The CAL FIRE Training Academy employs a comprehensive approach to firefighter training, emphasizing preparation for fire control challenges.
The curriculum focuses on structural firefighting, guiding participants through a structured learning process from classroom theory to hands-on application via small and full-scale demonstrations. The training covers essential skills, emphasizing not only combating existing fires but also anticipating and addressing potential hazards. This holistic approach ensures that CAL FIRE personnel are well-prepared to handle immediate threats and employ preemptive firefighting strategies, including understanding smoke dynamics. #firefightertraining #structuralfirefighting #JoinCALFIREhttps://www.facebook.com/GVitkosPress
Today, we extend our deepest respect and heartfelt remembrance to the nine fallen firefighters who courageously gave their lives during the month of December. Their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the protection of others serve as an enduring testament to the noble spirit of the firefighting community. #LODD#NotForgottenhttps://www.facebook.com/GVitkosPres
This 67-foot Red Fir now stands in front of the California State Capitol Building as the state Christmas tree. The tree’s journey to Sacramento began the day before at LaTour Demonstration State Forest, east of Redding.
Cornstalks, crepe paper, and other decorations can easily catch fire. Keep all your Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes and be sure that all smoke alarms in the home are working properly. By following these safety guidelines, you can have a spooktacular Halloween while keeping your loved ones protected. #HalloweenSafety #decorationsafety #CalFire https://www.facebook.com/GVitkosPressOn October 4 @ 11:20 a.m. (PT), a 1-minute test alert will be sent nationwide to TVs, radios and smartphones to ensure emergency alert systems are working at peak performance. Learn more: https://wp.me/pd8T7h-8EfWhen firefighters embrace their responsibilities, they knowingly confront the looming perils, revealing selflessness, even in the face of grave injuries or the potential for loss of life. Today, we pay homage to these valiant firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice. Join us in honoring the 16 individuals from CAL FIRE who regrettably lost their lives in October while safeguarding our communities. Their valor and unwavering commitment to their duties will eternally reside in our hearts. #LODD#notforgotten#fallenheroes https://www.facebook.com/GVitkosPressToday the entire fire community is mourning the passing of Chief Ronny Coleman, State Fire Marshal (Ret.). Over his 60 years devoted to the fire service he was a prolific writer, powerful speaker and skilled leader. He died peacefully today at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento. Coleman served as California State Fire Marshal from 1992 to 2000. Prior to his appointment by Gov. Pete Wilson to the fire marshal post, Coleman served as fire chief for the cities of San Clemente and Fullerton. Chief Coleman’s influence expanded beyond California. He served as President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, led numerous fire service committees and associations, and authored 19 books. In 1999, he was named as one of the 20 Most Influential Fire Service Leaders of the 20th Century. Chief Coleman is survived by his wife, Marie, his son, Chris Coleman (North Carolina), his daughter, Lisa Coleman (Colorado), and their families. https://www.facebook.com/GVitkosPress
When a northern California couple with a baby on the way couldn’t make it to the hospital this morning, CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit personnel stepped up. Realizing they couldn’t make it to the hospital, the couple decided the nearest fire station would be their next best alternative.
The parents, traveling from Los Banos, pulled into the Pacheco Station in Hollister off Highway 152 around 6:30 a.m. after the mother began to experience contractions. Firefighters and engineers took immediate action, safely delivering the baby and providing essential care to both the mother and the newborn. The delivery proceeded smoothly with no complications, and a healthy baby boy was born at 7:04 a.m. This is a prime example of how CAL FIRE’s team responds to all manner of emergencies, ensuring the well-being of the community. https://www.facebook.com/GVitkosPress
On this day of remembrance, CAL FIRE honors the resilience of our nation and remembers the sacrifices made on September 11. Together, we stand strong. #neverforget#September11
September brings National Preparedness Month into focus, highlighting the urgency of readiness regardless of the time of year. In the face of ever-present all-hazard events, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of our older adults, particularly those from communities disproportionately affected by these challenges. Many factors increase their vulnerability, including living alone, low-income status, disabilities, or residence in rural areas.
Let’s come together to ensure their protection by helping them assemble emergency supply kits containing essentials like food, water, and first aid items. CAL FIRE stands committed to raising awareness about preparedness and fostering strong and resilient communities. https://www.facebook.com/GVitkosPress
CAL FIRE employs innovative new technologies to accomplish our mission to protect California’s natural resources.
We recently demonstrated our rapidly deployable mini-cell phone tower to members of the state Legislature as part of the AT&T FirstNet Emergency Communications Showcase.
Produced by FirstNet, the compact device provides 2 miles of cellular range and Wi-Fi within 500 feet.
CAL FIRE has four units ready to be used with deployed Emergency Command Centers across California.
At this moment, more than 6,500 committed individuals are fighting against 10 significant wildfires across California. These firefighters are putting in continuous efforts to manage the fires and reduce their impact on the environment and the public.
Join the CAL FIRE mascot Captain Cal in saying “Happy 79th Birthday” to Smokey Bear. That’s a lot of years of reminding people that only YOU can prevent forest fires. But Cal’s friend Smokey is showing no signs of slowing down. #SmokeyBear #ReadyforWildfire #CalFire
In July, CAL FIRE responded to a total of 48,931 calls, bringing the total responses through July 2023 to 311,037. Despite the increase in wildland fire calls across the state, approximately 75% of all CAL FIRE’s responses are related to medical calls.
CAL FIRE is a full-service, „all-risk” department, which means we are capable of responding to a wide range of emergencies, including wildland and structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical aids, rescues, floods, hazardous material spills, and more. We operate within the well-established Incident Command System (ICS) framework, which allows for the effective management of disaster events through four phases: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. #AllRisk#AllHazard
Since the 1960s, the iconic doll Barbie has enjoyed many careers. She’s been an astronaut, Olympian, a surgeon, and starting in 1995, a firefighter. Bonus points for wearing protective gear, but keep that hair away from flames, girl. Women or men interested in joining CAL FIRE should start here: https://www.fire.ca.gov/join-calfire#WomenInFire #Barbie #Firefighter #Empowerment
Yesterday was a productive day at the UC San Diego Supercomputer Lab meeting with The New York Times on #CALFIRE‘s partnership with ALERTCalifornia. Together, we’re harnessing the power of #artificialintelligence to detect anomalies and enhance our #wildfire detection efforts. This collaboration is just one example of how we’re adapting to the ongoing threat of wildfires in California. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
Happy New Year! Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and fire safe new year! #2023The holiday season is in full swing, and winter is around the corner. Our CAL FIRE penguin is here to inspire festive cheer! Artists young and old are encouraged to color by the numbers or create your own color scheme. Feel free to share your masterpiece in the comments. Download the printable coloring page below or from https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/ezop4rc4/holidaycoloringpage_no-color.png Season’s greetings from CAL FIRE!Today we remember our brothers and sisters who died in the line of duty during the month of December. May we never forget. We are forever grateful for their service. #LODD #NotForgotten
This week’s #CALFIREClassic takes us back to the turn of the century for a historical look at the saddle and its importance to firefighting. The saddle pictured, circa 1930s, was made by Carmel Saddlery in Fresno, a producer of tack from 1916 until the shop closed in the early 1970s. The saddle was reportedly first used in the Tulare Ranger Unit as part of their pack train program. The saddle, and others like it were used to pack supplies—and in some cases water—into incidents that were not accessible by motor vehicles. On one occasion, it was used to help Smokey get through a 1950s parade in the city of Clovis, CA. Through the years the saddle changed locations a time or two, was refurbished, and is now on display in the CDF branch museum at the CAL FIRE/Fresno County Fire Unit,
CAL FIRE’s S-2T Airtankers battling Kern County’s Edmonston Fire yesterday. The S-2T Airtankers are used for rapid initial attack delivery of fire retardant on wildland fires, and are an instrumental part of our world-renowned aviation program and our ability to fight fire from the air. As of 7 am this morning, the Edmonston Fire is at 595 acres and 10% contained. Photos: Ryan Babroff SoCal Fire PhotoBelow are photos that show good #DefensibleSpace and its importance in stopping the forward progress of a fire and in helping protect a home from wildfire. These photos were taken in CAL FIRE/Fresno County Fire at the #LoperIncident, which burned approximately 40 acres and is now fully contained. To learn more about defensible space, visit ReadyforWildfire.org.Below are photos that show good #DefensibleSpace and its importance in stopping the forward progress of a fire and in helping protect a home from wildfire. These photos were taken in CAL FIRE/Fresno County Fire at the #LoperIncident, which burned approximately 40 acres and is now fully contained. To learn more about defensible space, visit ReadyforWildfire.org.We would like to officially congratulate Ocean Lifeguard Academy #36 and welcome them to the @lacolifeguards family! This morning family and friends gathered to honor the members of OLA36 at their graduation ceremony. This years academy was an arduous 16 day academy with 7 days of EMS training and 9 days of Lifeguard Operations. Visit the link in our bio for a video highlighting the daily life of an Ocean Lifeguard Candidate! Video: https://youtu.be/A6P1w7Bx47QThis week marks the start of Wildfire Preparedness Month and we’re with our friend Smokey Bear to help spread the news about the importance of preventing wildfires. Learn more about fire safety at www.fs.usda.gov/main/r5/fire-aviation/prevention & www.smokeybear.com #OnlyYou #FireSafety #WildfirePreparednessMonth Photo by T. Underhill of Smokey Bear waving while standing next to a patrol truck in Lytle Creek Canyon on the U.S. Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest.Today we remember Vernon Cassel who passed away on May 3, 1963 after being electrocuted while on an incident. We are thankful for his service. #LODD #NotForgotten
#HomeHardening is an integral part of making your home fire safe. Did you know vents on homes create openings for flying embers? Attaching fine metal mesh screen over your vents can make a huge difference. Or, consider replacing them with ember- and flame-resistant vents. Learn more about home hardening at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Hardening-Your-Home/
Surf Report 4/16: 2-3′ + Thigh to stomachLingering SSW swell blends with minor NW energy, still largest at spots exposed to the Southern Hemi energy. Take advantage of the tide push in the early morning. fire.lacounty.gov/lifeguard
For #NationalPublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek we’ll be sharing posts throughout the week from various CAL FIRE units, celebrating those who answer the call for help every single day. Today’s share is from CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. Thank you, dispatchers https://www.facebook.com/NewsBreakingPage/This week is #NationalPublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek! A huge thank you this week (and every day!) to all the CAL FIRE personnel who work in our 21 Emergency Command Centers, two Regional Coordination Centers, and the Sacramento Command Center. These dedicated individuals work behind the scenes 24/7 to answer the call for help, and all play a critical role in CAL FIRE’s mission of protecting the public and our state’s natural resources. Thank you!Assisting/Not a CAL FIRE incident: #MoonlightRX off Antelope Lake, southwest of Janesville in Plumas County. Lead agency: U.S. Forest Service-Plumas National Forest For more information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/4/9/moonlight-rx/#RedFlagWarning in effect Saturday at 5:00AM until Sunday at 5:00PM for areas of Sacramento Valley, due to warm and dry conditions and expect strong winds. This is #CriticalFireWeather so use caution when outdoors. https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/communications/red-flag-warnings-fire-weather-watches/Did you know that CAL FIRE uses the OV-10s as the primary command and control platform on wildland incidents? These planes can also be utilized as a lead plane, and the crew is always staffed with a pilot and an observer, who is a Chief Officer or a Fire Captain. This is another example of the many tools CAL FIRE uses to battle wildland fires from the air. @calfireairops #CALFIRE #CALFIREairops #CALFIREaviation #CALFIREwildlandfirefighterDon’t forget that CAL FIRE Careers will be live today (Monday) from 12:00- 12:30pm. They’ll be going through a step-by-step explanation on how to get a state job, so stop by to learn more. #CALFIRE #CALFIRECareers fire. https://www.fire.ca.gov/careers/
Today we remember Joseph “Ed” Hunter, a CAL FIRE Forest Ranger Chauffeur who passed away on April 2, 1932, two days after he was struck by an exploding water heater while responding to a house fire. We are thankful for his service. #LODD #NotForgotten
The McLeod is a long-handled wildland fire tool with a flat sharpened blade used for scraping and cutting, and large tines for raking. This tool has multiple uses and is a valuable piece of equipment on any wildland fire engine. #ToolsOfTheTrade #McLeod
CAL FIRE recently announced that California accomplished a new record with the recognition of the 500th Firewise USA® Community in California – Hollister Ranch in Santa Barbara County. The recognition by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlights the fact that the community has taken steps to ensure that wildfire risk is reduced in their area. While California has held the highest amount of Firewise Communities nationwide for quite some time, the state has now set a new record with 500 Firewise USA® recognized communities. To learn more, visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/iiik0qyc/firewise-communities-news-release_2022-draft-3-21-2022.pdf
Extrication equipment is hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, or battery-operated specialty equipment primarily used to cut and manipulate vehicles after accidents to remove victims and minimize any additional injuries. This type of equipment is one of many tools that CAL FIRE uses in its rescue and recovery efforts. #ToolsOfTheTrade #ExtricationEquipment
Smokey Bear: On today’s International Day of Forests , I’m asking my friends across the country to help me „keep the peace” in our nation’s beautiful forests by being careful and practicing fire safety at all times. Let’s make sure our trees are still there for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. #OnlyYou
Today is the first day of #spring! As the days get longer, it is the perfect time to get outdoors to start planning and maintaining the #DefensibleSpace around your home. By removing all dead vegetation and trimming trees and shrubs, you can create a buffer essential to increasing your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Learn more at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Defensible-Space/ #ReadyForWildfire 20/03/22
CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers have made 23 arson-related arrests to date in 2022. Preventing fires is a vital part of CAL FIRE’s mission. Call the Arson Hotline at 800-468-4408 with information about suspicious fires. You can remain anonymous. #ArsonPrevention https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/zu3a42z1/arson-stats-2022.pdf