Golden State Today

As California faces increased wildfire activity this year, the state is leveraging new aerial and technological capabilities to protect communities.

SACRAMENTO – With significantly more wildfire activity at this point in the year than in recent years, Governor Gavin Newsom joined fire officials this week to highlight how California is prepared for wildfires.

This marks the first full fire season that California is utilizing an expanded aerial fleet and new technology. The state continues to expand its aerial firefighting force, which is the largest in the world. Additionally, California is leveraging new technologies to support its firefighting capabilities.

As part of the Governor’s California Climate Commitment, the recently signed 2024 budget agreement maintains $2.6 billion over seven years, from 2021-22 through 2027-28, to protect Californians from wildfires and improve forest health. This funding is in addition to $200 million per year allocated for healthy forest and fire prevention programs, including prescribed fires and other fuel reduction projects.

"Day and night, @CAL_FIRE is working to keep communities like Oroville & Butte County safe from wildfires. We’re ready with the largest aerial firefighting force in the world & new technology backed by AI," tweeted California Governor on July 3, 2024.

Earlier today, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte County to support the response to the Thompson Fire, which has burned more than 3,500 acres and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. CAL FIRE has deployed some of its new assets, including night-flying Firehawk helicopters, to help combat the Thompson Fire.

"We’re seeing much more wildfire activity so far this year than we have in recent years. Fortunately, California is ready. With the largest aerial firefighting force in the world and new technology backed by AI, we’re protecting communities in ways never done before," stated Governor Gavin Newsom.

The Governor and state officials are also urging Californians to take this week’s dangerous heat wave seriously – with temperatures above 110 degrees in many areas of the state.

Visit ready.ca.gov for resources and safety tips on wildfire, heat waves, and other natural disasters.

Below is a recap of how California is keeping communities safe from wildfires:

**New aircraft**, **night-flying capabilities**, **and expanded drone deployment**

- Expansion of helitack bases: Five additional helitack bases have completed training and qualifications for night flying operations.

- Contracted aircraft add to CAL FIRE’s permanent fleet: Over 60 aircraft now include 20 additional helicopters and four airplanes.

- Drone deployment: CAL FIRE currently operates 159 unmanned aerial systems (UAS), doubling their use for aerial ignition support of prescribed burns and wildfire containment.

- Ongoing transfer and outfitting of seven C-130 aircraft from the federal government.

**Harnessing recent innovations**

- Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) maps wildfire information in real-time.

- Tecnosylva Wildfire Projection Tool predicts wildfire spread.

- Partnership with Department of Defense uses satellites for mapping wildfires.

- LiDAR investments create detailed 3-D maps of topography and vegetation across high-risk areas.

- Wildfire Threat Intelligence Center (WFTIC) serves as an integrated hub for wildfire and weather intelligence.

**Giving every Californian access to real-time wildfire intelligence**

A redesigned fire.ca.gov website provides real-time information on total emergency responses, wildfires, acres burned, fatalities, structure damage; integrates ALERTCalifornia Cameras; offers real-time aircraft tracking; features a comprehensive incident map of fires over ten acres.