Newsom calls for more federal fire prevention funding, says Trump admin needs to step up

Governor Gavin Newsom urged President Trump to allocate more federal funding for wildfire prevention in California, emphasizing the need for federal support to match state and local efforts. He presented a model executive order that would require such federal investment, stressing the urgency of protecting lives and property from wildfires. Approximately 57% of California's forestland is federally owned, while the state has set aside over $4 billion for wildfire protection in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Anale Burlew from Cal Fire reported over 3,200 wildfires this year, with many kept small due to existing prevention strategies. Burlew indicated that continued success in wildfire management requires cooperation from local, state, tribal, and federal entities.

Newsom's request also includes the return of National Guard troops, previously deployed for immigration enforcement, to firefighting duties. The proposed funding aims to bolster efforts not only in California but throughout the Western United States. The call for action comes amid ongoing discussions about wildfire management strategies in the region.