Sen. Dodd Urges Support for California Firefighters

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, made the following comments today in a joint press conference at the Capitol calling for a $184 million budget allocation to improve the state’s mutual aid system and to support Cal Fire as it battles a rising number of wildfires:

“We’ve seen unprecedented wildfires in recent years – including the firestorm that hit the North Bay and became the most destructive wildfire in state history, Sen. Dodd said. “In the midst of such disaster, we witnessed great acts of heroism and humanity.”

Also: “My district and my community are still on the long road to recovery,” Dodd said. “And with climate change, we know the risk of wildfire is only going to intensify. We need to prevent utility lines from sparking fires in the first place; we need to better manage brush; and we need to take other steps that reduce risks of massive wildfires impacting communities across the state.

Senator Dodd spoke before a gathering of the state’s top firefighters who urged elected leaders to provide the requested financial support. 

“We need to modernize our mutual aid system and ensure that Cal Fire has the resources it needs to respond quickly and effectively,” Dodd said. “Given the enormous costs these fires have, implementing best practices, preventing fires and being able to respond quickly are absolutely essential.”

The senator appeared with Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, and Assembly members Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters and Marc Levine, D-San Rafael.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties.