Communications

The CAL FIRE Communications office mission is to provide information and education to people of all ages, in public forums, through the media and worldwide web, and the distribution and display of printed material. At every opportunity, our best and brightest will represent the Communications Division and the Department in a professional and responsive manner. Our commitment to this mission will mirror our commitment and dedication to the department and our constituents.

Patch Requests

CAL FIRE receives a number of requests each week for department patches for collection and/or trade. While we are proud of our patch and appreciate the fact that the majority of people who request them are strong supporters of fire departments around the world, we are unable to honor these requests.

News Releases

Contact Information

Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For inquiries during these hours contact us at (916) 653-5123.

If you are a member of the media, and need information or comment, you can call (916) 651- FIRE (3473).

CAL FIRE
Communications Office
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
General Public
Phone: 916-653-5123
Fax: 916-654-7661
Media
Phone: 916-651-FIRE (3473)

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Fire Safety Education

Outside, wildfire safety begins by making sure you, your family and your home are ready for a wildfire. Remember three simple steps: "Ready, Set, Go!". Being Ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening homes with fire resistant building materials. Be Set by creating a Wildfire Action Plan with your family. Finally, be prepared to Go and evacuate your home. Leave early, before it's too late. Learn more on "Ready, Set, Go!" at ReadyForWildfire.org.  

California's Mediterranean climate lends itself naturally to wildfires, which is why residents and vacationers must take extra caution when outdoors and steps to prevent wildfires. "One Less Spark means One Less Wildfire".

Whether it's using powered equipment before 10 a.m. when the humidity is higher and temperatures cooler to reduce the chance of fire, to following proper guidelines for burning branches and leave debris on your property, to enjoying a campfire, we must all do our part to prevent wildfire. Learn more at ReadyForWildfire.org.

During the fire season when the humidity drops and the winds increase, fire danger is elevated even higher and the public is asked to be extra vigilant. Learn more on steps to take during Red Flag Warnings and Critical Fire Weather.

Preparing for and preventing wildfires is everyone's responsibility.

Homeowners Responsibility is key to fire safety whether it be Outside the Home, or Inside the Home.

Outside, wildland fire safety begins with creating and maintaining clearance around your home; cutting weeds and dry grass before 10 a.m. when the humidity is higher and temperatures cooler to reduce the chance of fire; and following proper guidelines for burning debris on your property, or when enjoying a campfire.

Inside, basic fire safety begins with checking the battery in your smoke detector; practicing fire drills with your family; ensuring that your burglar bars have quick release mechanisms; and keeping working fire extinguishers available.

After reading the information on this site, contact your nearest CAL FIRE facitlity to find out more about fire safety in your area.

Decorating homes and businesses is a long standing tradition during the holiday season. Unfortunetly it’s these decorations that increase the chance of fire. Follow a few simple Christmas tree & holiday decoration fire safety tips to ensure Happy Holidays.

Christmas Trees can remain relatively fire safe if you follow these simple steps:

  •     When selecting your live Christmas tree, choose a fresh one with green needles.
  •     Recut the trunk at least two inch above the old cut as soon as you get it home. This allows it to continue to pull moisture into its foliage.
  •     Keep the trunk in water immediately after it is recut. Moisture is the key to keeping the tree fresh and thereby enhancing its fire resistance. If the tree will be kept outside for a few days, stand it in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it indoors.
  •     Check the water levels daily... Never let the water level go below the bottom of the trunk. Commercial floral preservatives can also be added to the water to help keep the tree fresh.
  •     Locate any tree at least 3 feet away from sources of heat. Avoid placing any tree, live or artificial, near a heater outlet, wood stove or fireplace. Put it in the coolest location possible.
  •     Never leave a lighted tree unattended.
  •     Remove the tree immediately after the holidays. Even a properly cared for live tree will eventually die. Take it to a recycle center or leave for your refuse collector.

Lights & Decorations

  •     Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
  •     Keep decorations away from heat sources, windows and doors.
  •     Properly install your holiday lights. Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
  •     Be sure to use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
  •    Make sure all electrical cords have no frayed or cracked wires or broken sockets. Do not attempt to repair a worn light set! Throw it away and purchase a new replacement.
  •     Do not overload electrical outlets.
  •     Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
  •     Do not leave lights turned on for prolonged periods or unattended.
  •     Keep your exits clear by keeping decorations away from windows and doors.
  •     In addition to being shatterproof and shock resistant, LED lights produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire.

Fact Sheets

Multimedia

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Our video library features our Fire Situation Reports, Public Service Announcements and CAL FIRE TV episodes, which take an indepth look at the different facets of the department.

The CAL FIRE Communications Staff regularly produces video content that feature the many facets of our department.

For more information or if you would like to use our videos for reproduction or rebroadcasting, please contact the CAL FIRE Communications Office at 916-654-5412.

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CAL FIRE's photo library includes photos from our past events and incidents. The CAL FIRE Communications Staff keeps an updated gallery of photos from incidents and events such as award ceremonies, fire safety presentations and press conferences. All images are available for educational and non-commercial use and should be cited as: "courtesy of CAL FIRE".

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Listen to an archive of our past audio Public Service Announcements. 

The CAL FIRE Communications Staff keeps an archive of our past audio Public Service Announcements and audio of past and current Fire Situation Reports.

For more information or if you would like to use our audio for reproduction or rebroadcasting, please contact the CAL FIRE Communications Office at 916-654-5412.

Stay Connected to CAL FIRE!

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Ready For Wildfire Icon

To access the web app, visit ReadyforWildfire.org.

Users can create a personalized wildfire readiness plan, learn active incident information and sign-up for text message updates on wildfires 10 acres or greater.

SMS App

To subscribe text: follow CAL_FIRE to 40404. (Don't forget the underscore between CAL and FIRE.  To follow a specific Operational Unit, text: follow (Twitter handle – minus the @ sign). Example: “follow CALFIRE_ButteCo”.

By signing up you will receive breaking fire news, updates on large fires, red flag warnings, and educational postings from our Twitter account.

The alerts are free from CAL FIRE, but standard text messaging rates do apply.  If you choose to end your subscription just text: “leave CAL_FIRE to 40404”. You may sign up again at any time.