Our Achievements

CAL FIRE is boldly meeting the challenges of California’s climate reality.

: CAL FIRE 2019 to 2026 Achievements

Over the last eight years, CAL FIRE has expanded into a comprehensive wildfire resilience organization, advancing prevention, forest health, technology, aviation, and community preparedness. With more than 14,000 personnel protecting 31 million acres, CAL FIRE continues to innovate and strengthen its goal of keeping 95% of wildfires to 10 acres or less.

Podcast: Looking back at How Far CAL FIRE has Come and into Calfornia’s Wildfire Future

California Natural Resources Secretary, Wade Crowfoot and CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler sit down to reflect on how catastrophic wildfire has shaped the last eight years. From scaling up the state's response and technology capabilities to transforming the state's prevention work, Chief Tyler lays out in clear terms how California has adapted to the new reality of a year-round fire season.
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Firefighting Resources and Readiness

CAL FIRE is modernizing its world-leading aerial firefighting fleet with new FIREHAWK helicopters, expanded nighttime firefighting and rescue capabilities, advanced simulation training, and C-130 Hercules airtankers, with five of seven airtankers now operational.
  • 17
    FIREHAWK Helicopters
  • 5 of 7

    C-130
    Airtankers

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Technological Innovation and Workforce Expansion

CAL FIRE has strengthened statewide readiness by expanding its workforce, budget, year-round staffing, and firefighter health and safety programs while advancing wildfire innovation through AI-enabled cameras, uncrewed aircraft systems, real-time aerial intelligence, and advanced forecasting tools that improve early detection and support faster, data-driven decisions.
  • 1,300+
    Alert California Cameras
  • 5,543

    New Positions Since 2019

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Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation

California has significantly expanded wildfire prevention and forest resilience efforts, with CAL FIRE treating an average of 120,000 acres annually, doubling prescribed fire use since 2019, and reducing barriers through burn boss training, streamlined permitting, and a Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.
  • 1,700+
    Firewise Communities
  • 119,000+
    Fuel Reduction Acres treated in FY 25/26
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Community Partnerships

California has invested in wildfire prevention, forest health, and community resilience, funding hundreds of projects, supporting the most Firewise Communities in the nation, helping homeowners harden properties against wildfire, and strengthening Tribal partnerships through cultural burning, resilience grants, and the return of ancestral lands.
  • 575
    Local projects supported through Wildfire Prevention Grants.
  • $34 million
    Awarded to Tribes for wildfire resilience and forest health efforts.
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