Claremont Wilderness Park To Get Major Wildfire Prevention Work Under $950K Grant

Nearly $950,000 in state funding will support wildfire prevention and vegetation management projects across the San Gabriel Valley, including a major effort planned for Claremont Wilderness Park.

The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments received $949,993 through CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grant Program for its Fire Prep SGV Wildfire Resilience and Fuel Reduction Program, the organization announced Wednesday.

The initiative is expected to fund six to 10 fuel-reduction projects in cities and unincorporated communities across the region.

The projects will focus on removing hazardous vegetation to reduce wildfire intensity and slow the spread of fires. Work will be concentrated in areas designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, the state's highest fire hazard classification.

SGVCOG officials said the projects could help protect more than 20,000 habitable structures across the region.

Claremont is expected to lead the regional effort with treatment planned for about 450 acres in Claremont Wilderness Park. The work will focus on reducing hazardous vegetation in areas near residential neighborhoods that are vulnerable to wildfire.

"The devastating wildfires our region experienced in 2025, including the Eaton Fire, made clear that we cannot afford to wait," SGVCOG President and Claremont Vice Mayor Ed Reece said. "Proactive, aggressive fuel mitigation is essential to protecting our communities, homes, and critical infrastructure."

Reece said the grant will allow the council to support its 31 member cities with projects ranging from brush clearing to broader wildfire prevention work.

Fuel-reduction projects are designed to create breaks in horizontal and vertical vegetation, which can change how wildfires spread and give communities additional protection.

SGVCOG will work with participating cities and communities to identify priority projects and carry out the work across the San Gabriel Valley.