State Government

Under what is known as the California Master Mutual Aid Agreement, CAL FIRE assists other fire departments within the State when Department resources are available, regardless of the type of disaster. In turn, CAL FIRE can access the local government fire departments through the same agreement for assistance in wildland fire suppression.

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) can also request that CAL FIRE assist with non-fire emergencies when the Governor has declared a State of Emergency. That was the case during the Northridge earthquake of 1993 and the statewide floods of 1997, when CAL FIRE provided flood-fighting crews and incident management and logistical support services.

When wildland fires rage across the state and resources are stretched thin, agreements with the California Military Department provide for California National Guard resources. This includes activation of the giant C-130 aircraft known as Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), helicopters, support personnel, communications equipment, and other specialized resources.