Burning through money in California

An editorial in the Santa Cruz Sentinel: The cost of fighting fires this summer is increasing dramatically -- not the best news for a state grappling with a massive budget deficit. That's why pressure is building to make those who most benefit from state fire protection pay more -- and for the state to set aside more money to fight fires.

…Cal Fire, with its $519 million annual budget, provides fire protection for vast sections of California. The costs are mainly borne by taxpayers -- many of whom also pay to support local fire departments. Schwarzenegger has in the past proposed a property-based "fee" that would pay at least some of these costs.

In addition, the nonpartisan state legislative analyst suggested an alternative fee on property owners in fire-prone areas where the state is responsible for protection. Such fees have been blocked in the past, mainly by Republicans who say the fees constitute a new tax.

Still, since it's likely wildfires will increase in frequency and scope, the state should examine a more equitable system of budgeting for firefighting. It might be politically untenable, but it seems financially unavoidable: The people who benefit the most from essential state fire protection should pay more.

Wildfire in Foothill Ranch/Santiago Canyon, California. October 2007, shot by Erik from Aliso Viejo, USA, Wikimedia Commons via Flickr, under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.