3540 Department of Forestry, Fire Protection
Major Program Changes
  • Helicopter Replacement-An increase of $12 million General Fund for CAL FIRE to begin a competitive procurement process to replace its existing fleet of helicopters. This funding will support the purchase of one helicopter in 2016-17 and enable CAL FIRE to develop a multi-year plan for purchasing additional helicopters over the next few years. CAL FIRE currently operates 12 Vietnam era military helicopters. These aging helicopters are becoming more costly to maintain and are not equipped with modern technology that enables night flying capabilities. Replacing the existing fleet with new helicopters will enhance CAL FIRE's initial attack effectiveness, improving its ability to contain wildfires quickly before they spread.

  • Professional Standards Program-An increase of $4 million ($3.6 million General Fund) and 14 positions for three years to establish a dedicated central unit responsible for implementing a comprehensive program addressing training and education of all employees, personnel investigations, and adverse actions. CAL FIRE will provide annual reporting to the Legislature on the progress and development of the program.

  • Emergency Drought Response-An increase of $84.9 million General Fund and $2.9 million State Responsibility Area Fund for CAL FIRE to continue firefighter surge capacity, retain seasonal firefighters beyond the budgeted fire season, and enhance aviation capabilities to suppress wildfires from summer through early winter 2016.

  • Emergency Drought Response-An increase of $11 million General Fund to assist in the removal and disposal of trees in high hazard areas and $10 million State Responsibility Area Fund for Fire Prevention Grants to address tree mortality and fire prevention activities.