Stockton, CA – Over the last six months, the Office of Emergency Services established a core planning team with the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority, CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit, and key local partners to strengthen a comprehensive assessment of wildfire mitigation needs across San Joaquin County. This team will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of the County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

“As development pushes farther into high‑risk fire zones, staying ahead of wildfire exposure must remain a priority,” said Tiffany Cacho, Director of Emergency Operations for the Office of Emergency Services. “This grant allows us to begin developing a Countywide wildfire protection plan which is an important first step in strengthening our mitigation efforts.”

San Joaquin County faces heightened wildfire risk as dry vegetation, extreme heat, and longer fire seasons create conditions for more intense fire behavior. Rural and agricultural areas, combined with expanding development near open land, increase the likelihood that fast-moving wildfires can impact homes, critical infrastructure, and public health. Proactive planning and coordinated mitigation efforts with community members are essential to reduce wildfire risk and protect residents across the County.

Earlier this year, the California Fire Safe Council selected the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services as a recipient of a 2025 CAL FIRE Wildfire County Coordinator Grant Award, providing $151,000 to support the development of the County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Through the Wildfire County Coordinator Program, the Office of Emergency Services will help implement the State’s mitigation strategies at the local level in a coordinated and consistent manner. Program efforts will include laying the groundwork for adoption of the State Community Wildfire Protection Plan toolkit, strengthening coordination with the local CAL FIRE Unit, supporting Statewide data collection, and expanding mitigation, preparedness, and community outreach activities throughout San Joaquin County.

The 2025 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Grant, a program of the Community Wildfire Preparedness Project, is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and- Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling, and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the California Climate Investment website at www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov.

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About the Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Services (OES) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of San Joaquin County. At OES, our unwavering commitment is to protect lives, property, and the environment across all phases of emergency management: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. We understand the dynamic nature of emergencies and disasters and strive to create a safer and more resilient community for all.

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