California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE)

Overview

CALFIRE is a state agency tasked with fire protection, fire prevention, and natural resource stewardship for more than 31 million acres of Californias forest, rangeland, and wildlandurban interface. The agency operates both as a firesuppression force and a landmanagement agency, employing over 7,000 professional firefighters and thousands of seasonal crews.

History

Founded in 1885 as the California Board of Forestry, the agencys mission evolved as Californias population grew and wildlandurban development expanded. In 1998 the department officially adopted the name California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to better reflect its dual focus on forestry stewardship and fire protection. Throughout its history CALFIRE has responded to landmark events such as the 1933 Big Burn, the 1994 Northridge earthquake (providing emergency support), and the recent megafires of 20172021.

Mission, Vision & Values

Mission

To protect life, property, and natural resources from the destructive effects of wildfire while preserving the health of Californias forests, rangelands, and ecosystems.

Vision

A resilient California where communities and ecosystems coexist safely with fire.

Core Values

• Integrity doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
• Professionalism continuous training and adherence to best practices.
• Teamwork collaborating across agencies, jurisdictions, and communities.
• Innovation adopting new technologies and sciencebased approaches.
• Stewardship safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

Organizational Structure

CALFIRE is organized into four primary divisions:

• Fire & Prevention Division oversees fire suppression, incident command, and public education.
• Resource Management Division handles forest health, fuels reduction, and land acquisition.
• Emergency Services Division coordinates disaster response, evacuation support, and emergency communications.
• Support Services Division provides finance, human resources, training, and technology support.

The agency is led by the Director, appointed by the Governor, who reports to the California Natural Resources Agency.

Key Services

Fire Suppression

CALFIRE operates over 70 fire stations, 19 specialized units (airattack, helitack, and mobile command), and a fleet of more than 1,000 fire engines. The agency follows an Incident Command System (ICS) that integrates local, state, and federal resources during largescale emergencies.

Fire Prevention & Education

Programs such as Firewise Communities, Ready, Set, Go! and the Fire Prevention Week campaign teach homeowners how to create defensible space, use firesafe building materials, and develop evacuation plans.

Emergency Services

Beyond wildfire, CALFIRE provides assistance during floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) coordinates with FEMA, local emergency management agencies, and the California Office of Emergency Services.

Land Management & Restoration

Through the State Forest Management Program, CALFIRE conducts thinning, prescribed burns, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration to reduce fuel loads and improve ecosystem health.

Notable Fires in Recent History

• Camp Fire (2018) The deadliest and most destructive wildfire in Californias history, prompting statewide reforms in utility safety and evacuation planning.
• Thomas Fire (2017) Burned over 280,000 acres, highlighting the importance of coordinated aerial resources.
• Kincade Fire (2019) Demonstrated the challenges of protecting rural communities with limited road access.
• August Complex (20202021) The largest recorded wildfire complex in the state, driving advances in longduration incident management.

Each event has informed CALFIREs strategies for risk assessment, community outreach, and interagency cooperation.

Community Programs & Partnerships

CALFIRE collaborates with local fire departments, nonprofits, and private landowners to expand firesafe practices.

• Firewise USA Grants and technical assistance for neighborhoods that adopt fireresistant landscaping and building codes.
• Community Assistance Grants Funding for firesafe infrastructure such as water tanks and fire breaks.
• Volunteer Firefighter Program Provides training, equipment, and insurance for volunteers serving remote areas.
• Youth Education Fire Rangers and Junior Firefighter clubs introduce fire safety concepts to students.

How to Get Involved

Residents can support CALFIRE in several ways:

1. Create and maintain a defensible space of at least 100feet around your home.
2. Attend local Firewise workshops or community meetings.
3. Volunteer with a local fire department or join a citizen firewatch program.
4. Donate to the CALFIRE Foundation, which funds equipment, training, and outreach.
5. Stay informed through the agencys official website and socialmedia channels.

Volunteer Opportunities

Resources & Further Reading

• CALFIRE Official Site News, fire maps, and public alerts.
• Current Incidents Live incident status and evacuation notices.
• U.S. Forest Service Fire Management Federal perspective on wildland fire.
• Ready.gov Emergency Preparedness Guidelines for personal and family readiness.
• FEMA Disaster Assistance Information on postfire recovery assistance.