California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed an executive order on Oct. 29 to cut red tape and expand tools for safely deploying prescribed fire across the state.
Building on his March emergency proclamation to fast-track forest management, the order accelerates funding, expands local participation and enhances Tribal collaboration. It directs state agencies to provide immediate support to local governments and fire practitioners, prioritizing cultural burning and engagement with resource conservation districts. The order also improves air quality coordination, data collection, and practitioner training through tools like the Prescribed Fire Information Reporting System.
“I’m tasking state agencies to pull all the levers and gear up for using ‘good fire’ this year to help protect communities and restore healthy landscapes,” Newsom said.
