Mendocino County, Calif., Gets $2.5M Grant to Fight Wildfires

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(TNS) – Mendocino County officials announced this week that the Federal Emergency Management Administration awarded more than $2 million toward the county’s efforts in preparing for wildfires.

In a press release Friday, county officials reported receiving a $2.4 million ( Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) grant from FEMA, along with matching funds from a Prepare CA Match grant,” describing the funding as “one of 120 nationwide awards (that will be used to) address wildfire hazards in the Sherwood Corridor, enhancing the county’s wildfire preparedness and resilience.”

County officials also explained that the funding, “awarded on Aug. 5, 2024, marks the first phase of a multi-phase, $50-million project to create defensible space, reduce hazardous fuels, and retrofit homes with ignition-resistant materials. Initial efforts will focus on planning, including LiDar mapping, fuel treatment plans, community outreach, and securing necessary environmental approvals, with this phase expected to continue until 2026.”

Supervisor John Haschak is quoted as describing the funding as “a crucial step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect Mendocino County from the devastating effects of wildfires. We deeply thank our partners and the funding organizations for their support and trust in our vision. Together, we will build a safer, more resilient community.”

County officials also noted that “the Mendocino County Prevention, Recovery, Resilience, and Mitigation Division of the Executive Office is dedicated to keeping the community informed about the progress of the Wildfire Community Resilience Project. Transparency and community engagement are crucial to the project’s success, and residents are encouraged to take part in upcoming community meetings and forums.”

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