Wildfires are an increasing threat in El Dorado, Placer, and Nevada Counties, impacting public safety, air quality, and our region’s natural environment.

Longer fire seasons and drier conditions have made it clear that a more proactive, coordinated approach is needed to protect communities and forests.

Dr. Bera understands that this challenge requires proactive leadership focused on wildfire prevention, long-term resilience, and ensuring every community has the resources needed to prepare for, withstand, and recover from wildfire risks.

Proactive Forest Management

Investing in science-based forest management is critical to restoring fuel loads and healthy ecosystems. This includes expanding responsible thinning, prescribed burns, and vegetation management projects while ensuring they are carried out safely and in coordination with local agencies and tribal partners.

Dr. Bera strongly opposes recent cuts by the Trump administration to the United States Forest Service, which undermine critical wildfire prevention and forest management efforts. He is committed to reversing these harmful cuts and will continue fighting for the federal resources and staffing necessary to protect Lake Tahoe’s forests and surrounding communities.

Community Protection & Preparedness

Wildfire mitigation starts at the community level. Dr. Bera supports increasing federal funding for defensible space programs, home hardening, and emergency preparedness initiatives to protect residents and businesses. Strengthening evacuation planning and investing in modern alert systems will help ensure no community is left unprepared.

Supporting Firefighters & First Responders

Firefighters are on the frontlines of the wildfire crisis. Dr. Bera believes they must have the resources and training they deserve. This includes investing in year-round staffing, mental health support, and modern equipment to improve response efforts.

Dr. Bera was proud to introduce and pass the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act (HERO Act) several times through the House of Representatives. This landmark legislation significantly expands access to critical mental health services for first responders, helping address the long-term psychological toll of emergency response work and ensuring firefighters receive the care and support they need both on and off the frontlines. He remains committed to getting this passed through the Senate and signed into law.

Confronting the Home Insurance Crisis

Too many families in high-risk areas are no longer being offered home insurance at all. For homeowners, that’s not just a financial challenge — it’s the fear of losing the place they’ve built their lives. No family should be forced out of their home or priced out of their community because coverage disappears.

Dr. Bera believes we need to bring together insurers, homeowners, and policymakers to confront this crisis head-on and pursue practical solutions that keep coverage available and allow families to stay in the communities they call home.