Cal Fire warns of rising local fire danger, launches $30 million fuels‑reduction grants

Josh Silvera, a Cal Fire representative, told Monterey County residents on May 20 that the region is seeing active fire starts and urged year‑round preparedness as temperatures rise. He said Cal Fire is responding to an active wildfire in South Monterey County off Arroyo Seco Road near Sycamore Flat and that local crews have so far kept most starts small. "We're meeting that intent of keeping 95% of our fires at 10 acres or less here in the unit," Silvera said.

The agency also released a $30,000,000 fuels‑reduction grant program intended for community‑scale resilience projects. Silvera said the grants are not aimed at individual homeowners; instead, eligible applicants include Firewise communities, homeowners associations and fire safe councils, and projects should tie into existing fuels‑reduction plans. Initial concept proposals must be submitted by June 30 for the first round of review, after which selected projects may move into a second, more detailed vetting phase that will examine size, scope and local or regional fire‑planning benefits.

Silvera emphasized everyday steps residents can take over holiday weekends and during warmer months to reduce ignitions: ensure trailer chains are secure to avoid dragging sparks, use improved fire rings or pits for campfires, discard ash and charcoal properly, maintain defensible space and consider home hardening and noncombustible landscaping. He urged hikers and campers to bring sufficient water, leave trip plans with others and be prepared to notify authorities promptly if someone becomes missing or injured.

The grant program and its application guidance are available through Cal Fire; Silvera said applicants should consult the Cal Fire grant portal for eligibility details and selection criteria. The county host closed the segment by reiterating that small, preventive actions can limit dangerous incidents during peak fire conditions.