Last week, California officials warned that the federal government shutdown threatens economic stability, and it will leave communities more exposed to wildfire risks as it slows disaster recovery efforts.
On Oct. 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom said thousands of federal employees in California have been furloughed, disrupting key programs for forest management, prescribed burns, and disaster grant disbursements. First responders remain active, but much of the supporting infrastructure is now stalled.
“Communities across our state are less safe because of Trump’s government shutdown,” said Newsom. “Thanks to Donald Trump, critical wildfire preparedness and disaster recovery programs are on pause. This can’t go on. Republicans need to act to end this shutdown.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reinforced the role of local government in protecting vulnerable communities.
“The federal government has shut down, but our local government will not stop working. We will do what we can to insulate Angelenos from the impact of this Republican-led shutdown, but we know there are thousands now at risk of vindictive furloughs and layoffs led by the President,” said Bass.
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) added her voice, stating, “Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have made the reckless and cruel decision to shut down the government because they don’t want to protect affordable healthcare for millions of hard-working American families. This decision has already thrown into chaos the lives and livelihoods of millions of hard-working American families and public servants.”
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) criticized the GOP’s handling of the shutdown. “Republicans have control of Congress and the White House. But rather than negotiate with Democrats, Republicans have sent the House of Representatives home, canceled planned White House meetings until the eleventh hour … and posted a racist AI video of Democratic leaders trying to avoid a shutdown,” said Padilla in a statement.
State officials noted that the National Weather Service continues issuing essential forecasts, but long-term research and support functions at NOAA have paused. FEMA field teams remain active, but reimbursements, grants, and technical assistance to local governments are blocked. More than two-thirds of National Park Service staff are furloughed, reducing backup emergency capacity in California.
California has attempted to fill the void. CAL FIRE has expanded its workforce, nearly doubling staffing in recent years. Since 2019, the state has invested over $5 billion in wildfire resilience. This year, it allocated $135 million in prevention funding and fast-tracked more than 100 vegetation management projects across 25,000 acres.
State leaders warned that federal cuts and reorganizations, including those in the U.S. Forest Service, heighten the risk to wildfire readiness.
State agencies including CAL FIRE, the Office of Emergency Services, CHP, and the National Guard remain active and fully staffed. But without federal support, recovery efforts could stall, and future disaster planning may be weakened.
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Article By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media
