Fire Safe Council Secures $3.1M Grant for Wildfire Prevention in SLO County
The San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council has secured a $3,112,344 grant from CAL FIRE’s California Climate Investments (CCI) Program, marking a significant step forward in wildfire prevention. This grant will support a collaborative project involving multiple organizations to enhance wildfire protection across 19 projects in nine Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) communities throughout the county.
The funded initiatives include treating 1,049 acres through prescribed grazing in Cambria, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo, as well as establishing shaded fuel breaks and conducting roadside clearance in Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, and Lake Nacimiento. In Cambria, additional efforts will focus on reducing hazardous fuels on community-owned parcels and thinning the Cambria pine forest. Creston will see mechanical mastication followed by prescribed fire use. Countywide, there will be 20 days of chipping, 25 days dedicated to arborist removal of hazardous trees, and the eradication of 25 acres of flammable French Broom to safeguard critical access and egress routes.
These 19 treatments will provide enhanced wildfire protection for over 4,100 structures, treating a total of 1,409 acres of hazardous fuels, including 21 miles of roadside areas. The project not only demonstrates the power of collaboration but also underscores the commitment of San Luis Obispo County to building a more resilient and fire-safe community. This grant is a vital investment in the safety and well-being of our residents, ensuring that we are better prepared to face the growing threat of wildfires.