Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What is CAL FIRE's mailing address?
How do I contact a CAL FIRE facility?
What does it mean when CAL FIRE opens/closes fire season - changes preparedness levels?
Where can I get information about becoming a Seasonal Firefighter with CAL FIRE?
Can I get hiking, camping, hunting maps from CAL FIRE?
Can I book my campground reservation with CAL FIRE?
Where can I get a campfire permit? Is there a fee?
Where can I get tree seedlings?
Where can I find out about CAL FIRE equipment auctions?
Can I arrange for Smokey Bear to come to my child's school?
How do I get a copy of a CAL FIRE publication I am interested in ?
Where can I find out about Interstate or Highway conditions and/or closures?
Where can I get a Wood Cutting Permit?
How do I make a Public Records Act Request?
FAQ's relating to Environmental Issues and Documents
Where can I get copies of environmental documents currently available for public review?
How can I submit comments on CAL FIRE projects?
What is CAL FIRE's mailing address?
California Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionHow do I contact a CAL FIRE facility?
P.O. Box 944246,
Sacramento, California 94244-2460
CAL FIRE ContactsWhat does it mean when CAL FIRE opens/closes fire season - changes preparedness levels?
The declaration of fire season in California is actually a change in preparedness levels for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. CAL FIRE is year-round fire and emergency response Department. When weather patterns in an area of the state become warm and dry, and vegetation (fuels) are at a low moisture content point, Emergency response dispatch levels are typically increased, facilities are staffed 24 hours a day and additional firefighters are hired. CAL FIRE airtankers and air attack planes are deployed from their maintenance location in Sacramento to strategic positions around the state. Restrictions and suspensions of burn permits are also likely to take effect during fire season in areas where extreme fire conditions exist.Where can I get information about becoming a Seasonal Firefighter with CAL FIRE?
When cooling weather, rain and snow are sufficient to reduce the fire threat, CAL FIRE then reduces its preparedness levels by releasing additional firefighters, closing some stations, and repositioning aircraft.
Preparedness levels can change depending upon weather patterns any time throughout the year. Typically they begin to increase earliest and remain in effect the longest in the south state as the warm, dry weather patterns can last from May to January in that region.
See the fire season preparedness levels
Check the Career Opportunities section on this website, or directly contact the CAL FIRE unit you are interested in applying with, CAL FIRE Contacts.Can I get hiking, camping, hunting maps from CAL FIRE?
CAL FIRE does not carry these types of maps. Contact the appropriate agency California Department of Fish and Game, California Department of Parks and Recreation, US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or your local sporting/hunting goods stores.Can I book my campground reservation with CAL FIRE?
CAL FIRE does not have jurisdiction over campgrounds in California, however, camping is allowed on some of the CAL FIRE Demonstration State Forests (109K PDF). For camping information contact the California Department of Parks and Recreation, National Park Service, US Forest Service, or the individual campground you are interested in. For information concerning camping on a CAL FIRE Demonstration State Forest, contact the forest directly.Where can I get a campfire permit? Is there a fee?
You can get a campfire permit from any CAL FIRE facility, from the US Forest Service, and from the Bureau of Land Management . There is no fee for the permit, but you must go to one of these facilities to pick up and fill out the permit.Where can I get tree seedlings?
Bareroot and a limited number of container grown seedlings are once again available at the Magalia Reforestation Center in Butte County. A price list and order form can be found online at this web site under Resource Management and Forestry, State Nurseries. The nursery staff can be contacted at:Where can I find out about CAL FIRE equipment auctions?
Magalia Reforestation Center
6640 Steiffer Road
Magalia, CA 95954
(530) 872-6301
When CAL FIRE fire engines and other related equipment reaches replacement criteria it is removed from front line service. This equipment is a minimum of 15 years of age and is no longer considered cost effective for initial attack statewide wildland fire control.Can I arrange for Smokey Bear to come to my child's school?
It is in the best interest of the State of California to continue the use of obsolete CAL FIRE fire equipment in fire protection-related operations. This is accomplished through reutilization within State government, or by Fixed Price Sale to other government agencies. CAL FIRE's Mobile Equipment Facility in Davis, California holds fixed-price fire equipment sales once or twice per year. Fire agencies receive first preference in buying obsolete CAL FIRE fire equipment. For details, please contact CAL FIRE's Mobile Equipment office at (530) 757-2407.
The Department of General Services, Office of Fleet Administration's Auction Services auctions for all other CAL FIRE vehicles (excluding fire equipment). These auctions are open to the public and are "open bid" auctions. For information refer to the Office of Fleet Administration, 530-757-1063.
Contact your nearest CAL FIRE Unit for Smokey's availability. CAL FIRE ContactsHow do I get a copy of a CAL FIRE publication I am interested in ?
To inquire about CAL FIRE publications, contact the CAL FIRE Communications at (916) 653-5123.Where can I find out about Interstate and Highway conditions and/or closures?
CAL FIRE is not responsible for Interstate or Highway closures. For information on Interstate or Highway conditions or closures, contact Caltrans at (800) 427-7623. http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/Where can I get a Wood Cutting Permit?
For National Forest road closures, contact the individual National Forest.
Where can I get copies of environmental documents currently available for public review?Wood cutting permits are issued by the federal government for the National Forests in California. Contact the National Forest near you, or the Federal Information Phone Number (Pacific Southwest Region), (707) 562-USFS for information.
Limited wood cutting is allowed on some of CAL FIRE's Demonstration State Forests. Please contact one of the following for information:
JACKSON DEMONSTRATION
STATE FOREST
802 N. Main
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-5674
MOUNTAIN HOME DEMONSTRATION
STATE FOREST
P.O. Box 517
Springville, CA 93265
(209) 539-2321 (summer)
(209) 539-2855 (winter)
LATOUR DEMONSTRATION
STATE FOREST
1000 Cypress Avenue
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-2508
BOGGS MOUNTAIN DEMONSTRATION
STATE FOREST
P.O. Box 839
Cobb, CA 95426
(707) 928-4378
How can I submit comments on CAL FIRE projects?All CAL FIRE projects (non-THP) are noticed and environmental documents made available at: Public Notices
THP status is available at: http://www.fire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/resource_mgt_forestpractice_thpstatus.php
A: Non-THP related project comments may be submitted at: Link to Environmental Protection page. For THP related comments please refer to the following: http://www.fire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/downloads/CDFSROLE20057_05.pdf .