California Answers the Call

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August 2026

Colombia Meets Columbia: International Firefighters Take Flight with CAL FIRE

CAL FIRE recently welcomed firefighters from Colombia to the Columbia Helitack Base, providing an opportunity to share knowledge, training, and best practices in aerial firefighting. The visit highlighted CAL FIRE’s helicopter operations and the value of international collaboration in strengthening wildfire response. By exchanging experience and expertise, firefighters on both sides gained valuable insight into protecting communities and responding safely and effectively to wildfires.

New School Year, New Green Schoolyards

CAL FIRE is investing in greener, healthier school environments by supporting tree planting and green infrastructure projects at K–12 campuses and childcare facilities. Through forestry expertise and the management of state and federal funding, CAL FIRE helps ensure trees and vegetation are strategically placed to provide long-term benefits, including increased canopy cover, cooler temperatures, improved habitat and stronger outdoor learning spaces for California’s children.

Learn More about CAL FIRE's Urban and Community Forestry Program

See the Results: CAL FIRE’s Fuel Treatment Effectiveness Dashboard

CAL FIRE’s Fuel Treatment Effectiveness Dashboard and reports highlight how completed fuels reduction projects perform when wildfires move through treated areas. By documenting real-world outcomes, these tools help evaluate treatment effectiveness, identify lessons learned, and inform future wildfire resilience efforts. The data provides valuable insight into how strategic vegetation management can support firefighter operations, protect communities, and reduce wildfire impacts across California.

View Effective Fuels Treatments Near You

What is an Incident Management Team?

A CAL FIRE Incident Mangement Team (IMT) is a specialized group of emergency personnel who provide experiences leadership and coordination during complex incidents. The team oversees fire suppression operations, resources, safety, logistics and coordination with local agencies.

See Current Incident Activity Across the State

WATCH: We're Filming When Another Fire Starts

While filming in the field, the CAL FIRE Video Team captured the moment another fire suddenly ignited nearby. The video offers a firsthand look at how quickly conditions can change and why firefighters remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice. It’s a powerful reminder that wildfire can start unexpectedly—and that awareness, preparation and rapid response matter.

Mutual Aid in Action: CAL FIRE Supports Our Neighbors

CAL FIRE is proud to support our out-of-state partners when wildfires and other emergencies stretch local resources. These mutual-aid partnerships strengthen firefighting capacity, improve coordination, and allow agencies to share valuable experience across jurisdictions. Just as neighboring states have answered California’s call during peak fire activity, CAL FIRE remains committed to returning that support and building stronger, more resilient emergency response networks.

Incident Management Teams Washington Activation Images

Hawk Fire Mutual Aid Deployment

Earlier this month several strike teams and aerial resources from California deployed to Nevada to help fight the Hawk Fire neat Reno.

Visit our Website

Fighting Wildfires After Dark

On the latest episode of Airborne Firefighters CAL FIRE aerial firefighters continue nighttime suppression efforts to slow the fire and protect nearby communities.

Watch the latest Episode

Join Us; We're Hiring for a Communications Operator

Utilize your multitasking abilities to help in emergencies as a Communications Operator for CAL FIRE. As a Communications Operator you will dispatch CAL FIRE emergency response equipment and law enforcement units, be the first contact the public has with CAL FIRE emergency responders, gather critical information about an emergency from the public, and help bring calm during an emergency situation, all while creating opportunities for your own career growth.

Join CAL FIRE

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