Australia and California hold joint meetings on fire and emergency planning

Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has reported that it led a delegation of senior fire and emergency officials from across Australia to California from 9 to 18 June 2025.

The delegation included Commissioners and Chief Officers from state and territory fire and emergency services, including representatives from South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

The purpose of the nine-day visit was to reaffirm cooperation between Australia and California on emergency management, following the large-scale wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year.

According to NEMA, the trip was organised in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was hosted by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

NEMA Deputy Coordinator-General for Emergency Management and Response, Joe Buffone, said: “This is an important opportunity to prepare ahead of the next Higher Risk Weather Season and I’d like to thank our Californian partners for sharing their experiences, so we can better inform our fire management and prevention strategies back home.”

Lessons shared on fire prevention and disaster readiness

NEMA stated that both parties shared detailed insights into recent wildfire responses and long-term emergency strategies.

Discussions included building code enforcement, readiness activities, and response protocols for major wildfires and urban conflagrations.

Topics also included the logistical and operational aspects of mass evacuations, as well as the use and limitations of aerial firefighting resources.

Specialist sessions focused on lithium-ion battery incidents and their contribution to fire spread and environmental pollution.

NEMA reported that environmental recovery strategies were also discussed, including post-disaster accommodation, hazardous materials clean-up, and reconstruction policies.

Visit renews commitment under climate-focused memorandum

The delegation visit was held in the context of the broader Australia-California Memorandum of Understanding on climate and clean energy.

NEMA explained that the trip served to operationalise the wildfire resilience elements of the MoU, enhancing cross-jurisdictional collaboration on shared fire threats.

The agency noted that previous exchanges have formed the basis of joint wildfire planning between Australia and California over the last decade.

Tanya Bennett, Consul-General in Los Angeles, said: “This visit is a show of solidarity to everyone – Australians and Americans – impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and renews our ongoing readiness to support each other during natural disasters.”

Californian emergency officials welcome partnership

During the visit, CAL FIRE and Cal OES facilitated site visits, briefings, and operational walkthroughs for the Australian delegation.

Nancy Ward, Director of Cal OES, said: “Australia and California have a long partnership built on mutual challenges and shared values. We are honoured to work alongside our Australian partners to support our communities against the threat of wildfires and other complex disasters.”

According to NEMA, the agencies discussed current resource constraints and evolving risks tied to climate-related fire behaviour.

CAL FIRE personnel shared recent learnings from January’s Los Angeles fires, including key response limitations and cross-agency coordination efforts.

Delegates reflect on outcomes for Australia’s fire season

NEMA said the timing of the visit was aligned with preparations for Australia’s next Higher Risk Weather Season.

It noted that insights from the Californian experience would inform planning, prevention, and operational readiness across jurisdictions in Australia.

The agency reported that post-visit debriefs would be held with participating state and territory services to translate lessons into policy and training.

It added that the visit strengthened existing professional relationships and provided a platform for continued knowledge exchange.

NEMA confirmed that further collaboration is expected in future fire seasons under the ongoing Australia-California MoU.

Australia and California reinforce fire and emergency collaboration: Summary

Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) led a nine-day visit to California from 9 to 18 June 2025.

The delegation included fire and emergency service leaders from multiple Australian states and territories.

The visit followed the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles.

Meetings were held with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

The purpose of the visit was to share best practices in fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

NEMA reported that topics included building codes, mass evacuation, aerial firefighting, lithium-ion battery risks and environmental recovery.

The visit also supported the existing Australia-California Memorandum of Understanding on climate and clean energy.

CAL FIRE and Cal OES provided briefings and site visits to Australian officials.

NEMA stated that learnings would inform planning for Australia’s next Higher Risk Weather Season.

The visit was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.