Malibu Receives Cal Fire Prevention Grant

MALIBU, CA — The City of Malibu received $65,000 dollars from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for their educational project.

It's wildfire season in California, which means cities across the state are scrambling to recover from fires that have already hit and put preventative measures in place.

"This year, wildfires have once again been extremely severe and damaging, which only highlights our continued need to perform more community- based fire-prevention projects," Cal Fire Chief Thomas Porter said. "Our wildfire and forest strategy includes funding these types of fire-prevention projects to reduce the severity of wildfires and harden our communities."

Malibu's Educational Project

Most of Malibu is considered a High Fire Severity Zone by Cal Fire.

The massive Cal Fire grant will go towards Malibu's wildfire prevention education project, which will prioritize public education about wildfire preparedness. Through this program, residents learn about how to properly buffer their houses from any natural fire fuel, like grass and shrubs, and other fire safety measures that can be taken to protect a home.

Additionally, the grant will help train some community members to assess homes for fire safety, allowing these residents to help out their neighbors and the fire department.

Malibu has put a significant focus on fire safety during its National Preparedness Month, and will be hosting a community fire season briefing Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

The 2021 Cal Fire Grants

More than a half dozen five-, six- and seven- figure state grants intended to reduce fire hazards and increase education about wildfire dangers are earmarked for entities in Los Angeles and Orange counties, it was announced Monday.

The monetary outlays, part of nearly $138 million in funding for 105 local fire-safety projects across California, will enable public safety agencies to reduce the risk of wildfire through fuel reduction, emergency planning and fire prevention education, according to Cal Fire.

In April, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 85, which provided $536 million to accelerate forest health, fire prevention and climate resiliency. The allocation included $123 million for Cal Fire's Fire Prevention Grant Program, including $50 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, with an additional $73 million coming from the state general fund.

— City News Service contributed to this story.