Legislation aimed at strengthening California’s local wildfire preparedness efforts is moving forward after clearing the State Senate.
Senate Bill 973 has passed the Senate and is now headed to the California Assembly, where it has been referred to the Assembly Natural Resources and Emergency Management committees.
If approved, the bill would formally establish and expand the Wildfire County Coordinator Program, a partnership between CAL FIRE and the California Fire Safe Council that has operated since 2021. The program helps counties coordinate wildfire mitigation projects, develop preparedness plans, connect with funding opportunities, and strengthen collaboration among local agencies and organizations.
According to the California Fire Safe Council, the program has helped communities across the state secure more than $104 million for wildfire mitigation and preparedness projects.
Supporters say codifying the program into state law would provide long-term support for county coordinators who work to reduce wildfire risk and improve community resilience throughout California.
