Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire proposed Tuesday that state firefighters work year-round in place of the seasonal workforce the agency currently staffs for nine months each year. The increased duty for about 3,

State legislators are calling to extend Cal Fire's staffing to a year-round system, switching some roles from nine-month positions.

Experts say wildfires in California are becoming closer and closer to a year-round threat and as the fire season lengthens, the help needs to expand as well.

Senate leadership said it would cost about $175 million a year to boost staffing levels to respond to increased fire risk.