The 1st Senate District media recently covered this story - Local Senators join forces to combat firefighter staffing shortage
Below is the Press Release distributed for this effort. The proposal will be formalized in 2022, with debate and discussion before the final vote on California’s state budget mid-year.
Senators Unite to Address Firefighter Shortage
SACRAMENTO –Senators Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) and Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) announced today an effort to improve California’s need to protect life and property from the devastation of wildfires.
Because of staff shortages, firefighters are working long hours, taking them away from their families and putting public safety and property at risk.
“Wildfires are becoming increasingly intense and destructive. If we don’t focus on the root cause of fuel loads, we are putting more lives and property in danger. This new legislation will address staffing shortages so our brave men and women firefighters are able to protect California’s communities, forests, and wildlands while reducing future risks,” said Senator Brian Dahle.
The Senators agreed to a bipartisan legislative effort that would provide for hundreds of additional full-time firefighters and hand crews. The legislation will be introduced in 2022, creating minimum staffing levels ensuring that our first responders’ physical and mental health are a priority, freeing up resources to fight fires while reducing fire danger in our communities and forest lands.
At an estimated $214 million, this new effort could add over 360 firefighters and 16 hand crews to the
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Here are
photos and
video of the Press Conference.
Please let us know your thoughts on this endeavor
here.
During the month of January, we'll be closed from 1/1-1/25 in order to enjoy the great outdoors of Plumas County with our own family- thank you so much for your understanding and patience!
