My name is Kim Zagaris and I am the retired State Fire Rescue Chief for the State of California’s Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
I held that position for 18 years as part of a 38-year career in California and a total of 48 years in the fire service.
Since retiring a little over seven years ago, I have been working with the Western Fire Chiefs Association as a Wildfire Policy and Technology Advisor.
Fire seasons have become significantly longer- scientists estimate they are about six weeks longer on average.
In California and much of the western United States, we now experience what is essentially a year-round fire season.
Population growth has been a major contributing factor in driving these changes in wildfire appearance.
California’s population has increased by nearly 20 million during my career and people continue to expand into areas that were traditionally wildland; grasslands, forests and even high desert regions.
Kim Zagaris
As a result, more people are living and recreating in these areas, increasing the likelihood of human-caused fires.
Climate change is also playing a major role.
We are seeing higher temperatures over longer periods.
At the same time, we have experienced cycles of prolonged drought followed by years of heavy rain and snow.
Those wetter years create more vegetation, which later becomes highly flammable fuel during dry periods.
One of the most important developments has been the implementation of pre-positioning resources.
Shortly before my retirement, we worked with the Governor and legislature to establish a program that allows us to pre-deploy crews, engines, aircraft and other resources ahead of predicted events.
Kim Zagaris
While it began as a wildfire-focused initiative, it is now used for other emergencies such as floods and snowstorms.
This approach has proven highly effective and has been adopted by other states and internationally.
Early detection has also advanced significantly.
In California, we use camera systems with artificial intelligence to detect smoke and fire, these are provided by ALERTCalifornia.
Additional technologies, including heat and smoke sensors, have further improved detection capabilities.
Satellite technology has become another critical tool.
Programs originally designed for missile detection are now being used to identify wildfires.
These systems have even been shared internationally, including with Canada during major wildfire events.
As beneficial as these advanced technologies are, I believe it is important to maintain backup systems.
While considered outdated by some, traditional fire lookout towers still provide value in case newer technologies fail.
Real-time situational awareness has improved through aircraft, satellites and integrated communication systems. We are also seeing faster and more direct public alert systems.
Applications like Watch Duty provide near real-time information, often faster than traditional government notification processes.
Planning is essential. Communities need more of it and they need to do it consistently.
Preparation should not focus solely on wildfires. Communities face a range of risks and planning efforts should address all of them in a balanced way.
Kim Zagaris
Building codes and land-use policies are critical.
California introduced updated building standards in 2008 and we have seen firsthand how homes built under those codes perform significantly better during wildfires compared to older structures.
Measures such as ember-resistant construction and proper material selection can make a substantial difference.
Fuel reduction and home hardening are also key. For example, even something as simple as a wooden fence attached to a home can allow fire to spread directly into the structure.
Public education on these risks is essential.
Incentives from the insurance industry could further encourage homeowners to take preventative measures.
Some government programs already provide funding for fuel reduction and home hardening, and expanding these efforts would be beneficial.
Education should begin early and continue across all age groups. It is also important to recognize that not all fire is harmful, some fires plays a natural and beneficial role in ecosystems.
Ultimately, we need a combination of better planning, smarter land use, long-term investment and stronger public awareness to improve wildfire preparedness.
Recruitment and retention have become increasingly challenging, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer people are entering the profession, despite it being an incredibly rewarding career.
Competitive pay and benefits are essential and agencies must also continue improving health and wellness programs, which have become a major focus in recent years.
Kim Zagaris
I believe that training has expanded significantly, recruit academies are longer and more competitive- overall they are producing better-prepared firefighters, although at a higher cost.
The job itself has also evolved. Firefighters are responsible for far more than fire suppression; they handle medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous materials incidents and more.
This requires a broader skill set and a combination of education, practical knowledge and adaptability.
Workplace culture and conditions are also changing.
There is greater recognition of the need to support a diverse workforce, including increasing the number of women in the fire service.
Some departments are more progressive than others in adapting facilities and policies to reflect this.
