Every year, California experiences a variety of disasters. As the state’s lead emergency management agency, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) responds to a variety of all-hazard incidents throughout the state, including wildfires.
As California recognizes Wildfire Preparedness Week May 4-10, it’s a reminder that we’re experiencing more frequent and intense natural disasters and it’s an important reminder for everyone to be prepared all year long.
Investing in Technology to Protect California Communities
Cal OES is leveraging new technology and investing in more personnel and equipment to keep Californians safe in advance of fire season.
The Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) provides California’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System with real-time incident information to help first responders on the ground. FIRIS aircraft have infrared and high-definition mapping capabilities to create photo and video products. This information helps ensure rapid response to emerging incidents and provides situational awareness for local, state, tribal and federal partners.
The Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center (WFTIIC) serves as a central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting, weather information and threat intelligence gathering, analysis and sharing. A multi-agency effort, the WFTIIC provides vital information to decision-makers to help respond to incidents quicker, keeping communities safer.
Cal OES continues to work with local, state, federal and tribal partners to enhance the state’s ability to prepare for and respond to future disasters and protect vulnerable communities.
California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System
Cal OES facilities the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System to deploy a fleet of more than 270 fire engines to more than 150 fire departments to rapidly respond to wildfires or any all-hazard event across the state.
The fire engines Cal OES deploys to local partners include:
- Type 1 engines are the largest in the Cal OES firefighting fleet and they’re mainly used for structure firefighting and defense. These engines can also be used for search and rescue but aren’t intended for off-road missions.
- Type III engines are mostly used for wildland fire response.
- Type VI engines, able to carry a 4-person crew, are the smallest of the fleet.
- Water tenders carry water to support firefighting operations.
Through the mutual aid system, each of these engines play an important part in saving lives and protecting property statewide.
Wildfire Preparedness Tips
We all have an important role to play when it comes to being prepared for emergencies of all types. It’s important to communicate with your family about what to do during an emergency.
- Sign up to get alerts at org/Alerts
- Make an emergency plan with family and neighbors
- Pack a go-bag with essential items for you, your family and your pets
- Learn several routes out of your neighborhood in case you need to evacuate
- Help friends and neighbors get ready
For more ways to get ready for wildfire season, visit ready.ca.gov