Fighting fires in an era of multi-billion dollar budget deficits and cuts can be tricky business. California’s $182 million emergency fund, created for fighting wildfires, was already half-depleted on August 24th and the state’s budget cuts forced the delay of purchase of equipment and the cancellation of a contract for DC-10 water-dropping aircraft. However, state officials claim that no expense will be spared in fighting fires—can the same be said when the next round of Santa Ana-fueled fires hit in the Fall?

Guests:

HD Palmer, deputy director of external affairs for the California Department of Finance

Kevin Nida, president of the California State Firefighters Association & a firefighter with the city of Los Angeles