Fire Innovation Unit
CAL FIRE’s Fire Innovation Unit (FIU) represents the Department’s unified effort to drive the development and deployment of next-generation wildfire technology and operational advancements. Supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the FIU serves as CAL FIRE’s hub for innovation, bringing together public, private, academic, tribal, and philanthropic partners to advance solutions that enhance firefighter safety and operational efficiency.
The FIU includes two key components: the Innovation, Outreach & Coordination Unit (IOC) and the Office of Wildfire Technology Research & Development (OWTRD). Together, these programs form a full cycle of innovation, from identifying field needs to validating real solutions.
Through IOC and OWTRD, the FIU provides a coordinated framework for wildfire innovation, aligning operational insight with rigorous research and testing. This structure ensures that CAL FIRE continues to lead in adopting safe, effective, and forward-looking technologies that protect the people, property, and natural resources of California.
The Innovation, Outreach & Coordination Unit
The Innovation, Outreach & Coordination Unit (IOC) engages directly with CAL FIRE programs, units, and regions to define operational needs and gather technical requirements. IOC staff work closely with partners to ensure that new technologies address true field challenges, leveraging operational experience to guide research and development efforts.
The Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development
The Office of Wildfire Technology Research & Development (OWTRD) serves as the Department’s technical and research backbone. OWTRD evaluates potential solutions, conducts research and field testing alongside the IOC, documents results, and provides recommendations for adoption. Established through Senate Bill 109 (2021), OWTRD ensures that every innovation meets CAL FIRE’s operational standards, supports the Department’s mission, and is ready for practical deployment across the state.