Fire Protection
Our dedicated emergency response forces are rising to meet the challenge of a hotter and drier California.
We Are CAL FIRE
Watch CAL FIRE crews in action protecting people, property, and natural resources when it matters most.
Fighting California’s Toughest Fires
California has experienced some of the worst wildfires in recent history, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of property. Some of the most notable include the Camp Fire in 2018, which destroyed the town of Paradise and had a significant impact on the local population, and the North Bay Fires in 2017, which had severe consequences and destroyed over 8,000 structures.
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.
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.
![A CAL FIRE fixed wing aircraft sits on a tarmac](https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/calfire-website/images/aviation-program.png?rev=28a95bc118394581a6c8249f773fe5a9)
![Two CAL FIRE Semi truck carrying bull dozers](https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/calfire-website/images/mobile-equipment.jpg?rev=27076c72b2714ad4aa7f241e33cc5ee1)
![Fire fighters train on ladders at the training center](https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/calfire-website/images/training-tower.jpg?rev=3374d0e0618d48beadffa940b0778300)
![A CAL FIRE law enforcement officer leans into his vehicle](https://34c031f8-c9fd-4018-8c5a-4159cdff6b0d-cdn-endpoint.azureedge.net/-/media/osfm-website/osfm-images/images---natural-resouces/le-resize.png?rev=0b6d84c6f8414d10b015136a9cbaa6d0)