LOS ANGELES, CA – A majority of Californians believe the state should allocate more funding to firefighting resources, even if it means raising taxes, according to a new poll conducted by Emerson College. The survey found bipartisan agreement on the issue, with both Democrats and Republicans voicing support for greater investment in firefighter staffing and equipment.
The poll revealed that 68% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans favor increased state spending on firefighting efforts. Among self-identified independents, just over half expressed the same view.
“Majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents support increased state spending on firefighter staffing and equipment, reflecting heightened concern amid wildfire threats,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.
Only 35% of respondents said the current level of firefighting funding should remain unchanged, while 3% believed the state should allocate less.
The poll follows a devastating wildfire season in California. In January, wind-driven wildfires swept across Los Angeles County, killing dozens, destroying hundreds of homes, and forcing thousands to evacuate. Climate experts warn that such disasters will become more frequent due to environmental shifts linked to climate change.
Californians appear to share that concern. The poll found that 7 in 10 respondents believe climate change contributed to the recent wildfires, with younger voters and older residents expressing the highest levels of confidence in that link.
“Voters under 40 (75%) and over 70 (73%) are most confident climate change contributed to recent wildfires, though a majority of all age groups agree,” Kimball said.
The poll also asked Californians about President Donald Trump’s decision to override existing water regulations in response to the fires. The executive order directed water from the federal Central Valley Project to be redirected, with the president citing Los Angeles wildfires as a justification. However, much of the released water has been used for agriculture in the Central Valley, with cities such as Sacramento and Fresno receiving a significant share, according to state officials.
Asked whether Trump’s decision to open the Central California dams was beneficial, respondents were nearly evenly split: 52% viewed it as a negative development, while 48% supported the move.
“There is a partisan divide on Trump’s actions in California: 72% of Democrats think the opening of Central California dams was a bad thing for the state, while 83% of Republicans think it was a good thing,” Kimball noted.
The poll also examined confidence in Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s ability to cooperate on wildfire prevention. 43% of respondents believed Trump would not do enough to work with Newsom, while 25% said the governor would not make sufficient efforts to collaborate with the administration.
Both leaders continue to face divided approval ratings in the state. Newsom received 42% approval and 40% disapproval, while Trump’s numbers were lower, with 37% approving of his performance and 53% disapproving.
Beyond wildfire concerns, respondents were asked about other state policies, including immigration enforcement and the California High-Speed Rail project. 56% of voters said they opposed the Trump administration’s increased deportation efforts in California, while 54% supported the high-speed rail project as a good use of state funds.
The poll, conducted earlier this week via text message and landline surveys, also gathered opinions on potential 2026 gubernatorial candidates, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who remains a strong favorite among registered Democrats if she decides to enter the race.
