October 2025

The October 2025 CAL FIRE – OSFM Newsletter highlights innovation, education, and safety initiatives as California enters fall. This edition covers Fire Prevention Week, honoring lessons from the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, and shares Halloween fire safety tips. It also announces an October 20 NERIS webinar and reminds license holders of renewal deadlines. CAL FIRE – OSFM remains committed to preparedness and community engagement statewide.

WATCH: Say Hello to One of CAL FIRE's Four-Legged Officers, K-9 Flash!

Flash works side-by-side with his handler, Arson Investigator Nick Schroeder, sniffing out explosives and firearms to help keep California communities safe. From clearing stadiums and parade routes in record time, to finding tiny fragments in tall grass, Flash’s nose does it all.

Modernized for the Mission: CAL FIRE’s BHCA Curriculum Reflects Cutting-Edge Research

CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal’s State Fire Training (SFT) program has updated the Behavioral Health and Cancer Awareness (BHCA) curriculum to align with the latest research, national trends, and recent updates to the NFPA standards—ensuring that California’s fire service stays at the forefront of responder health and safety.

The 2025 curriculum includes two updated course levels:

• An awareness-level course for firefighters and crew members
• An operations-level course for company officers and leaders at all organizational levels

These updates support a proactive approach to behavioral health and occupational cancer risks, addressing the evolving needs of today’s fire service.

The 2025 BHCA curriculum will be available January 1, 2026. At that time, the 2020 version will be retired and removed from the SFT course catalog.

The Great Chicago Fire, Building Codes, and the Creation of Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week (FPW) has been observed during the week of October 6 since its inception in 1922. But why this week? The date commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused widespread devastation. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless (approximately a third of the population of the city at the time), destroyed more than 17,500 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. The historic blaze also proved to be the turning point in the development of safe building codes and fire standards across the U.S. This also played a part on the creation of the California Office of the State Fire Marshal in 1923. 

Fall Wildfire Danger: Why Cooler Weather Doesn’t Mean Fire Season Is Over

As fall arrives, wildfire danger in California remains high due to dry vegetation, low humidity, and powerful Santa Ana and Diablo winds. Twelve of the state’s most destructive wildfires occurred in autumn, underscoring the risk. CAL FIRE urges residents to stay vigilant by creating defensible space: clear debris, thin shrubs, space tree canopies, remove low branches, and maintain a 5-foot non-combustible zone. Fire season doesn’t end with cooler weather—stay prepared.

Keep Halloween Fun - and Fire Free

When picking costumes and decorations, keep fire safety in mind. Choose flame-resistant fabrics, avoid long, trailing materials, and stay clear of open flames, such as candles or jack-o'-lanterns; use battery-operated lights instead. A little planning keeps Halloween spooky — not smoky.

CAL FIRE’s Defensible Space Inspections Empower Residents to Protect Homes and Communities from Wildfire

Defensible space inspections and home-hardening measures give residents the tools to reduce risk, slow the spread of flames, and keep communities safer.

Statewide, CAL FIRE’s Defensible Space Inspectors put these practices into action by working directly with residents to prepare their properties ahead of wildfire activity. Watch how these inspections are making a real difference in Tulare County.

Renewal Reminder: Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems Licenses Due

Renewal reminder! September 1st through November 1st is the time to renew Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems licenses!

Head over to: calfire.govmotus.org to renew today! For application help, email aes@fire.ca.gov.

Renewal Reminder: Fire Extinguisher Business and Technician Licenses Due September 1–November 1!



Renewal Reminder! September 1st Through November 1st is the Time to Renew Portable Fire Extinguisher Concern (Business) and Certificate of Registration (Technician) License!

Head over to: calfire.govmotus.org to renew today! For application help, email fe@fire.ca.gov.

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