Technological Innovation and Workforce Expansion
CAL FIRE 2019 to 2026 Achievements
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.
Technological Advancements
- Advanced aerial intelligence: More than 200 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and 200 FAA-certified pilots support real-time mapping, reconnaissance, fuels management, and rescue operations.
- Real-time fire monitoring: CAL FIRE’s Intel 641 team uses specialized airborne cameras to track fire behavior and identify potential threats, providing critical information to incident commanders. In 2026, Intel 641 has logged more than 250 flight hours, produced over 250 map products, and detected several new fire starts caused by lightning.
Integrated Intelligence Systems
- Earlier fire detection: More than 1,300 AI-enabled ALERTCalifornia cameras have alerted CAL FIRE to 3,600 fires, with more than half detected before 9-1-1 reports.
- Expanded wildfire intelligence: In partnership with Cal OES, CAL FIRE established and expanded the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center and created the Fire Intelligence Unit and Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development.
- Faster, data-driven decisions: The Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) and Intel 641 provide live fire-behavior mapping to help emergency responders assess threats and make informed decisions.
Increased Firefighter Staffing
- Workforce and budget growth: CAL FIRE expanded from more than 8,500 positions in 2019 to 14,043.5 in 2026, while its budget grew from $2.6 billion to $4.9 billion to strengthen statewide readiness.
- Improved staffing and safety: Investments support year-round staffing and engine operations, a diversified hand-crew program, improved personal protective equipment, and additional training centers.
- Enhanced firefighter support: The Ready Rebound program provides injured employees and their families with 24/7 personalized health guidance and priority medical scheduling to support recovery.
- Stronger workforce and law enforcement: A 66-hour workweek supports firefighter health, safety, and retention, while expanded staffing has brought CAL FIRE to a historic high of 186 law enforcement officers. Building the next generation of Department leadership; CAL FIRE has also graduated more than 2,400 Company Officers over the five years.
