CAL FIRE details wildfire damage inspections and future safety measures in California

The Joint Hearing of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy convened on April 24, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding wildfire damage and mitigation strategies in California. The meeting featured discussions on the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires, focusing on the findings from CAL FIRE's damage inspections.

The session began with a report detailing the extensive damage observed in over 250 structures affected by the fires. Inspectors noted that combustible items located in Zone 0—an area immediately surrounding structures—were significant contributors to the destruction. Items such as mulch, plants, fences, and large combustibles like hot tubs were identified as hazards that led to near misses and total losses of homes.

In response to these findings, the discussion shifted to the path forward for wildfire mitigation. Key recommendations included the need for the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to finalize regulatory processes that incorporate Zone 0 into defensible space regulations. The importance of updating California's building code, specifically Chapter 7A, was emphasized, with CAL FIRE collaborating on research to improve fire spread resistance among structures.

Funding for wildfire mitigation was also a focal point. The meeting highlighted the necessity for continued financial support for homeowners to retrofit their properties, making them more resilient to wildfires. Specific funding allocations were discussed, including $25 million for a defensible space financial assistance program and $135 million earmarked for home hardening initiatives. Additionally, $185 million was proposed for the wildfire prevention grant program at CAL FIRE.

The session concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and the need for long-term funding solutions to enhance California's wildfire preparedness. The discussions underscored the state's proactive approach to addressing wildfire risks while acknowledging the challenges that remain. The committee expressed gratitude for the testimonies provided and looked forward to further discussions on implementing these critical measures.