October 2025

AI-Powered Cameras Boost Wildfire Detection and Response in Northern Lake Tahoe

UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program added two AI-powered cameras overlooking northern Lake Tahoe to detect smoke or fire in real time. When something unusual is spotted, alerts go to the nearest CAL FIRE center, where staff confirm before dispatching crews. This early detection speeds response time, helping keep 95% of wildfires to 10 acres or less and strengthening California’s wildfire preparedness.

Local Tribe Carries out Wildfire Mitigation and Reforestation Efforts

The La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians in northern San Diego County is advancing wildfire mitigation and reforestation across their ancestral lands. Through forest restoration, strategic fuel break construction, and efforts to address invasive species, their work is ensuring healthier, more resilient landscapes for the future. Check out their video series about the projects, which are supported by CAL FIRE’s Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grant Program. 

Captain Cal Says Battery Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

This Fire Prevention Week, Captain Cal urges you to be fire safe when using and charging devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. Remember to follow all manufacturer directions, keep devices away from anything flammable, and charge devices only until the battery is fully charged.

Can You Spot the Issues in This Graphic?

Did you know lithium-ion batteries power everyday items like phones, laptops, e-bikes, and electric vehicles? While lightweight and rechargeable, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode if used improperly. Understanding safe handling is critical to prevent accidents. Take a close look at this graphic—can you identify the five issues that highlight unsafe practices with lithium-ion batteries?

Make sure to never charge your device on the bed, charge your e-bike inside the home, dispose of batteries in the trash, ignore odors or bulging batteries, or place batteries in plastic bags.

Join Us; We're Hiring Forestry Aides

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and want to make a real impact? Join CAL FIRE as a Forestry Aide and help protect, preserve, and restore our forests! As a Forestry Aide, you’ll assist with wildfire prevention and fuel reduction, support reforestation and conservation efforts, work in the field collecting data and maintaining forest health, while gaining hands-on experience in forestry and land management.

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