California Professional Firefighters

California’s critical disaster response network could break down as a result of the state’s cash crisis, leaving millions at risk in the event of an earthquake or catastrophic wildfire. That’s the concern being expressed by first responders, in the wake of a sobering report in the San Diego Union Tribune. In a July 15 story the Union-Tribune reports local fire officials are considering whether to opt out of participating in the state’s mutual aid disaster response system.  

Sacramento County ROP fire tech students spent the last year learning what it takes to be a firefighter. Last week, they met for their final class, which gave their families and friends a chance to see the students in action. The CPF co-sponsored CFFJAC and the Sacramento County Office of Education work in cooperation to make this ROP fire tech class possible.

A Riverside man found guilty of touching off a 2006 blaze that killed five firefighters has received the death penalty. Raymond Oyler, 38, was convicted of multiple counts of murder for starting the 2006 Esperanza Fire. Five U.S. Forest Service firefighters died battling the deadly blaze.

Thanks to a strong push from California Professional Firefighters and technical support from the IAFF, a new standard has been adopted that will reduce first responders' risk of exposure to infectious disease.

Southern California fire officials have rolled out an updated fire preparation and evacuation plan to help citizens prepare for what's expected to be an exceptionally dangerous fire season. "Ready ... Set ... Go" emphasizes the need for homeowners in high-risk areas to make their homes fire safe and evacuate as early as possible. The new plan formalizes the fire service's unconditional rejection of the risky Australian model called "stay-and-defend".

The tough times we're all facing got tougher when voters rejected a package of budget-balancing ballot propositions. Their anger is understandable, but the voters’ judgment will have a profound impact on firefighters.

Firefighters are earning horn-tooting, sign-waving thanks from grateful Santa Barbara County residents for saving hundreds of homes in the sprawling Jesusita Fire. Area firefighters returned the complement, pointing to diligent advance preparation and early evacuation as critical to their success. More than 3,000 first responders have responded to the blaze, which has charred some 9,000 acres and is currently 80 percent contained.

When the going gets tough, the tough choose firefighting. Nearly 1,000 young men and women did, packing the 2009 Firefighter Recruitment Fairs at the Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT) Centers in Sacramento, Livermore and Orange. It was hosted by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC), which is co-sponsored by CPF.

California is looking for a few good women (and men) to serve on public safety's front lines. That's the message offered today by lawmakers and fire professionals as they renew efforts to build the next generation of first responders.

There have already been twice as many wildland fires in the first three months of 2009 as there had been during the same period in 2008. And that's the good news. According to two reports -- one federal and one state -- California and the rest of the nation should brace for another bad fire year in 2009, and that, down the road, the state could see fire losses average $2 billion a year.