September 2024

CAL FIRE’S First C-130 Hercules Airtanker Operational and Ready for Response 

CAL FIRE is thrilled to announce the successful conversion and operational readiness of the first of seven C-130 Hercules (C-130H) airtankers. The aircraft has been significantly modified to include the installation of a 4,000- gallon tank and a specialized retardant system. This investment is a commitment to safeguard communities and enhancing our firefighting efforts.

Fuels Treatment Effectiveness on the Park Fire

In the first 48 hours of the fourth-largest wildfire in the state’s history, one fuels reduction project helped to buy the residents of Cohasset time to evacuate. The Cave Prescribed Fire Project is part of a network of fuels reduction projects across Butte County that helped to reduce the intensity of the fires and also provide space and time for evacuations and firefighting operations. Learn more about this project by watching the video above and see a full map of fuels reduction projects across California by following the link below.  

Historic Investment in Wildfire Prevention Continues with Latest Round of Grant Funding

At the end of August, CAL FIRE announced that we are investing just over $90 million in 94 local wildfire prevention projects across California as part of the state’s wildfire preparedness strategy. With California experiencing an above average fire year, these projects focus on protecting people, structures, and communities through hazardous fuels reduction, planning, and education. Learn more about the awarded projects and CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants program by following the link below. 

Texas Firefighters Assist with Park Fire Suppression Efforts

Dozens of Texas firefighters were recently deployed to California to help with the Park Fire incident. The video highlights the crews fire suppression activities and the collaboration between CAL FIRE and a neighboring state with the goal to manage the fire’s containment and protect communities. 

When Is It Safe to Return Home? CAL FIRE’s Damage Inspection Teams

After a wildfire moves out of an area, it is the turn of the CAL FIRE Damage Inspection Teams (DINS) to move in and assess the damage. These teams will assess every property and structure within a fire’s perimeter for damage and destruction. This information is then collected and quality controlled before it is shared with the county for public dissemination. Learn more about DINS by viewing the webinar below.  

What it Takes to Clean Up After Fire Suppression

CAL FIRE's fire suppression repair is crucial in preventing damage to water quality after a wildfire. After the flames are out, teams work tirelessly to rehabilitate the environment, prevent erosion, and repair fences and road infrastructure damaged by firefighting activity. These efforts enable ecosystems to recover, reducing the impact of firefighting efforts. 

What to do when Returning Home from a Wildfire Evacuation?

Returning home after a fire can be challenging and emotional before entering. Before entering, wait for official clearance to ensure it is safe. Once a wildfire has burned through an area, many dangers may remain. Follow the checklist below when returning home. 

CAL FIRE Grants Help Landscapes to Recover Post-Wildfire

CAL FIRE’s work is not done once the fire is out. Through our grant programs such as Business and Workforce Development (BWD), Forest Health, and Tribal Wildfire Resilience, CAL FIRE is committed to supporting landscape, ecosystems, and people’s recovery. The BWD grants program support numerous projects across the state that are utilizing post-fire salvaged wood for anything from biofuel to animal bedding products. Check out the video above to learn more about one such grantee project in Tuolumne County. 

Post-Fire Reforestation and the Importance of Cooperation

After the wildfire, it is time to regrow. CAL FIRE's grant-funded Cone Camp, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Forest Service and American Forests, trains future cone collectors for reforestation. Part of California's Reforestation Pipeline Partnership, the camp addresses wildfire-driven needs for increased cone collection and seed availability to reforest affected landscapes. View the video above to learn more about Cone Camp and the link below to learn more about CAL FIRE’s Reforestation Services Program. 

Join Us, We're Hiring Paramedics

Respond to fires, provide emergency medical assistance, help the community – it’s all part of being a paramedic at CAL FIRE. Check out the video above to learn about the endless opportunities available to paramedics and steps you can take now to begin your career as a paramedic at CAL FIRE. View the link below to see open positions around the state.

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