The rise of drone incursions in firefighting airspace has raised concerns to CAL FIRE and our fire service cooperators. Drones near wildfire could not only jeopardize firefighter lives, but the communities around the flames would be at risk for increased danger as well.

CAL FIRE and the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) have a new agreement in place to enhance initial attack firefighting capabilities. It takes partnerships like this to help protect Lake Tahoe’s residents & visitors, the natural environment and cultural treasures.

As part of this new interstate agreement between California and Nevada, a type 2 standard helicopter with a crew will be prepositioned in the Amador- El Dorado Unit, at the Lake Tahoe Airport, for use when needed during fire season for initial attack wildfires.

The helicopter will be used for water dropping, crew transportation to remote incidents, and has hoist capabilities that can be used for rescues.

Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants support California Native American Tribes in managing their ancestral lands, implementing and promoting Traditional Ecological Knowledge in wildfire resilience, and establishing wildfire safety for tribal communities. This month $19 million in funding for 13 projects was announced.

CAL FIRE has been working to build trust and relationships with tribes across the state for several years. This grant funding helps build upon that work. Recently, CAL FIRE partnered with tribes to help host five cultural fire workshops. These workshops provide an opportunity for cultural fire and prescribed fire practitioners to exchange knowledge and learn from each other.

As California continues wildfire and forest resilience efforts throughout the state, many changes are underway to empower governments at all levels and private landowners to treat more acres in the effort to keep California communities safe and better protected.

Wildfires have swept through California the past several years, leaving millions of acres in need of reforestation. Keeping our forests healthy and wildfire resilient is more important than ever and reforestation efforts are essential. CAL FIRE cone collectors and contracted climbers collect bushels of cones and transport them back to L.A. Moran Reforestation Center in Davis for processing and storage. The seeds collected are stored in the Seed Bank, a 1,000 square foot, zero degree freezer, until requested for a reforestation project.

Have you seen CAL FIRE's new wildfire preparedness campaign? September is National Preparedness Month and provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the many things Americans across the country can do to be prepared for any emergency. In California and for CAL FIRE, that means being ready for wildfire. Our new campaign encourages everyone in the state to be ready by packing a 'Go Bag' and preparing an evacuation plan with your family. Don't forget to plan for your pets too!

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.

Find us on social media or tune into CAL FIRE TV on Youtube to track the latest California fire news each week. We break down what you need to know and stay informed.

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. This month we feature Heavy Equipment Mechanics.