May 2026

OSFM Receives Recognition

We are truly honored that our Office was named “Fire Official of the Year” by the California Building Officials (CALBO).

This recognition highlights the dedication of the incredible people who make up CAL FIRE - OSFM and the work they do every day to prevent fires, protect life safety, and ensure a more resilient California.

Fire prevention and building safety are a team effort, and we are grateful for our deputy state fire marshals, battalion chiefs, arson and bomb investigators, pipeline safety engineers, architects, analysts, and the many other professionals who make up the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

We are proud of the work we’re doing together—and there’s still more ahead. Thank you for the support CALBO.

Building Safety Month: Strengthening California Homes and Communities All May Long

We are proud to support the International Code Council’s Building Safety Month throughout May. We look forward to sharing more building safety tips each week as we continue promoting safer homes and stronger communities. The 2026 campaign theme is “Built to Last” and includes these special weekly themes.

• Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10) focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home
• Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17) spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe
• Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24) encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property
• Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31) showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design

The Statewide Home Hardening and Defensible Space Campaign Has Begun



California is strengthening communities from the ground up. The Statewide Home Hardening and Defensible Space Campaign helps residents protect their homes from wildfire by promoting simple, proven upgrades and smart landscaping. From ember-resistant vents to cleared perimeters, these actions can dramatically reduce risk—saving homes, lives, and neighborhoods while building a more resilient future for all Californians.

CAL FIRE Presents: Inside the OSFM's Office

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and Frank Bigelow, CAL FIRE’s Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation.

Together, they dive into the critical work happening across California to build wildfire-resilient communities and strengthen mitigation efforts statewide.

Community Risk Reduction – Where to Focus Education for June

Community risk reduction is a proactive, collaborative approach to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure. The OSFM works with local agencies and stakeholders to advance defensible space, home hardening, and public education—helping communities reduce fire risk, strengthen preparedness, and enhance resilience statewide.

Key additional topics to focus on for messaging in June:

• National Safety Month
• National Trailer Safety Week (June 1-7)
• National Ride to Work Day (June 9)

See the annual safety observance calendar from the National Calendar at: https://www.nsc.org/events/safety-observance-calendar

Milestone in Wildfire Resilience: California Marks 1,500 Firewise Communities

California marked a major wildfire preparedness milestone with the designation of its 1,500th Firewise USA® community, reinforcing the state’s growing commitment to wildfire resilience. Through partnerships with CAL FIRE and the National Fire Protection Association, Firewise communities are taking action to reduce risk through defensible space, home hardening, fuel reduction, and community-driven preparedness efforts that help protect lives, property, and neighborhoods across California.