CAL FIRE

Meet AwareCA, your official source for wildfire alerts and incident information, delivered directly from first responders. From incident updates and evacuation information to interactive maps and customizable alerts, AwareCA is designed to help you stay informed before and during wildfire emergencies. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, AwareCA puts the information you need at your fingertips. Download AwareCA on the App Store/Google Play Store today.

✈️ A fifth C-130H air tanker is joining our fleet. Wildfire readiness means having the right resources positioned and ready to respond when a fire starts. CAL FIRE is putting its fifth C-130H airtanker into service, another major step toward a planned fleet of seven of the large-capacity aircraft. California is the first state in the nation to own, operate and deploy C-130H airtankers for wildfire suppression. Each aircraft can carry up to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant and is designed to support rapid initial attack on wildland fires. The expanding fleet helps: ➡️ Deliver significant amounts of retardant quickly to emerging fires. ➡️ Strengthen CAL FIRE’s initial-attack capability. ➡️ Position large airtankers strategically across California. ➡️ Support firefighters on the ground working to slow wildfire spread and protect communities. The first CAL FIRE C-130H entered service in August 2024. With the fifth aircraft coming online, California is now more than halfway toward its planned seven-aircraft fleet.

Strong leaders build a stronger fire service. 💪 Today, we are celebrating 29 Company Officer graduates at the Ione Training Center, marking the final Company Officer graduation of the year. With this class, 534 Company Officers have graduated across Ione and Redding in 2026, strengthening the leadership within CAL FIRE. Training efforts extend beyond Company Officers. In 2026, our Training Centers have trained more than 2,000 students statewide across five programs, including Fire Fighter Academy, Emergency Command Center (Dispatcher), Heavy Fire Equipment Operator and Regular Basic Course (Peace Officer). These numbers reflect a broader investment in California’s fire service. Through expanded training opportunities, workforce development and investments in personnel, equipment and resources, CAL FIRE is preparing its workforce to meet the growing demands of the job and protect the communities we serve. Congratulations to this year’s graduates! 🎓

🔥 CAL FIRE has recently upgraded its in-vehicle technology (automatic vehicle location) with advanced tablet systems to more accurately track vehicle locations in real time, helping dispatchers and field staff better utilize resources. Other recent advancements include: ➡️ AI-assisted detection cameras that help identify wildfires before they are reported to 911. ➡️ Satellite technology to improve early wildfire detection and monitoring. ➡️ Advanced mapping and predictive tools that help firefighters assess wildfire conditions and plan their response. ➡️ Improved public information systems that provide access to wildfire incident information and alerts. These investments are giving firefighters better tools to make critical decisions and helping Californians stay informed when emergencies occur. 📹 youtu.be/vbikdqXl4fE

This Veterans Day, we honor the service, sacrifice and enduring strength of our nation’s Veterans. Their commitment to protecting our freedom continues to inspire communities across the country. CAL FIRE proudly recognizes the valuable experience, leadership, and commitment that Veterans bring to public service. Our Returning Veterans: Enlisting Their Skills for CAL FIRE Service (R.V.E.T.S.) program is dedicated to helping Veterans successfully transition into rewarding careers within our department. From exploring job paths to accessing resources and expanding skill sets, R.V.E.T.S. supports Veterans as they continue their mission of service in a new way. Today, we recognize the leadership they bring, the challenges they have faced, and the impact they continue to make long after their time in uniform. To all Veterans and their families, thank you for your dedication and your service.

Every wildfire has a cause. Finding it can take an investigation. So far this year, CAL FIRE law enforcement personnel have made 148 arson-related arrests statewide. You can help investigators by sharing information about suspected arson. Even a small detail could make a difference. 📞 Call the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Reports can be made anonymously.

🔥🌲 Beneficial fire at work in Santa Cruz County. As weather and conditions allow, CAL FIRE is using prescribed fire to improve forest health, restore habitat and reduce vegetation that can fuel larger, more destructive wildfires.

For generations, Tribal communities have used fire to care for the land. This November, we are recognizing the history, cultures and contributions of Native American communities across California, including their enduring role in land stewardship and fire management. Native American communities have used traditional knowledge and cultural burning practices to care for California’s landscapes, maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce hazardous vegetation. Through partnerships with Tribal communities, CAL FIRE continues to support the use of beneficial fire and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into modern land management practices. Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize these contributions, honor Tribal sovereignty and strengthen partnerships that help build a more fire-resilient California. Learn more about CAL FIRE’s Tribal Affairs Program: fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/triba…

For generations, Tribal communities have used fire to care for the land. This November, we are recognizing the history, cultures and contributions of Native American communities across California, including their enduring role in land stewardship and fire management. #NativeAmerican communities have used traditional knowledge and cultural burning practices to care for California’s landscapes, maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce hazardous vegetation. Through partnerships with Tribal communities, CAL FIRE continues to support the use of beneficial fire and the integration of traditional ecological knowledge into modern land management practices. #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth is an opportunity to recognize these contributions, honor Tribal sovereignty and strengthen partnerships that help build a more fire-resilient California. Learn more about CAL FIRE’s Tribal Affairs Program: fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/triba…

Wellness is part of readiness. A specialized CAL FIRE team brings wellness and self-care resources directly to employees at facilities across the state. Recently, the team visited our vehicle outfitting yard in Davis for a Wellness Day. The two-hour session included yoga, stretching and mobility exercises, nutrition information and a discussion of mental health resources available to CAL FIRE employees. Taking care of the people who take care of others is at the heart of CAL FIRE’s Behavioral Health & Wellness Program. #wellness #employeehealth

🚩 RED FLAG WARNING 🚩 A Red Flag Warning is in effect Saturday, November 7, from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, and western San Gabriel Mountains. Strong Santa Ana winds are expected, bringing an increased risk of wildfire across parts of Southern California. Santa Ana winds are dry winds that blow from inland areas toward the coast. They can bring strong gusts, lower humidity, and quickly dry out vegetation. If a wildfire starts, these conditions can cause it to spread rapidly and become difficult to control. CAL FIRE is prepositioning firefighting resources ahead of the expected conditions to help crews respond quickly if a fire starts. But we need you to do your part, too. Here’s how you can help: ➡️ Avoid ALL activities that could create a spark. ➡️ Have an evacuation plan and be ready to leave if a wildfire breaks out. ➡️ Keep your phone charged and your go-bag ready. ➡️ Prepare your home for embers: Clear vegetation from gutters, roofs and around your home. Move flammable items away from the house and make sure vents are properly screened to help keep embers out. ➡️ Download the free AwareCA app to receive emergency alerts and access important wildfire information. Wildfire preparedness is a year-round responsibility. Do your part to help prevent wildfires and keep your family and home ready. @LACoFDPIO @VCFD @CALFIREBDU

🌲He’s keeping forest practices in check. CAL FIRE’s Forest Practice Inspectors help safeguard the health of California’s forests and ensure forest products are being harvested in compliance with well-established rules and regulations. Inspectors conduct pre-harvest inspections, walking proposed harvest areas with landowners, foresters, and partner agencies. Together, they make sure each timber harvesting plan is ready for approval and reflects the protections our forests, watersheds, and wildlife depend on. During active inspections, CAL FIRE inspectors monitor ongoing timber operations to ensure they align with California’s forest practice rules. They’re observing, measuring, and working with operators to make sure forests are managed sustainably. When inspectors return for completion, they verify that the work matches what was proposed, ensure replanting or natural regeneration meets requirements, and address any issues that might affect long-term forest health. It’s the final step in a full-circle approach to sustainable forestry and improving wildfire resilience. Every inspection helps to protect California’s natural resources for generations to come. @CALFIRENEU

El Niño can bring periods of heavy rain, flooding, and challenging conditions across California. CAL FIRE is preparing now to help protect our communities when severe weather hits. From assessing equipment and resources to coordinating with local, state, and emergency response partners, readiness is a year-round effort. As conditions change, we’re working to ensure personnel and resources are ready to respond when needed. Preparation starts before the storm. Stay informed, have an emergency plan, and visit ready.ca.gov for preparedness tips. #ElNiño #PrepForElNiño @CalNatResources

Fire agencies around the world are finding new ways to tackle the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires. Sharing what works is an important part of that effort. This week, CAL FIRE is joining wildfire leaders, researchers, and technology experts from around the world at Stanford University’s inaugural International Wildfire Convening and the Red Sky Summit in San Francisco. From emerging technology and wildfire intelligence to firefighting strategies and international deployments, the discussions focused on how agencies can share knowledge and strengthen wildfire response. CAL FIRE has much to contribute, and much to learn. Building relationships with fire agencies around the world helps bring new ideas, experience, and resources to the challenges we face here in California. With @CalNatResources

🚨 SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER. CAL FIRE firefighters and other emergency responders work just feet from moving traffic while responding to crashes and emergencies along California’s roadways. During Crash Responder Safety Week, and every day, we are urging drivers to be responsible on the roads and help keep emergency responders safe. ➡ Slow down as you approach an emergency scene. ➡ Move over when it is safe to do so. ➡ Stay alert and give responders room to work. One decision behind the wheel can help prevent another crash. Help ensure every responder has the chance to return home safely. With @CaltransHQ @CHP_HQ