Battling California's Wildfires
Governor Schwarzenegger is Committed to Meeting the Challenges of a Year-Round Fire Season
11/18/2008

The Governor recognizes that persistent drought and our changing climate demand a new readiness on any day of the year to battle a wildfire. He has taken significant action to prevent and respond to the devastating blazes that have unleashed unparalleled destruction on California during his tenure. And while he utilizes every possible resource to douse the flames, he is always working to better prepare the state to respond to the threat of fire.

He Utilizes Every Tool In The Shed To Put Out Fires With Minimal Damage To Life And Property. During 2008's record firestorm in Northern California, he obtained resources from 40 states, the federal government and other countries. He continues to collaborate with these partners to ease fire devastation.

  • In 2008 the Governor issued Executive Order S-03-08 to prepare the state early for fire season. It directed CAL FIRE to immediately mobilize critical firefighting resources and personnel to save lives and homes statewide.

The Governor Continues To Push For His Proposed Emergency Response Initiative That Will Provide Vital Funding And Resources To California's Emergency Responders. The additional funding will help California better prepare for, prevent and respond to all emergencies, including fire.

He Has Increased Funding For Fire Prevention And Response Every Year Since Coming Into Office. In the 2008-09 enacted budget the Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention received $1.6 billion, up $300 million from the year before.
2008 Fire Updates
Speeches & News