August 2026

August offers a chance to spotlight the important work happening across California.

This month, we’re highlighting key initiatives, upcoming campaigns, major events, and new resources that support our shared mission of protecting people, property, and natural resources through education, innovation, and strong partnerships.

California Hosts the 2026 National Association of State Fire Marshal Symposium

Earlier this month, the Office of the State Fire Marshal hosted the annual National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) Symposium in Orange County. The event included the NASFM Symposium as well as the California Wildland Urban Interface Symposium, Carbon Monoxide Awareness Annual Symposium and second Battery Energy Storage Systems Symposium. State fire marshals and fire prevention specialists from around the U.S. attended the event marking the largest NASFM Symposium to date and the first edition in California.

Large Event Safety with Fire and Life Safety at X Games

Earlier this summer the Fire and Life Safety team were on hand conducting inspections at the X Games in Sacramento. The Fire and Life Safety Division conducts inspections of special events to ensure compliance with applicable fire and life safety requirements. For the 2026 X Games at Cal Expo, inspectors evaluated occupant safety, emergency access and egress, fire protection systems, temporary structures and other potential hazards in coordination with event organizers and local fire service partners.

Employee Spotlight: Deputy State Fire Marshal Meg Edlund

Deputy State Fire Marshal Meg Edlund helps protect people in state-owned and occupied buildings by inspecting fire alarms, sprinkler systems, extinguishers, exits, and other life safety features. Her work also includes construction projects, fairgrounds, concerts, sporting events, and other large gatherings. These inspections help ensure fire protection systems are fully operational, keeping occupants and responding firefighters as safe as possible.

Fire Prevention Week is Nearly Here

Fire Prevention Week 2026 kicks off October 4th through 10th this year with the theme of 'Charge into Safety'. Focused on lithium ion charging safety, the Office of the State Fire Marshal will release a toolkit packed with useful content and materials for you to use and distribute with your network. Stay tuned for the next issue of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Newsletter to learn more.

FIRESCOPE Strengthens Behavioral Health Support with New Incident Command Standards

FIRESCOPE has approved ICS 180 and a new California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) Position Task Book for behavioral health roles, including Peer Supporter, Peer Lead, Clinician, Chaplain and K9. These standards establish consistent training, expectations and evaluation criteria, strengthening the integration of behavioral health professionals into incident command and enhancing responder wellness, readiness and resilience during emergency incidents.

Pipeline Safety CO2 Pipeline Emergency Regulation

California is preparing for the future of CO₂ pipeline infrastructure — and community safety is at the center of that work. CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal has developed new regulations to ensure CO₂ pipelines are designed, built, and operated with strong protections for people and the environment. These efforts reflect lessons learned from past incidents and the anticipated growth of CO₂ transport as part of statewide climate initiatives. Our priority is clear: safeguard communities, support emergency responders, and protect California’s environment.

Renewal Reminder: Licensing Season is Here!

It’s time to renew your Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems, Portable Fire Extinguisher Business & Technician, and Limited Applicator – Christmas Tree Flocking licenses!

Renewal Windows:

• Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems: September 1 - November 1
• Portable Fire Extinguisher Concern (Business) & Certificate of Registration (Technician): September 1 - November 1
• Limited Applicator - Christmas Tree Flocking: September 15 - October 31

Need Application Help?

• AES Licenses: aes@fire.ca.gov
• Fire Extinguisher Business/Technician: fe@fire.ca.gov
• Christmas Tree Flocking: fr@fire.ca.gov

Topics to Focus on in August - October

Over the next few months several important safety topics and observances take place. Check out the links below to learn more and to view educational materials and content relevant to each topic