Gavin Newsom announces CAL FIRE hiring campaign as National Guard firefighting capacity drops
Iain Hoey
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CAL FIRE launches new recruitment campaign in California
The Office of Gavin Newsom has announced a statewide recruitment campaign for CAL FIRE through the newly launched website JoinCALFIRE.com.
The announcement follows a reduction in California’s National Guard firefighting capacity after around 300 personnel were redeployed to armories in Los Angeles.
According to the Governor’s Office, this represents a three-quarter reduction in CalGuard’s available firefighting crews.
The Governor’s Office also linked this development to ongoing reductions in support from the U.S. Forest Service under the federal government.
The recruitment campaign aims to meet growing demand for firefighting and emergency services across the state.
Governor connects campaign to federal resource reductions
Gavin Newsom stated that the diversion of National Guard crews is affecting local emergency capabilities.
The Governor said: “With peak fire season just now getting underway, we can’t let our guard down. President Trump’s political stunt is now impacting our resources – with three-quarters of the National Guard’s firefighting crews diverted to Los Angeles armories.
“We’re ramping up our efforts to recruit for CAL FIRE to keep our communities safe – especially as the federal government makes conditions even more dangerous.”
The Governor’s Office added that the campaign supports long-term resilience planning and addresses increased wildfire and emergency response needs.
The state has committed to hiring thousands of additional personnel over the next four years, including firefighters, resource professionals, and support staff.
JoinCALFIRE.com will provide applicants with information on CAL FIRE’s job roles, including those in land use planning and IT.
CAL FIRE expands hiring to meet growing needs
CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler described the recruitment platform as a tool to build readiness capacity.
Joe Tyler said: “As our state faces unprecedented challenges, we are committed to building a team that not only meets but exceeds the demands of today’s emergencies.”
He added: “Whether you’re launching your professional journey or looking to make a transformative career change, JoinCALFIRE.com offers the tools and resources to take that first step.”
The department has added an average of 1,800 full-time and 600 seasonal roles annually over the past five years.
According to the Governor’s Office, this represents a near doubling of CAL FIRE’s recruitment rate compared to the previous administration.
The campaign launch is timed to coincide with the start of California’s peak wildfire season.
Wildfire mitigation projects accelerated across California
The Office of Gavin Newsom reported that the state has allocated $72 million for wildfire reduction projects.
It added that 13 new vegetation management projects covering nearly 7,000 acres have been approved for expedited processing.
The fast-tracking of these projects follows an emergency proclamation signed by the Governor in March 2025.
In April, the Governor announced that California’s second C-130 Hercules airtanker is operational.
According to the Governor’s Office, California now operates the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world.
It added that these initiatives form part of a broader strategy to adapt to increasingly dry and hot conditions.
State details progress on wildfire prevention since 2020
The Governor’s Office reported that California has invested more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience since 2020.
It said that a further $1.5 billion will be added through the 2024 Climate Bond.
More than 2,200 wildfire prevention and landscape health projects have been completed or are underway.
Between 2021 and 2023, the state and its partners treated approximately 1.9 million acres, including 730,000 acres last year.
The Interagency Treatment Dashboard, launched by the Governor’s Task Force in 2023, is used to share progress and inform response planning.
The state also noted that CAL FIRE inspects over 250,000 homes annually for defensible space compliance.
Technology and policy changes support community safety
The Governor’s Office said that California is using artificial intelligence tools to improve early fire detection.
CAL FIRE has also expanded the use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems in its operations.
The state’s approach includes measures to support local resilience, with over $450 million awarded since 2019 for prevention projects.
The Governor signed an executive order to reinforce community hardening and wildfire risk mitigation.
California fire safety standards remain among the strictest in the United States.
Gavin Newsom announces CAL FIRE hiring campaign as National Guard firefighting capacity drops: Summary
The Office of Gavin Newsom has launched a recruitment campaign for CAL FIRE through JoinCALFIRE.com.
The announcement follows the redeployment of 300 National Guard fire crews to armories in Los Angeles.
The Governor’s Office stated that this represents a 75 percent reduction in CalGuard’s firefighting capacity.
It also cited cuts to the U.S. Forest Service as a compounding factor.
CAL FIRE plans to hire thousands of new personnel over the next four years.
The department has nearly doubled its annual recruitment rate since the previous administration.
JoinCALFIRE.com provides information on roles in firefighting, land use, and IT.
Joe Tyler said the platform supports readiness and offers tools for new applicants.
In May, $72 million was allocated for wildfire prevention projects.
Thirteen vegetation projects have been approved for fast-tracking.
A second C-130 airtanker is now in service.
California operates the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet.
The state has treated 1.9 million acres since 2021.
A public dashboard tracks wildfire mitigation across agencies.
Over $2.5 billion has been invested in wildfire resilience since 2020.
An additional $1.5 billion will be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
AI tools and UAS technology are now used in CAL FIRE operations.