CA Wildfire Prevention Money Sits Untouched

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — As California battles a prolonged drought and massive blazes, a wildfire prevention account still has tens of millions in unspent cash.

The money was generated by a controversial four-year-old fee, supported by Governor Jerry Brown, and legislative democrats.

More than 800,000 property owners pay the fee, which is around $117, and is supposed to go toward wildfire prevention efforts in about a third of California.

However, the state says they’re being cautious about spending money, and want to maintain a prudent reserve for unforeseen circumstances.