Golden State Today

California is leveraging its expanded aerial firefighting capabilities and new technologies to protect communities from wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside state fire and emergency officials, provided an update on California’s wildfire response and readiness at CAL FIRE McClellan Air Tanker Base in Sacramento.

“The last couple years brought welcome relief for California as we saw historically low levels of wildfire. This season is shaping up to be very active, bringing the threat of dangerous wildfire to many parts of our state. California is ready with the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet and new technology that helps us fight fire smarter – and we’re already seeing our investments pay off,” said Governor Newsom.

So far this year, there have been more than 3,500 wildfires across California, with 207,415 acres burned and 128 structures damaged or destroyed. This marks a significant increase compared to just 10,080 acres at this time last year and a five-year average of 38,593 acres burned.

The recently signed 2024 budget agreement allocates $2.6 billion through 2028 for wildfire protection and forest health improvement. Additionally, $200 million per year will support healthy forest and fire prevention programs such as prescribed fire and fuel reduction projects. The administration plans to implement shorter workweeks for state firefighters and aims to hire over 2,400 additional firefighters over five years.

Californians are encouraged to visit ready.ca.gov for resources on wildfire safety. The state has also enhanced its aerial firefighting force by expanding helitack bases from three to eight operational bases equipped for night operations. Night-flying aircraft have been activated in response to many wildfires this year.

CAL FIRE’s fleet includes over 60 aircraft supplemented by contracted aircraft: 20 additional helicopters and four airplanes, including five night-flying capable helicopters. The deployment of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has doubled with CAL FIRE now operating 159 drones used for aerial ignition, prescribed burns support, and wildfire containment.

Technological innovations include the Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) for real-time mapping of wildfire information; Tecnosylva Wildfire Projection Tool predicting wildfire spread; partnerships with the Department of Defense using satellites; LiDAR investments creating detailed maps of high-risk areas; and the Wildfire Threat Intelligence Center (WFTIC), serving as an integrated hub for wildfire intelligence.

A redesigned website provides real-time information on total emergency responses, wildfires, acres burned, fatalities, structure damage integration with ALERTCalifornia Cameras for public viewing of real-time incidents tracking aircraft movements via a comprehensive incident map updated in real-time.