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January 2024
CAL FIRE 2023 Year in Review - A look back at the top stories.
Fire, rain or snow - we were there.

California set rain and snowfall records in 2023, and communities continue to navigate the impacts of these historic storms. As part of our emergency response and all-hazards mission, we’re ready to serve with our many partners when adverse weather hits.

The emergence of flooding and heavy snowfall, diverted emergency personnel and activated three CAL FIRE Incident Management Teams, providing flood assistance, rescues, and snow removal operations in many areas of the state. Additionally, a CAL FIRE Incident Management Team was dispatched out of state to assist with recovery efforts in Hawaii, showcasing the adaptability and solidarity of regional emergency response networks. 

To see what we did, watch a snapshot of the coverage above or read about how we supported rural communities and livestock alike below. Also browse our Flickr page to see the latest images of crews in action.
The 2023 fire year - new challenges and an all-hazard response.

While 2023 may not have seen fire activity like we saw in 2021 and 2020, CAL FIRE still responded to over 584,000 emergencies – more than one every minute. Wildfire continued to be a significant threat with responses to over 7,000 wildfires and over 324,000 acres burned (CAL FIRE and Federal).

The reduction in wildfire activity during 2023 has provided a unique window of opportunity to redirect resources towards bolstering fire prevention and fuels reduction measures. This strategic approach aims to enhance long-term resilience against future fire risks, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in the face of evolving climatic conditions.

Track our incident responses and fuels reduction projects by bookmarking the pages below.
The future of wildfire protection is here. CAL FIRE helped lead the way to earlier detection.

No matter the month, day or year, we strive to innovate at CAL FIRE. This includes finding new opportunities to leverage technology and AI for detecting and responding to wildfires more efficiently.

TIME magazine has named ALERTCalifornia and CAL FIRE’s fire detection AI program one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023.

By utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), CAL FIRE can identify fires that might otherwise have burned unchecked overnight. AI can watch 1,000 cameras across California all at the same time. The program is a partnership with UC San Diego's ALERTCalifornia.
Office of the State Fire Marshal celebrated its centennial anniversary.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has a long and storied history and a legacy of making California a safer place to work, live, and recreate. 100 years ago, OSFM was created when then California Gov. Richardson signed AB 409. It stated that the Fire Marshal should “safeguard life and property and see that all laws and ordinances relating to fires and fire protection are enforced...” OSFM was consolidated with CAL FIRE in 1995/96. Before then, it was one of the smallest independent departments in State Government.

Hear from State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant and his predecessors in the video link below.
Reforestation efforts expanded in 2023 as statewide reforestation pipeline partnership grows.

CAL FIRE is an active partner of the newly created Reforestation Pipeline Partnership, where industry professionals are sharing information and resources in order to meet the challenges of reforesting millions of acres of burnt and degraded forests. Creating a trained workforce in all aspects of the reforestation pipeline was a priority this year.

In June, along with American Forests, CAL FIRE participated in Cone Camps across the state. These Camps helped to foster collaborative efforts between state, local, federal, private, academic, and non-profit stake holders while also expanding California’s cone surveying capacity. Increasing our capacity to survey cone crops means more healthy cones that can be collected, and seeds stored for future reforestation efforts.  
Empowering communities - two new grants spark a sustainable future.

2023 saw the introduction of two new grant programs offered by CAL FIRE.

Schoolyard Greening Grants provided $120 million in funding for campus' in traditionally underserved communities throughout the state to help lessen the impacts of climate change and provide nature-based solutions where California’s next generation often needs it most.  

Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants provided $19 million in total to 13 projects across the state to support California Native American tribes in managing ancestral lands, implementing, and promoting Traditional Ecological Knowledge in wildfire resilience and establishing wildfire safety and workforce development for tribal communities. 
CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler launched a podcast

Tune in to hear from CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler as he discusses what keeps him up at night, his hope for the 12,000 employees under his charge, and what titles he uses in the course of his job. Subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss out on the next episode.

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