Title
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Emergency Management or designee to work with the Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, and the Department of Housing and Community Development to submit multiple grant applications to the 2026 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program for a cumulative amount not to exceed $5,700,000 and no more than $950,000 per application. Project implementation will occur by the performance period end date of January 15, 2030, to conduct wildfire risk reduction planning activities, wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach efforts, as well as increase capability and capacity to implement hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands; and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of Emergency Management or designee to execute all necessary forms and documents for the applications to this grant; and
c. Direct Department of Emergency Management staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant awards.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize and approve the Director of the Emergency Management or designee to work the with Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, and the Department of Housing and Community Development to submit multiple grant applications to the 2026 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program for a cumulative amount not to exceed $5,700,000 and no more than $950,000 per application. Project implementation will occur by the performance period end date of January 15, 2030, to conduct wildfire risk reduction planning activities, wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach efforts, as well as increase capability and capacity to implement hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands; and
b. Authorize and approve the Director of Emergency Management or designee to execute all necessary forms and documents for the applications to this grant; and
c. Direct Department of Emergency Management staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant awards.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Emergency Management (DEM), the Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, and the Department of Housing and Community Development intend to submit joint applications to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program for a cumulative amount not to exceed $5,700,000 and no more than $950,000 per application, with a performance period end date of January 15, 2030. CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides funding for wildfire prevention projects and activities in and near wildfire-threatened communities that focus on increasing the protection of people, structures, and communities. Funding is being allocated from the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (Proposition 4).
DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced funding for the Wildfire Prevention Grants Program to support locally led efforts that reduce wildfire risk, strengthen preparedness, and help protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides financial support for projects that reduce the potential for destructive wildfire in and around communities, including hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education aimed at increasing readiness and reducing wildfire ignition potential.
DEM will utilize funds to conduct wildfire risk reduction planning activities, wildfire prevention and mitigation education and outreach efforts, as well as increase capability and capacity to implement hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands. Projects may include, but are not limited to:
Wildfire prevention planning to support planning activities such as the development and update of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) to identify local wildfire hazards, prioritize mitigation strategies, and strengthen regional coordination among public agencies, fire districts, community organizations, and stakeholders. The planning effort will establish a data-driven framework for future fuel reduction projects, community preparedness initiatives, evacuation planning, and long-term wildfire resilience activities. In addition, in collaboration with the County of Monterey Department of Housing and Community Development, a countywide coastal development permit application framework project that enables efficient implementation of future fuel reduction and vegetation management projects while ensuring compliance with applicable coastal and environmental regulations.
Wildfire prevention education and outreach to enhance community preparedness, including the development and implementation of public education and outreach programs to increase public awareness and risk understanding, emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, and educate the public on making homes and communities more wildfire resilient, including defensible space training.
Multiple hazardous fuels reduction projects including a community curbside chipping and green waste disposal program for residents in identified high and very high fire hazard areas to reduce hazardous vegetative fuels, and a project in collaboration with the County of Monterey Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks, to support the procurement of equipment, including a remote-controlled masticator and mower to reduce hazardous vegetation along county-maintained roadways, including key evacuation roads, and open space areas in high fire risk zones. These projects aim to improve operator safety, increase operational efficiency, and enhance the County’s capability to conduct vegetation management.
DEM is committed to collaborating with partners and the fire prevention community to ensure the County of Monterey has evidence-based, data-driven, and community-informed wildfire risk initiatives. This will enhance the Operational Area capacity and lead efforts to unify, implement mitigation strategies, support county-wide wildfire planning, and contribute to statewide data and preparedness initiatives.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel, Auditors, and Contracts Purchasing review documents in relation to the grant and approve as to form. DEM coordinated with HCD and PWFP.
FINANCING:
Applying to this grant program will not impact the Department of Emergency Management’s FY 2026-27 Adopted budget. DEM will return to Board of Supervisors to request an increase in appropriations upon award approval by the granting agency. This grant does not require matching funds and is reimbursement based, providing up to 15% of the award for indirect cost with an estimated cumulative award not to exceed $5,700,000 or $950,000 per application.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wildfire Prevention Grants Program supports the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Goals by enhancing the county’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. Through CAL FIRE funding, the county strengthens local planning, community engagement, and coordination, ensuring public safety and community resilience align with the Board’s priorities for effective governance and a safe, well-prepared community.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]:
_X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life
_X _ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
_X _ Safe and Resilient Communities
_X_ Diverse and Thriving Economy
The CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants Program directly supports the Monterey County Board of Supervisors' strategic initiative of Safe and Resilient Communities by supporting efforts to enhance wildfire preparedness, coordinate mitigation projects, and reduce fire risk to protect lives and property. It also aligns with Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future by promoting long-term resilience through proactive land management and hazard reduction efforts.
If does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
____ Administrative [Include one or two sentences referencing the Ordinance, Code, Board Order/Resolution, etc. in relation to this selection]
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Maeh Al-Shawaf, Management Analyst III, x1973
Approved by: Kelsey Scanlon, Director of Emergency Management, x1902
Approved by: Michael Beaton, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x3835
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution