The California Department of Forestry and Fire Service recently awarded a $949,993 grant to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, which is comprised of 31 cities including Claremont.

The Wildfire Prevention Grant funds are earmarked “for projects in and near fire threatened communities to improve public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” according to CalFire. The council will use the money for its San Gabriel Valley wildfire resilience and fuel reduction program. Objectives include, “treating approximately 250 to 375 acres of high-risk vegetation,” “safeguarding an estimated 22,000 to 34,000 habitable structures,” and “reducing ignition potential and improving the safety of evacuation routes for residents.”

“Public safety is our absolute priority, and this investment is a vital step in protecting our residents from the increasing threat of fire,” wrote the council Executive Director Marisa Creter in a statement. “As California continues to strengthen its strategy, to defend communities against devastating wildfires, this funding allows the SGVCOG to implement a regionally coordinated risk-reduction plan. By targeting High-Risk Fire Hazard Severity Zones within our Foothill communities, we are ensuring that our regional approach is proactive, unified, and centered on saving lives.”