Golden State Today

During Wildfire Preparedness Month, the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System secured historic partnerships with three California tribal nations, enhancing all-hazards emergency response capacity statewide.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today a new partnership between the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the San Manuel Fire Department, and the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. This initiative is led by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and aims to bolster wildfire preparedness ahead of peak season.

The partnership expands the state's mutual aid system, providing over 270 fire engines to more than 150 fire departments across California. During disasters such as wildfires, this collaboration can increase local capacity by mobilizing resources to high-risk areas and responding to emergencies statewide.

Earlier this month, Cal OES announced similar partnerships with the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Barona Fire Department, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Viejas Fire Department. "California tribal nations understand this land and how to respond to it better than any other community – they have been doing so since time immemorial," said Governor Newsom. "Their participation in the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System is an advantage for all Californians."

These agreements are facilitated by legislation SB 816 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa), signed into law by Governor Newsom. The legislation allows the state to enter into mutual aid agreements with tribes, enhancing their access to federal funding and reimbursements when assisting with disasters like wildfires.

“This government-to-government partnership provides for San Manuel to play an even more significant role in safeguarding California,” said Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “Through this agreement, we enhance our capacity to protect people, wildlife, and our sacred ancestral lands.”

As part of this initiative, San Manuel Fire Department received a Type III fire engine capable of off-road operations essential for battling wildfires. These engines can carry a four-person crew and up to 500 gallons of water.

The state has also established several other agreements under this system. Notably, last year saw a partnership with the Pala Band of Mission Indians and Pala Fire Department.

“Adding a new tribal nation to the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System is a source of pride for Cal OES,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “Deploying additional resources in California communities means we can keep more people safe as we continue towards swifter disaster response.”

In support of Indigenous stewardship efforts last year, $19 million was awarded for 13 projects under the Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grant Program. This funding aids California Native American tribes in managing ancestral lands using traditional ecological knowledge aimed at improving wildfire resilience.

Additionally, CAL FIRE has undertaken various initiatives throughout the year including increased fire prevention efforts and community preparedness programs. In 2023 alone there was a reported 93.87% reduction in structures destroyed compared to 2022 due to these enhanced measures.