After Governor Newsom’s order encouraging prescribed and cultural burning, California State Parks is increasing controlled burns to improve ecosystem health and lower wildfire risk. Support for this approach is being voiced by leaders statewide, who describe beneficial fire as a safe and proven tool.
California is speeding up its use of “beneficial fire” to prevent bigger wildfires. Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that directs state agencies to streamline and accelerate approvals for prescribed burns and tribal cultural burning. He wants crews to take full advantage of the fall weather window, when burn conditions are safest.
California State Parks has already moved quickly. Staff have carried out a series of prescribed burns across parks statewide. The state has backed this work with more than $100 million in wildfire funding since 2020, helping State Parks hire and train more crews and buy better equipment. State Parks has used prescribed fire since 1973, and the program has expanded sharply in recent years.
The article also points to the deep roots of cultural burning. Native American tribes have used controlled fire for thousands of years to keep forests healthy, limit dangerous fuel buildup, support wildlife and native plants, and protect cultural traditions. The new order aims to strengthen partnerships with tribes and grow these practices across California.
Training and workforce growth sit at the center of the plan. At Salt Point State Park in Sonoma County, State Parks hosted a prescribed fire training exchange (TREC). These exchanges let fire practitioners sharpen skills, earn certifications, and learn from other experts, including visitors from outside the U.S.
Leaders from environmental groups, universities, tribal communities, and state agencies have voiced strong support for the order. They argue that beneficial fire boosts ecosystem health, lowers the risk of catastrophic wildfires, supports biodiversity, and protects public safety. The order builds on California’s Strategic Plan for Expanding Beneficial Fire and keeps pushing agencies to cut red tape, coordinate air-quality rules, and increase safe burning statewide.
