State Government

CAL FIRE Has Already Exceeded Its Budget By $60 Million

December 8, 2017 | Sally Schilling

CAL FIRE has exceeded its firefighting budget projection by an estimated $60 million so far. Officials say going over budget is the new normal.

Giant Firefighting Bomber Grounded

July 22, 2017 | Bob Moffitt

2009 marked the first time a giant Boeing 747 dropped a load of bright pink retardant on a fire in California. While the 747 is not currently an option for fighting fires in the state, another of these planes may soon be certified.

California Wildfire Becomes Costliest Ever To Fight At $200M

September 19, 2016

(AP) - A wildfire burning for nearly two months on California's Central Coast has surpassed $200 million in firefighting costs, becoming the costliest to fight in U.S. history.

Environment

Above Normal Wildfire Risk Through October In California

July 1, 2016 | Ed Joyce

Forecasters say the threat of wildfires will remain high in Southern California and the Southwest in July and August because of persistent drought and because summer rains may not be as consistent as usual.

Environment

Forest Service: 66 Million Dead Trees In Sierra Nevada

June 22, 2016 | Ed Joyce

The U.S. Forest Service says 66 million trees are dead in the Sierra Nevada after four consecutive years of drought in California and a bark beetle infestation.

Environment

Project Will Study How Drones Can Improve Wildfire Management

August 17, 2015 | Amy Quinton

The Desert Research Institute in Reno is studying how unmanned aircraft systems might improve wildfire safety.