CAL FIRE
CAL FIRE, or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, is the state agency responsible for fire prevention and emergency services in California. Its duties include protecting over 31 million acres of privately-owned wildlands, providing emergency services in 36 counties, and responding to a wide range of incidents like wildland fires, structure fires, traffic accidents, and medical emergencies.
CAL FIRE also has a law enforcement and civil cost recovery arm, an aviation program with air tankers and helicopters, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to enforce California building codes. California State Fire Training (SFT), a division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, is the cornerstone of the state’s professional development for fire and emergency service personnel.
Key functions
Wildland fire protection: Protects California’s forests and wildlands from fire through prevention, education, law enforcement, and direct response.
Emergency services: Provides fire protection and emergency medical services through contracts with local governments and operates fire stations.
All hazard response: Responds to a wide range of emergencies, including structural fires, automobile accidents, earthquakes, floods, and hazardous material spills.
Natural resource management: Works to improve forest health through vegetation management and fuel reduction projects.
Fire prevention: Focuses on preventing fires through wildland pre-fire engineering, vegetation management, education, and law enforcement.
Aviation: Operates an aviation program with a fleet of air tankers, helicopters, and uncrewed aerial systems for both wildland and other emergencies.
Training and education: Operates the Office of the State Fire Marshal and trains firefighters to high standards.
Read more about public safety licensing and certifications in California.
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