CAL FIRE Administrative Units

Each unit operates within their local jurisdiction and strives to fulfill the department's mission whether it be responding to all-risk emergencies, participating in fire safety education and educating homeowners on how to keep their property fire safe. In addition, CAL FIRE provides funding to six 'Contract Counties' ( Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, Orange, Santa Barbara and Ventura) for fire protection services, including wages of suppression crews, lookouts, maintenance of fire fighting facilities, fire prevention assistants, pre-fire management positions, dispatch, special repairs, and administrative services.

The Department's budget also provides for infrastructure improvements, and expanded fire fighting needs when fires grow beyond initial attack. Contract Counties are responsible for providing initial response to fires on SRA. When a wildland fire escapes this initial attack, CAL FIRE responds with fire fighting resources to assist the county.