Honoring Josh Bischof. Tim Rodriguez. Tony Sousa.

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August 2023

Forever honoring the legacies of Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and Pilot Tony Sousa.

Today, and everyday, we honor and remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice to keep California communities safe from wildfires and other emergencies. Please take a moment to join us in remembering the legacies of our colleagues Josh Bischof, Tim Rodriguez, and Tony Sousa who lost their lives during a helicopter incident on August 6, 2023. These three individuals will forever reflect what exemplary and selfless service truly means, and their leadership and impact will endure for future generations as members of the CAL FIRE family.

Public memorial services for Assistant Chief Bischof and Fire Captain Rodriguez can also be viewed by accessing the links below:

-Honoring Assistant Chief Josh Bischof

-Honoring Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez

More Trees. Less Asphalt. Thanks to CAL FIRE green schoolyard grant funding.

A second round of funding providing California schools shade and nature to help beat extreme heat was announced earlier this month. In total, nearly $120 million in historic funding was awarded to schools across the state, including in many traditionally underserved areas where it's been needed most.

Continuing the charge during peak fire season. Bookmark fire.ca.gov.

The numbers tell a significant story. 371,327 total emergency response calls in 2023, including search and rescue missions, medical emergencies, and staffing for floods, snow and tropical storms, among others. For wildfire, a total of 4,936 fires have burned 222,863 acres so far this fire year.

And peak fire season is far from over. To help you keep track of what's happening, we provide all the information you need to stay current at our new and improved website. Save our page and then know how you can be ready at ReadyforWildfire.org or learn what to do if you find yourself trapped by a wildfire.

Stay Current

Wildfire preparedness reaches another milestone: California’s 700^th Firewise Community named.

California is leading the way for the number of communities prepared for wildfire. These recognitions by the National Fire Protection Association highlight a range of steps that a community has taken to ensure that wildfire risk is reduced in their area, and that community members are prepared.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. AND OTHER LINKS.

CAL FIRE and California National Guard joined forces for the Joint Task Force Rattlesnake.
California deploys AI to detect wildfires before they start spreading.
Read the August edition of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest e-newsletter.
CAL FIRE and BLM formalize a Good Neighbor Agreement for CAL FIRE to complete work on federal land. Read how it aims to increase the pace and scale of landscape management in California.
California honors CAL FIRE firefighters who died in rare helicopter collision.
Paralyzed firefighter continues his service by becoming a dispatcher.
CAL FIRE and researchers see the proven benefits of controlled burning.
Forest fuel mapping and drones represent the next wave of firefighting.
CAL FIRE and the Giant Sequoia: reforesting and reviving nature's grandeur.
California and CAL FIRE boosts firefighting capabilities with seven new aircraft from the U.S. Coast Guard.
In California, here's how goats help prevent wildfires.
Northstate counties to receive millions for community protection projects.

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.

Click here to watch

Visit our website | View Active Incidents | CAL FIRE on Flikr

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