CAL FIRE Academy

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Academy is unique. No other training facility in the world offers such diversity in training. The Academy provides a virtually unparalleled spectrum of courses. Training is provided in fire protection, fire prevention, law enforcement, administration, resource management, and fire crew management.

The State of California, in recognition of its responsibility to protect the people, property, and natural resources of the state, established the CAL FIRE Academy at Ione in 1967. The current self-contained facility replaced two training centers previously maintained by CAL FIRE at Ramona in San Diego County, and Sutter Hill in Amador County.

Located on a 420 acre site in the rustic Sierra Nevada foothills 35 miles southeast of Sacramento, the Academy is the finest of its kind. Each year, over 2000 CAL FIRE personnel participate in an academic curriculum ranging from Basic Fire Control and Arson Investigation, to Leadership Development and Forest Practice Enforcement. In addition, students from fire protection and law enforcement agencies throughout California and the nation attend courses during the academic year.

From the outset this institution has provided innovative leadership in the areas of fire protection, law enforcement, and resource enhancement. The CAL FIRE Academy produces students uniquely qualified to carry out their mission through the skillful combination of educational theory and practical application.