When resources like fire engines or swift water search and rescue teams are strategically placed before an incident, it allows local fire departments and firefighters to respond more rapidly when time is critical. In the emergency management world, that’s called prepositioning.
In 2024, The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Fire and Rescue Division met the needs of 204 fire and severe weather events, prepositioning 1,774 response resources in potentially disastrous areas. This comes to an estimated $45,578,059.88 in statewide support.
Although all emergencies begin locally, local first response agencies can request state assistance when the need arises, or before the need arises. Last year, of the 204 fire and severe weather events where Cal OES placed resources, 199 of those events were requested above the county level, also known as “operational areas”. This means Cal OES only initiated 5 events.
“Our local governments and local fire departments are very in tune with the hazards that threaten their regions, and are proactively working to protect their communities,” said Cal OES Fire & Rescue Chief Brian Marshall. “Prepositioning critical personnel and equipment in the areas we need most is how we can work together to stop dangerous situations from happening and Cal OES is proud to support our local communities when they need it most.”
Whether it’s ahead of high winds during peak wildfire season, or ahead of flash flooding during winter storms, Cal OES monitors the state all year round to ensure Californians stay safe from all hazards. As we leave 2024 behind, we’re taking a closer look at the resources delivered:
204 TOTAL EVENTS
- FIRE SEASON: 121 for critical fire weather events
- WINTER STORMS: 82 for mud and debris flow
- OTHER: 1 for civil unrest
1,774 CRITICAL RESOURCES
- 100 total OES engines
- 6 OES water tenders
- 727 total local government engines
- 163 local government water tenders
- 58 local government heavy equipment
- 45 aircraft
- 60 total local government hand crews
- 113 dispatchers
- 457 local government overhead/Incident Management Teams
- 4 urban search and rescue companies
- 34 total swift water flood search and rescue
- 7 OES swift water flood search and rescue
CALIFORNIA FIRE AND RESCUE MUTUAL AID SYSTEM
The Cal OES Fire and Rescue Branch facilitates the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System. This includes moving more than 270 fire engines from 60 local government resources across the state in support of all-risk emergency response on behalf of local, state and federal government fire organizations. Cal OES assigns local government fire agencies with fire apparatus to maintain surge capacity during day-to-day duties and major emergencies.
Swiftwater resources prepositioned in Long Beach. late December ’23 early January ’24 winter storms.
Mobile incident command post for swift water rescue prepositioned in Long Beach. late December ’23 early January ’24 winter storms.
Cal OES engines prepositioned to respond the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. November 2024. Photo courtesy – Ventura County Fire Dept.
Cal OES engine prepositioned to respond the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. November 2024. Photo courtesy – Ventura County Fire Dept.