Fuels Reduction Crews

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

What does it fund?

CAL FIRE crews of wildland fuels reduction professionals dedicated to increasing the pace and scale of fuel reduction treatments in support of the California Forest Carbon Plan, as well as costs of additional resources (e.g., hand crews, engine companies, etc.) for work on CAL FIRE Units’ fuel reduction projects.

Crews are located around the State and conduct prescribed burns and other fuel reduction treatments to help protect communities from wildfires, create healthier and more climate-resilient ecosystems and watersheds, and stabilize carbon stored in natural lands. Crews provide key capacity, jointly with other CAL FIRE teams and resources, to assist with implementation of CAL FIRE Fire Plan and Vegetation Management Program projects.

Who is eligible for funds?

Some projects occur on land designated as priority population areas, which are intended to improve ecological resilience and lower the risk of catastrophic wildfires that cause loss of lives, homes, domesticated animals, wildlife and forests.

How do I access funds?

These funds are generally implemented directly by CAL FIRE.

Funding timeline

CAL FIRE annually determines the amount of funding to be allocated to this program from its GGRF appropriations.

Project Profiles

Read stories of projects funded by CAL FIRE.

*Please note that the website reflects CAL FIRE’s department-wide and partner fuels reduction efforts, not only those of the GGRF-funded Fuels Reduction Crews.

Cumulative Statistics

As of November 30, 2023

$911.2 million collectively allocated to Sustainable Forest Programs

$110.1 million implemented

$19.4 million benefiting priority populations

12,541 MTCO2e GHG emissions reductions

502 projects implemented

2023 Achievements

Reporting period:
Dec 1, 2022 – Nov 30, 2023

$25.2 million implemented

0 MTCO2e GHG emissions reductions

378 full-time equivalent jobs reported

$5.0 million benefiting priority populations

0% benefiting disadvantaged communities

19% benefiting low income communities and households

80% benefiting other areas of California

Other Expected Benefits

10,290 acres of land restored

6,500 trees planted