In a move that can only be described as desperately necessary, Governor Gavin Newsom has invoked a state of emergency, not because of some climate conference but because California is literally on fire, again. Following recent wildfires that wreaked havoc in Los Angeles, the governor is fast-tracking critical forest management projects to insulate communities from the fiery apocalypse looming ahead.

Yes, you heard that right. Apparently, turning down the heat isn’t an option, so the plan is to cut through the bureaucratic nonsense, goodbye, CEQA! When every minute counts, who has time to color inside the lines?

As if we need more reminders that this year has already seen some of the most destructive wildfires in history, Newsom is all about building a firewall (figuratively, not literally, please) around our vulnerable communities. This proclamation aims to streamline immediate action on forest management, which essentially translates to a whole bunch of tree-hugging scientists speeding up their crucial work.

California’s fire season is increasingly resembling a blockbuster movie, one with a terrifyingly predictable plot. To navigate this treacherous terrain, Newsom’s latest executive order employs various nifty strategies: running roughshod over environmental regulations when necessary, inviting non-state entities to the party for rapid fuel reduction, and directing state agencies to hustle on prescribed burns. Seriously, it’s like wildfire management has turned into a high-stakes race against time.

This isn’t the first time Newsom has declared an emergency over wildfires; he did the same back in March 2019. The good news? He’s reportedly learned a thing or two since then, using that vast state budget to funnel $2.5 billion into enhancing the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. With every dollar spent, 100% of the key actions to fend off wildfires are either underway or completed. Talk about setting lofty goals!

As California wades through another fiery summer, it’s clear that the state isn’t going down without a fight. More prescribed burns are on the horizon, community resilience plans are active, and the state just unveiled new dashboards to track wildfire prevention progress, making sure you’re in the know about how close your neighborhood is to going up in flames.

Good luck, California, may your grass be green, your trees be mighty, and your fire seasons be mild. Because summer is coming, and it’s not just for Game of Thrones anymore.