Fire Protection

Our dedicated emergency response forces are rising to meet the challenge of a hotter and drier California.

CAL FIRE firefighters respond to daily emergencies including wildland fires, structure fires, accidents, heart attacks, lost hikers, spills, train wrecks, floods and earthquakes. They protect over 31 million acres of California’s wildlands and provide emergency services in 36 of the state's 58 counties. CAL FIRE’s dedicated and well-trained personnel face and overcome daily challenges.

We Are CAL FIRE

Our firefighters, fire engines and aircraft respond to wildland fires, and answer the thousands of calls for other emergencies each year.

Watch CAL FIRE crews in action protecting people, property, and natural resources when it matters most.

Fighting California’s Toughest Fires

 In 2024, California faced several devastating wildfires that caused widespread destruction and displacement. The Park Fire, igniting in July, burned nearly 430,000 acres and destroyed more than 700 structures across Butte, Shasta, and Tehama counties. The Line, Airport, and Bridge Fires all actively burned during the month of September and ultimately resulted in over 123,000 acres burned. The intensity of these fires, coupled with the increasing frequency of large-scale wildfires, highlights the ongoing wildfire challenges in California and the profound impact on communities, infrastructure, and natural landscapes.

Flames burn towards a lake during the LNU lightning complex

The New Normal

Climate change, drought conditions, and a buildup of dry vegetation have all contributed to the increase in wildfires. In 2020, over 9,000 wildfires burned over 4.2 million acres in California, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life and property. As a result, CAL FIRE and other organizations have implemented various measures to reduce the risk of wildfires, including increased fire prevention efforts, better firefighting technology and resources, and community preparedness initiatives.

Hills on fire during a wildfire

Cooperation is Key

Cooperative efforts between state, federal and local agencies are key in responding to emergencies such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, spills and medical aids in California. CAL FIRE coordinates these efforts through contracts and agreements and may provide dispatch, paramedic, fire and rescue services in cities and towns across the state. As a result, firefighters and fire engines from different agencies may work together at an emergency scene under a unified command.

Learn More About Cooperative Fire

Cal Fire crew in a line watching a wildfire in the distance
A CAL FIRE fixed wing aircraft sits on a tarmac

Aviation Program

Our aviation program is the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world with over 60 fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Based at 14 air tanker bases, 10 CAL FIRE helitack bases and one CAL FIRE/San Diego County Sheriff helitack base, the aircraft, skilled pilots, and aviation support staff respond to thousands of wildfires annually.
Two CAL FIRE Semi truck carrying bull dozers

Mobile Equipment Program

The Mobile Equipment Facility in Davis, California is responsible for the design, acquisition, maintenance, repair, replacement and disposal of all CAL FIRE vehicles and local government equipment when requested. The facility ensures the best emergency response vehicles for CAL FIRE personnel and prioritizes capability, safety and reliability for all equipment.
Fire fighters train on ladders at the training center

Training Center

CAL FIRE operates three state-of-the-art training centers in California for year-round training in fire protection and prevention, emergency response, law enforcement and natural resource systems. CAL FIRE provides training for its workforce and personnel from other fire protection and law enforcement agencies in various subjects including fire control, arson investigation, leadership, aviation, and specialized courses.
A CAL FIRE law enforcement officer leans into his vehicle

Law Enforcement and Civil Cost Recovery

Our Law Enforcement personnel enforce forest and fire laws and conduct investigations into the cause of fires, with a focus on bringing arsonists to justice. They also pursue cases for civil cost recovery from individuals who are responsible for the cause of a fire. CAL FIRE Investigators respond to fires statewide to determine their cause and assist legal teams in preventing future incidents.