in its eighth year, the Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program serves as a constant reminder to Californians about the perennial and life-threatening nature of wildfires. Regardless of whether we are experiencing historic wildfire seasons or calmer times, the program remains unwavering in its commitment to reach communities year after year, ensuring they are well-prepared for wildfires. Our partnership with PG&E has showcased the role we can play in helping communities strengthen their disaster preparedness."

Since the inception of this program in 2018, CFF has distributed a total of 368 grants to various fire departments and community organizations across Northern and Central California. These efforts primarily target communities deemed to have extreme or elevated fire risk, as indicated by assessments from the California Public Utilities Commission.

Mark Quinlan, PG&E's Senior Vice President for Wildfire and Emergency Operations, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, "PGE is deeply appreciative of our continued work alongside the California Fire Foundation as we share a unified goal of empowering our communities to prevent wildfires. The projects funded by these grants, such as creating defensible space around properties and facilitating fuel-reduction programs, are essential."

The WSPP has not only focused on immediate fire safety needs but has also prioritized community education. Since 2018, the program has allocated funds for:

• - Specialized fire equipment and personal protective gear.
• - Efforts to manage vegetation and create defensible space.
• - Fuel reduction and hazard mitigation initiatives.
• - Educational programs for fire prevention and emergency preparedness, particularly targeting senior citizens.
• - Partnerships with local groups to disseminate fire-safety information in high-risk areas.

Additionally, extensive outreach campaigns have been developed to inform and educate the public, producing over 12,000 multilingual brochures aimed at under-resourced communities, available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong, and Vietnamese. The program employs a robust media strategy involving outdoor billboards and ads across various platforms, ensuring widespread visibility of fire safety messages.

The California Fire Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting firefighters and their families while indelibly benefiting the communities they protect. Their 'Firefighters on Your Side' program, also backed by PG&E, aims to deliver culturally relevant fire safety messaging in both digital and print, assisting California residents in remaining safe during fire season.

In summary, PG&E, together with the California Fire Foundation, remains steadfast in its effort to protect communities from the ravages of wildfires. By supporting local fire departments and organizations, the program not only enhances safety preparedness but also fosters a sense of community resilience in the face of growing wildfire threats. Public interest and proactive educational outreach remain vital in ensuring that fire safety awareness continues to thrive across California.