September 2024

Welcome to the September edition of the CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Newsletter. 2024 has already proven to be a busy year for the CAL FIRE – OSFM. This month’s edition of our newsletter is packed full of useful information and updates from around our programs.

Why Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are Key to Safety

This year's Fire Prevention Week (October 6 - 12) theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”, so this month we are taking a look at the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. According to the Red Cross, the fatality rate in homes with working smoke alarms is 51% less than the rate for homes without them. During a recent webinar, our Fire Engineering and Investigations Division shared information on safety tips and laws/regulations relating to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

A Look Back at the History of Fire Prevention Week

Since its inception in 1922, Fire Prevention Week (FPW) has been observed during the week of October 6. But why this week? The date commemorates the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871. This year's Fire Prevention Week, beginning on October 6 and ending on October 12, has the goal of educating everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

Celebrating the 900th Firewise Community in California

Recently, CAL FIRE and the City of Dunsmuir celebrated the city becoming the 900th Community Firewise USA® in California! This accomplishment highlights another milestone for California with the most wildfire prepared communities in the nation. The City of Dunsmuir is also the first approved Firewise Community in Siskiyou County. This recognition by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) demonstrates the dedication the community has taken to ensure that wildfire risk is reduced in their city and that residents are taking steps toward making California more resilient to wildfires.

How Fuel Treatments Have Impacted Firefighting

Fuels Treatment Effectiveness Reports showcase how these fuels reduction efforts not only assist firefighters in suppression efforts, but also how fuels treatments protect California's life, property, and natural resources. With an above-average wildfire season so far in 2024, we have several examples of fuels treatment projects that have been impacted, including the Park Fire. Click the link below to see reports from our Community Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation Division and to learn more about how fuels reduction projects play a crucial role in pre-, during, and post-fire operations.

Employee Spotlight: Jena Garcia

September's Employee Spotlight is Deputy State Fire Marshal III Supervisor Jena Garcia at the Code Development and Analysis Division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal's Code Development and Analysis Division carefully evaluates California's fire and life safety regulations for relevance, necessity, conflicts, and duplication. It also formulates the state's fire and life safety regulations and building standards, submitted for approval by the California Building Standards Commission.

Why You Need a Campfire Permit

A campfire permit signifies your commitment to understanding the rules of responsible fire use and preventing wildfires. It’s your way of protecting our state’s natural beauty. Here’s how to avoid those penalties. Without a campfire permit, you risk violating regulations, facing fines, and even criminal charges. Unpermitted fires can lead to devastating wildfires, endangering lives, property, and landscapes. Remember, campfire safety is your responsibility.

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