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February 2024
CAL FIRE Recognizes Ingenuity, Innovation, and Creativity

The annual CAL FIRE Manager’s meeting included a celebration of the superior performances of individuals and programs who demonstrate ingenuity, innovation, and creativity beyond normal job expectations over the past year.  

Staff from across the state were recognized for their fantastic accomplishments and contributions to the CAL FIRE mission – from the team involved with setting up CAL FIRE’s new northern region training facility in Redding, to Office of the State Fire Marshal staff who developed the new online statewide burn permit system, to CAL FIRE peer support personnel who continue to support CAL FIRE’s men and women serving and safeguarding the people and resources of California. A big congratulations to all of this year’s winners. 
Inspired to Serve: A Prado Helitack Crewmember Explains

In this latest episode of CAL FIRE All Access, see how a life-changing encounter with paramedics inspired Olivia Lozano Fuentes to choose a career in firefighting. 
Caring for Trees and Shrubs this Winter: Resources from the Urban and Community Forestry Program 

In the Golden State, where winter frost can sneak into unexpected corners, even those accustomed to milder climates find their trees and shrubs under threat. Recent weather trends have extended the icy reach beyond the usual mountainous areas, bringing record or near-record low temperatures to the typically temperate Central Valley and coastal areas. 

To ensure the robust health of your woody plants, it's important to fortify them against the chilling grip of winter. In the spirit of the CAL FIRE Urban and Community Forestry Program’s mission to create and sustain urban trees across the state, this guide provides simple and effective steps to safeguard your shrubs during the winter months.
Enhancing Habitat & Bolstering Flood Capacity: CAL FIRE Wildfire Prevention Grants Have Multiple Benefits

The latest edition of the CAL FIRE Grants at Work series highlights a Glenn County wildfire prevention project along the Sacramento River.

This project has benefits that go beyond wildfire prevention and resilience. Glenn County Resource Conservation District partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help to reduce the threat of wildfire in this area while also helping enhance this area’s important natural habitats and bolstering flood capacity. Learn more in the video above.
Protecting the Environment & Ensuring Public Safety: Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)

Just what is a Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)? CUPA was established as the unified hazardous materials and hazardous waste regulatory program for the state. The local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) is required to consolidate, coordinate, and make consistent the administrative requirements, permits, fee structures, and inspection and enforcement activities for six program elements within its jurisdiction.

OSFM is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the California Fire Code Hazardous Materials Management Plan/Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMMP/HMIS) and the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act (APSA) program elements.

These programs, as well as the other four overseen by other state agencies, help to keep Californians and our environment safe from hazardous materials. 
The Scoop section
Introducing the C-130H: Get to Know the Latest Edition to the CAL FIRE Aviation Fleet

Seven C-130H airtankers are set to join CAL FIRE’s aerial firefighting mission. The former military aircraft are currently based at CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program headquarters at McClellan Airfield in Sacramento where they have undergone a substantial retrofit including the replacement of inner and outer wing boxes. 

“We’ve taken the handoff from our military partners, who have maintained the airworthiness of these planes thus far,” says CAL FIRE Aviation Management Chief Martin Buno. “Now, it’s been agreed upon that CAL FIRE will complete the final phase of the conversion in-house and put the C-130H airtankers into service.”
How We Are Getting the C-130H Ready to Fight Fire

The transition from military planes to fire ready airtankers also included a new paint job into the CAL FIRE red and white scheme. Next up for the C-130H fleet is the installation of the fire retardant delivery system, which CAL FIRE’s Aviation Program will complete at its McClellan facilities.
A World-Renowned Aviation Program
CAL FIRE’s world-renowned aviation program responds to thousands of wildlands fires throughout California each year. The aircraft can reach the most remote State Responsibility Area (SRA) fires in approximately 20 minutes, with the goal of keeping 95% of fires at 10 acres or less. View more images of the new C-130H plane by clicking here.
Five Points with the Chief: CAL FIRE's Aerial Firefighting Legacy & Future

This episode takes a deep dive into CAL FIRE's globally acclaimed aviation program. With the largest civil fleet of aerial firefighting equipment on the planet, this program has been a beacon of hope in times of wildfire crises.

CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler and Deputy Director Jake Sjolund reveal how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of aerial firefighting. From training simulators to a well-established drone program, we'll uncover how innovation is making our skies safer and our firefighting efforts more effective.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure

Napa Station 25 crews continue fuel reduction efforts in the Silverado Highlands community. This project protects critical infrastructure that supplies drinking and suppression water for Napa residents.
Forging Heroes Through Workforce Development

The Forestry & Fire Recruitment Program is a California-based nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated individuals train to become wildland firefighters.
CAL FIRE Arson News

The man accused of starting the 2013 Silver Fire, which burned more than 20,000 acres and injured multiple people, has been sentenced.
What Motivates CAL FIRE?

Nicole Gissell discusses why it's important that the people that she works with know that somebody cares.
In 2023, CAL FIRE continued its unwavering commitment to safeguarding California's landscapes, communities, and residents from the devastating impact of wildfires and other emergencies.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns and increasingly complex fire behavior, CAL FIRE remained at the forefront of wildfire prevention, detection, and response through innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge technologies.
Join us. We’re hiring. 

Whether you’re exploring new possibilities, just starting out, or already a seasoned pro, we likely have a fit for you. Visit our careers page and then watch what it means to be part of the CAL FIRE community.

CAL FIRE is recruiting to fill approximately 150 temporary Forestry Aide (Defensible Space Inspector) positions statewide.  

If you’re interested in performing defensible space inspections, as well as interacting and educating the public in fire prevention, #IgniteYourPassion and apply now!  

The next application cut-off is on March 31, 2024! Click the link below to learn more.  

Join our email list by signing up here and checking "Monthly CAL FIRE Community e-news"