ATASCADERO — Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services has been awarded a crucial grant from the California Fire Foundation to bolster wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts in the community.

The grant has enabled the department to acquire Mystery Ranch Wildland line packs, replacing outdated equipment with advanced, state-of-the-art gear. These packs enhance firefighter safety and effectiveness, meeting the demands of modern wildfire operations while protecting both the local community and supporting statewide firefighting efforts.

“This funding partnership is critical for equipping our Atascadero Fire & Emergency Services firefighters with the latest, most reliable firefighting gear. This modern equipment enhances firefighter safety while they work on the fire line, protecting our community and supporting statewide efforts during wildfire events.,” said Battalion Chief Dave Van Son”We are so very thankful to the California Fire Foundation for this invaluable grant.  It will be hugely beneficial to our community.”

“The need to address wildfire prevention and preparedness is an integral part of living in California,” said Rick Martinez, Executive Director, California Fire Foundation. “These grants support important projects focusing on keeping Californians, our state’s communities, and our first responders safe.”   

Since 2018, California Fire Foundation grants have served communities at heightened wildfire risk, directly addressing the state’s toughest disaster-risk needs. For more information on California Fire Foundation grantsvisit cafirefoundation.org/grants.