Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and a bipartisan group of California State Senators have introduced the Fight for Firefighters Act, a proposal to transition CalFire’s seasonal workforce into full-time positions.
The legislation, estimated to cost between $175 million and $185 million annually, seeks to improve wildfire response and prevention by ensuring that all CalFire crews and resources remain operational throughout the year.
McGuire stated: “Wildfires don’t take three months off. So the elite CalFire firefighting force that is our first and last defense in protecting lives and homes across the state should be year-round too.
“This investment will make communities more wildfire safe and greatly improve fire and emergency response in every corner of California.”
The Fight for Firefighters Act would phase out CalFire’s seasonal firefighter positions, converting approximately 3,000 personnel to full-time roles.
Additionally, the legislation calls for all 356 CalFire fire engines to be fully staffed and operational year-round.
The bill also includes provisions to maintain all 38 CalFire vegetation management crews throughout the year.
These teams create defensible space around communities, remove dead and hazardous trees, and establish fire breaks to mitigate wildfire spread.
CalFire helicopter bases would also be fully staffed under the proposed plan, ensuring that aerial resources are available at all times to assist in fire suppression and emergency response.
The bill highlights concerns regarding firefighter mental health and workplace stress, citing the impact of prolonged and severe wildfire seasons.
Firefighters have reported high levels of fatigue, injuries, and burnout.
Since 2019, over 57,000 calls have been made to the state’s mental health hotline by emergency personnel.
Tim Edwards, president of CalFire Local 2881, said: “What hasn’t changed is the commitment and bravery of our firefighters.
“When firefighters are on the job, that’s all they’re focused on. If it were up to them, they wouldn’t stop.
“But pushing our firefighters past the breaking point doesn’t do them, their families, or our communities any good.”
Senator Tim Grayson noted that firefighter suicide rates have been a growing concern, particularly in the wake of extreme fire events such as the 2017 Tubbs Fire.
He said: “In 2017, the year of the deadly Tubbs Fire, more firefighters died by suicide than on the front lines.
“This is an alarm bell, and the State Senate is answering the call by moving this critical bill forward.”
The legislation has gained bipartisan support, with lawmakers emphasizing the need for year-round firefighter staffing due to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires.
Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones stated: “From battling wildfires to responding to emergency calls, we owe the brave men and women of CalFire our highest debt of gratitude.
“We have much more work to do, but this bill is a critical first step to giving our firefighters the job stability and support they need and deserve.”
Senator Sasha Renée Pérez cited the recent Palisades and Eaton Fires as examples of the growing wildfire threat in California.
She said: “January has highlighted a new reality of climate change, one that demands we fully prepare for year-round, climate-driven disasters, making legislation for increased staffing levels essential.”
Senator Ben Allen added: “Firefighters are heroes but not machines who can work back-to-back 24- and 36-hour shifts; they need rest, medical attention, and relief.
“Pro Tem McGuire’s legislation will grow our ranks by 3,000 highly skilled, full-time firefighters, ready to go 24/7 and 365 days a year.”
The Fight for Firefighters Act, introduced by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire, aims to transition CalFire’s seasonal workforce into full-time positions.
The bill, which would cost an estimated $175 million to $185 million annually, seeks to ensure that all CalFire fire engines, vegetation management crews, and helicopter bases remain operational year-round.
The legislation addresses firefighter mental health concerns, citing rising burnout and stress from prolonged fire seasons.
Since 2019, over 57,000 calls have been made to the state’s mental health hotline.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the need for sustained wildfire response capabilities as climate conditions continue to intensify.
The proposal follows previous investments in CalFire, including the expansion of its workforce from 6,700 to 12,000 personnel over the past eight years, upgrades to fire engines, and the development of the world’s largest civil aerial firefighting fleet.
