Californiais staring down soaring fuel costsand expanding fire danger, yet state leaders are sticking with an expensive, all-in wildfire strategy.
Jet fuel prices have surgedbetween 82% and 110%in just three months, a spike that is hammering industries that rely on aircraft
ButCal Firesays its sprawling aerial firefighting operation will not scale back as wildfire season ramps up.
That pledge comes with a hefty price tag.
Gavin Newsom’sproposed 2026–27 budget includes $457 million for wildfire and forest resilience, adding to nearly $4 billion the state has committed since 2021.Newsom is required to release an updated version of the budget, known as the “May Revision,” by May 14.
The plan relies on a mix of funding sources, including $315 million from a climate bond for large-scale forest and community projects and $142 million from theGreenhouse Gas Reduction Fundfor prescribed fire crews and other fire prevention tactics.
Another $120 million in forest health grants was released early in 2026 to reduce fire risk and strengthen ecosystems.
At the same time, California is committing $770.4 million each year to its firefighting workforce.
The funding supports a 66-hour workweek and a plan to add more than 2,000 firefighters by 2028–29.
The state has also spent about $380 million on its aerial fleet, which now includes 16 advanced helicopters.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
