Atascadero Fire receives grant to enhance wildfire prevention efforts
Mystery Ranch Wildland line packs.
Department strengthens safety with state-of-the-art wildfire gear
– Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services has received a grant from the California Fire Foundation to assist in its ongoing wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts.
With wildfire season extending nearly year-round in California, the funding will be used to purchase Mystery Ranch Wildland line packs, replacing outdated gear. These packs ensure firefighters are equipped with the latest equipment to meet the rigorous demands of modern firefighting.
The California Fire Foundation provides statewide grants to fire departments, firefighter associations, and community-based organizations to support wildfire prevention education, specialized firefighting equipment, fuels reduction, defensible space projects, community safety initiatives, and recovery efforts.
Rick Martinez, executive director of the foundation, said, “The need to address wildfire prevention and preparedness is an integral part of living in California. These grants support important projects focusing on keeping Californians, our state’s communities, and our first responders safe.”
“This funding partnership is critical for equipping our Atascadero Fire firefighters with the latest, most reliable firefighting gear. This modern equipment enhances firefighter safety while they work on the fire line, protecting our community and supporting statewide efforts during wildfire events,” Battalion Chief Dave Van Son said. “We are so very thankful to the California Fire Foundation for this invaluable grant. It will be hugely beneficial to our community.”
Since 2018, the foundation’s grants have assisted communities at heightened wildfire risk, addressing California’s toughest disaster-risk needs. For more information on California Fire Foundation grants, visit www.cafirefoundation.org/grants.
