California is making progress on fire prevention. Federal retreat, shaky funding put it at risk

California is hitting the mark on its goal to lower wildfire risks each year, but the state's progress is under threat as federal support wanes and state funding becomes increasingly uncertain. With wildfires becoming more frequent and devastating, maintaining this momentum is critical to protect communities and natural resources. The state's ability to sustain its efforts could set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar challenges, highlighting the importance of stable, robust funding and federal-state cooperation.