INVESTIGATION
Millions for wildfire mitigation went unspent. We asked every county why.
9 min read · 18 min watch
Mara Ellison · August 12, 2026
The short version
Records from 41 counties show wildfire mitigation grant money returned or delayed. Staffing, not willingness, was the most common reason given.
Why it matters
Mitigation is the cheapest part of wildfire response. Money that expires unspent becomes suppression cost later.
What changed
The state's 2024 program shortened the spending window to eighteen months. Small counties without a grants administrator missed it.
Where things stand
About $14.6 million was returned or rolled over. Eleven counties told us they will not apply again under the current window.
What happens next
The interim wildfire committee meets in October and has draft language to extend the window to three years.
WatchWatch the full report — 18:40