Hired Equipment

CAL FIRE Hired Equipment Information

At times when the equipment needed to control an emergency incident exceeds the resources of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the department hires the equipment and services of the private sector to supplement its own resources. In so doing, CAL FIRE attempts to obtain those resources that exactly meet the resource needs of the Incident Commander, at a price that is fair to the contractor and which represents a prudent expenditure of state taxpayer funds.

CAL FIRE’s internet website contains excerpts from the policies, procedures, and payment rates used by CAL FIRE. These policies define the terms and conditions for entering into an Emergency Equipment Rental Agreement (EERA) with CAL FIRE. These terms and conditions reflect the business needs of CAL FIRE, and as such, these are the business rules of CAL FIRE. These policies, procedures, and rates are not laws or regulations, although in some cases they reflect the requirements of applicable laws and regulations.

The intent of publishing and distributing this information is to provide all prospective contractors access to the terms and conditions for entering into an EERA with CAL FIRE.

Contractors who object to the terms and conditions contained herein should not enter into an EERA with CAL FIRE.

No contractor is guaranteed any amount of business as a result of entering into an EERA with CAL FIRE. CAL FIRE uses established guidelines to distribute assignments for incident fire suppression and support equipment. The intent of these guidelines is to maintain fair business practices and distribute assignments with as many vendors as possible while being fiscally responsible with state taxpayer funds.

CAL FIRE incident commanders determine what equipment is needed to support an incident logistically and operationally to accomplish incident objectives. Vendors are not participants in the processes in determining incident equipment or personnel needs.

Written comments and suggestions for improving these policies and procedures should be directed to:

Assistant Deputy Director for Fire Protection
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
PO Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460