California is setting aside millions of dollars to allow Cal Fire to hire 1,400 more firefighters. Governor Gavin Newsom is approving just over $80 million to help bolster fuel management and wildfire response efforts. With much of the state experiencing persistent drought conditions, low reservoir storage and below average snowpack, California is planning for another dry, hot summer. The funding announced Tuesday is part of a state plan to harden homes in wildfire-prone areas, create more defensible space and expand the use of prescribed fire. The Governor’s January 2021 budget proposes one billion dollars to support wildfire and forest management.