As 16 Wildfires Burn 600,000 Acres Across California, Firefighters say $10B Bond Would Fund Critical Wildfire Prevention to Protect Homes, Businesses, Communities, and Save Taxpayer Dollars
Prop 4 Invests in Historic, Statewide Shift from Wildfire Response to Wildfire Prevention
“Recent California wildfires have burned two million acres, released toxic smoke into our air, and polluted drinking water supplies; yet the firefighters on the frontlines know our worst wildfire seasons are still ahead of us,” said Brian K. Rice, President, California Professional Firefighters. “We need to take action today. Firefighters say Yes to Prop 4.”
In an effort to change the course of history, organizations representing firefighters across the state – CAL FIRE Firefighters, California Professional Firefighters, and California Fire Chiefs Association – have endorsed Yes on Prop 4.
Recent California wildfires have burned over 2 million acres, affecting our quality of life and health. A UCLA study found that 10 years of wildfire smoke have caused 50,000 premature deaths and $400 billion in economic losses. Chico city officials say the raging Park Fire – the fourth largest in California history – could have been prevented with a $10,000 prescribed burn; the prescribed burn never happened though, due to a lack of resources.
Yes on 4 is a major step forward, investing in proven strategies to detect, prevent, and reduce the intensity and spread of fires in every region. In 2024, we’ve seen the return of huge, damaging fires that strain our state’s capacity to respond. In an effort to change the course of history, organizations representing firefighters across the state – CAL FIRE Firefighters, California Professional Firefighters, and California Fire Chiefs Association – have endorsed Yes on Prop 4.
“The catastrophic fires that have decimated entire communities and caused billions of dollars in damage are a constant threat in California,” said Tim Edwards, President of CAL FIRE Firefighters. “Yes on Prop 4 is our opportunity to make history by establishing prevention as well as suppression as a priority – investing precious resources in detecting, preventing and responding to fires in every endangered region across the state.”
“Firefighters have been on the front lines of the Park Fire for well over a month and it’s still burning. With thousands of other fires raging across the state, we are urging Californians to vote Yes on Prop 4,” said Mark Heine, President of the California Fire Chiefs Association. “This measure provides us with the tools we need to both respond to explosive wildfires more quickly and effectively – but even more importantly, to reduce the threat of wildfire across the state even as droughts and extreme heat intensify. A future where California uses proven strategies to prevent fires from becoming deadly and destructive is within our reach through Yes on Prop 4.”
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