Silverado Fire In Orange Country, California Forces Evacuations
CHINO HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 27: A firefighter protects a home from getting too hot as a backfire is set to protect homes and try to contain the Blue Ridge Fire on October 27, 2020 in Chino Hills, California. Strong Santa Ana Winds gusting to more than 90 miles per hour have driven the Blue Ridge Fire and Silverado Fire across thousands of acres, grounding firefighting aircraft, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee and gravely injuring two firefighters. More than 8,200 wildfires have burned across a record 4 million-plus acres so far this year, more than double the previous record. Photo by David McNew/Getty Images

To prevent what experts warn as another possible catastrophic year for the state due to the elevation of fire risk and more drought, California Governor Gavin Newsom struck a deal with lawmakers Thursday to free up $536 million, hoisting the wildfire prevention capabilities of the state.

Based on the deal, the budget would provide improved fire prevention measures for all portions of California and would also pay for forest maintenance, defensible space, home hardening for rural residents, and even vegetation management.

According to NBC News, California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, shared a joint statement. They emphasized that California will be facing another extremely dry year. They also added that it will be very critical for the state if it can get a headstart in order to reduce the risk of fires.

Moreover, Atkins pointed out in her tweet that every dollar spent on prevention can save $6-$7 in damage. But she also stated that prevention is just more than money, as it is about saving lives, homes, and livelihood.

Besides, last month, the California governor authorized emergency funds of not less than $80 million in hiring additional firefighters with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The emergency funds with authorization from Newsom focuses on bolstering fuel management and wildfire response efforts. According to the governor's office, Newsom also has a budget proposal of $1 billion to support wildfire and forest management.

Climate Change

Meanwhile, Wade Crowfoot, the California Natural Resources Secretary, spoke to reporters on Thursday as he applauded the efforts of the state in terms of firefighting. He also mentioned that more needs to be done as climate change continues to threaten the environment.

Also, Crowfoot noted that science is clear as warm winter and summer temperatures create more dangerous and challenging wildfire conditions. He also added that people should be more proactive in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire.

The California Natural Resources Secretary also stated that he is expecting another summer just like last year. Crowfoot said that officials cannot sugarcoat the fact that summer will be challenging as they are just getting out of their second consecutive dry winter, Los Angeles Times reported.

Furthermore, last year's catastrophic fire season prompted state officials to increase wildfire prevention measures. Last year, wildfires charred not less than 4 million acres around California, along with hundreds of structures, and blanketed much of the state in heavy, dense smoke for numerous weeks.

On the other hand, the National Weather Service warned the state that 92% of its areas are experiencing drought conditions. Southern California will be highly affected by the drought conditions as the portion only received below-average rain through the winter months.

Even the National Integrated Drought Information System is concerned with the ongoing warm and dry weather as it has led to the accelerated snowmelt in most parts of the West. As of the moment, more than 99 percent of the state is abnormally dry or included in the drought category, which is alarming as temperatures can still soar in triple digits just like last year, The Mercury News reported.

WATCH: Gov. Newsom unveils plan to prevent future wildfires FROM-KRON 4