California continues to set rain and snowfall records this year, and communities continue to navigate the impacts of these historic storms. As part of our emergency response and all-hazards mission, we’re ready to serve with our many partners when adverse weather hits. To show you how, watch a snapshot of the coverage above or read about how we supported rural communities and livestock alike below. Also browse our Flickr page to see the latest images of crews in action.

This month, Arbor Week 2023 kicked off with events throughout the state. We celebrated with a group of partners in Oakland to highlight the critical role that trees play for livability, climate resiliency, and ensuring that nature is accessible for the next generation. We also kicked off an open application period for more than $100 million in grant funding for providing shade and nature to California schools and communities. Called Green Schoolyard Grants, this program aims to reduce the impacts of a changing climate in areas that need it most. Applications are open until April 28, 2023.

Nearly 60 public hearings. Dozens of workshops, briefings, committee meetings and forums. Packaging your feedback and comments to inform the process. Brainstorming and data vetting with a range of academic and community partners. A lot has happened since we first launched the public comment period for the Fire Hazard Severity Zone process in mid-December, 2022. But our goal remains the same: to create a planning tool that helps keep communities safe while updating a pre-existing and outdated map from 2007.

After extending the comment period in February to provide more time for those wishing to learn more, we want to hear from you as we continue to share more about how these maps were created and validated, and the many ways that you can stay informed and join the conversation.

The innovative Lake Tahoe Community College’s Forestry Education and Job Placement Program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue an advanced degree or earn entry-level forestry roles. Through our workforce and business development grants, we are proud to have provided funding to support California’s next generation of foresters while boosting workforce capacity throughout the state.

The program’s diverse student body--reflecting a range of ethnicities, income levels, lived experiences, and access to secondary education--exemplifies how partnerships and community commitment come together to support natural resource careers while bringing new perspectives to the conversation.

You might have seen Katherine and Jamie (above) on your drive to work or while running errands. If you haven't yet, their message is clear: we all have a role in making California more wildfire resilient and in wildfire preparedness and prevention. Whether that be increasing defensible space best practices where you live, sharing more about the benefits of prescribed fire with your neighbors, supporting your neighbors as they conduct forest health projects, recreating responsibly, or many other ways, we invite you to join this historic effort.

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

CAL FIRE and the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection are working with community members to develop a new zero-to-five foot defensible space zone for properties to help increase wildfire resilience and community safety throughout the state. To do this, the Board is asking California residents and business owners to help inform this process by sharing feedback and potential cost estimates for making these new science-driven standards happen. Please take the short survey (no more than 10 minutes) below and share your experience by April 5.

This month we feature an opportunity to become a CAL FIRE Arson and Bomb Investigator. 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.