California’s wildfire fight takes a new turn with cross-border partnership

California confirms entry into regional wildfire network

The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom has reported that California has joined the Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact.

According to the Governor’s office, the state becomes the newest member of a network of U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and territories committed to cross-border collaboration on wildfire suppression and prevention.

The NW Compact was created in 1998 to enable resource-sharing when local capacity is exceeded.

Existing members include Alberta, Yukon Territory, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Hawaii.

Nevada also joins the compact in 2025, bringing the membership to thirteen.

Governor Newsom comments on cooperation

Governor Gavin Newsom said: “While the Trump administration retreats from firefighting, California is proud to join forces with our northwestern neighbors to fight catastrophic wildfire.

“We’re all on the front lines of this worsening wildfire threat – and by joining our collective resources together, we will be even more effective in protecting our communities.”

The Governor’s office stated that climate change impacts, including hotter temperatures, shifting rainfall, and extreme wind events, have intensified wildfire risks across California.

It added that compact membership provides California with additional firefighting resources and expertise during large-scale incidents.

It also enables California firefighters to gain operational experience supporting other jurisdictions.

CAL FIRE perspective on partnership

Joe Tyler, Director and Fire Chief of CAL FIRE, said: “Wildfire is no longer a problem that stops at our borders and state lines.

“By joining the NW Compact, we’re building stronger connections, sharing knowledge, and ensuring that when fires threaten, we can respond faster and more effectively.”

The Governor’s office confirmed that experience gained by CAL FIRE personnel in other member regions will enhance readiness for major incidents within California.

It also said the arrangement creates opportunities for technology and expertise to be exchanged across borders.

Workforce expansion to meet wildfire challenges

The Office of Governor Newsom reported that CAL FIRE has increased its workforce by an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal positions each year over the past five years.

It said this recruitment level is almost double the intake recorded under the previous administration.

According to the Governor’s office, thousands more staff, including firefighters, natural resource professionals, and support personnel, will be hired in the coming years.

This expansion is designed to address growing demand for wildfire suppression and resilience work.

The office added that the workforce strategy forms part of a wider state programme to improve wildfire preparedness.

State investments in wildfire resilience

The Governor’s office said millions of dollars have been committed to community protection.

It confirmed that $135 million has been allocated to new and ongoing prevention projects.

It added that $72 million has been distributed to local projects across the state.

The office reported that since 2019, the Newsom administration and the legislature have invested more than $5 billion in wildfire and forest resilience.

It also noted that 90 vegetation management projects covering over 21,000 acres have been approved under the emergency proclamation issued in March 2025.

Federal cuts and state response

The Office of Governor Newsom highlighted that these measures contrast with recent federal actions.

It said the Trump administration has reduced U.S. Forest Service staffing by 10% overall and by 25% outside direct wildfire response.

It added that proposals to close the Pacific Regional Forest Service office and other regional offices could further affect national firefighting capacity.

The office stated that voluntary resignations within the federal agency have added to the pressure on national resources.

It reported that the state is prioritising its own measures to address long-term wildfire risk under hotter and drier conditions.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire and safety professionals, California’s entry into the NW Compact provides an example of how states can strengthen resource capacity through formal regional agreements.

The arrangement underlines the operational benefits of shared equipment, staff, and expertise during extreme wildfire events.

It also demonstrates how cross-border cooperation can provide training opportunities that build firefighter readiness at home.

The wider state investments in recruitment, prevention, and vegetation management show how local strategies can supplement national resource challenges.

California joins Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact to boost wildfire collaboration: Summary

California has joined the Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact.

The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom reported the announcement.

The compact enables members to share resources during large wildfires.

Current members include U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and territories.

Nevada also joins in 2025, raising membership to thirteen.

Governor Gavin Newsom said the move strengthens collective firefighting capacity.

CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler said it improves cross-border cooperation.

California firefighters will gain experience supporting other regions.

The Governor’s office confirmed climate change is intensifying fire risks.

The office reported workforce growth of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal hires each year.

It said further recruitment will continue in future years.

The Governor’s office confirmed $135 million has been allocated to prevention projects.

It said $72 million has been distributed to local projects.

The office reported $5 billion has been invested in wildfire resilience since 2019.

It said 90 vegetation management projects have been approved under a 2025 emergency proclamation.

The Governor’s office said federal cuts are affecting U.S. Forest Service capacity.

It reported that California is strengthening state measures to address long-term wildfire risk.