FIRE DISTRICTS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
FDAC REPORT
2025 BOARD OF DIRE CTOR S
Don Butz, President
Geoff Belyea, 1st Vice President
Kyle Heggstrom, 2nd Vice President
Tim Henry, Treasurer
FDAC STAFF
Catherine Smith, Executive Director
Carmen Berry, Deputy Executive Director
Melissa Feltz, Coordinator
Anton Cervantes , Assistant
Brett Moore, Legislative Assistant
Sam Brown, Graphic Designer
PHOTOGR A PHY
Pexels, Pixabay, Shutterstock and Unsplash
The purpose of this Association shall be: 1) to present a united position on fire protection issues; 2) to coordinate with other associations with similar views on fire protection, including legislation; 3) to provide advisory services and any other services deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors that may benefit member agencies; 4) to keep member agencies informed on laws relating to fire suppression, emergency medical and other related services provided by member agencies; 5) to take an active role in the legislative process affecting public agencies providing fire suppression, emergency medical and related services.
Thank you to all the authors in this issue for sharing with you their time and expertise. If you have an idea for a future article, please contact Carmen Berry at the FDAC office at cberry @fdac.org.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FDAC.
For more information on FDAC or this magazine, please contact the FDAC office at 916.231.2137 or visit the website at www.fdac.org
Fire Agencies Insurance Risk Authority
Susan Blankenburg, General Manager
1255 Battery Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, ca 94111
Office 415.536.4005 Toll Free 855.350-7617
Lowest Stable Premiums Available
Exclusively Fire & Emergency Service Agencies
Broadest Insurance Coverage Available
Risk Management Assistance
In 1987, one of the largest insurers of California Fire Districts informed the fire industry that they would not be renewing their insurance. FAIRA's first year of operation resulted in an immediate premium reduction of 30%, and that was just the start! Since then we’ve continued to see favorable outcomes for our members including a combined additional savings of over 10% in the past 7 years alone. Not only did we create a solution that guaranteed continuous coverage and reduced premiums, FAIRA is the largest and only multi-state Fire District pool in the United States and has saved millions of dollars.
Our members pay less in premium than they did in 1988 for exposures that have quadrupled. We provide our members with risk management and loss control services including contract review, live & online training and we provide insurance rates that lead the marketplace when it comes to coverage terms and pricing for Property, Vehicle & Liability coverage for Fire Districts and Emergency Service Agencies.
www.faira.org
Check out the new Fire Risk Management Services (FRMS) website at www.frmsrisk.org! The website is a great source of information related to FRMS, including available services, scheduled events, contact information, agendas and minutes, and more. The materials in the Member Portal require a login. A welcome email with log in information will be distributed to the contacts we have on file for each member districts.
Please contact Monica Quintana at monica.quintana@sedgwick.com for questions or comments about the FRMS website.
Don Butz Fire Chief San Diego County Lakeside Fire Protection District, President FDAC
Turning Advocacy into Action: Funding Fire Districts
Across California, our local fire districts are answering more calls than ever before — fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and everything in between. But while the demands keep growing, the funding to support our work hasn’t kept pace.
That’s why FDAC has launched the Advocacy Toolkit to help every fire district turn advocacy into action through the Fighting Fire with Funding initiative.
Why This Matters
Fires in California aren’t what they used to be. They’re larger, more frequent, and more expensive to fight. Our districts are being asked to do more with less, and that’s not sustainable. FDAC is leading a statewide effort to change that.
Earlier this year, we released Fighting Fire with Funding: The Urgent Need for Adequate Fire Service Resources in California. Since then, our team has been meeting with legislators and partners to share how funding shortfalls impact local fire agencies. Now, we need your help to keep the conversation going — in your communities, with your boards, and especially with your elected officials.
What’s Inside the Advocacy Toolkit
The new toolkit is designed to make advocacy simple, clear, and effective. It includes everything members need to reach out to lawmakers, explain the funding challenges, and share what stronger support would mean for local communities.
Talking Points
The Fighting Fire with Funding Talking Points outline key facts and messages you can use when speaking with legislators or the public. They describe how the growing demands on local fire districts — from EMS calls to wildfire response — are colliding with outdated funding systems that haven’t changed since the 1970s. They also remind us that our solution isn’t just more equipment — it’s long-
term, sustainable funding for people, training, and readiness.
“What
If” Scenarios
This section takes the message a step further. It asks simple but powerful questions: What if fire districts can’t meet growing demands? What if mutual aid fails? These “what if” examples paint a clear picture of what happens when local fire agencies are stretched too thin — slower response times, brownouts, and greater danger for the communities we serve.
Legislative Engagement Best Practices
For those ready to meet with their representatives, this guide is a must-read. It offers practical advice on how to tailor your message, share personal stories, and build respectful, lasting relationships with legislators. It also provides ethical guidelines for honest, professional advocacy that builds trust and credibility.
How You Can Help
Visit the FDAC Action Center to explore the full toolkit and take the next step. There you will find phone and email templates, social media posts, and newsletter examples ready to use. Whether you make one call or host a meeting, your voice makes a difference. This effort is about more than one bill or one budget cycle — it’s about shaping the future of local fire service in California.
Together, We Can Make It Happen
Securing long-term funding for fire districts won’t be easy, but it’s necessary. It will take all of us — chiefs, board members, and community leaders — speaking with one strong voice.
Let’s stand together, use the toolkit, and reach out to our legislators. With your help, we can ensure California’s fire districts have the funding, support, and stability needed to protect every community we serve. Together, we can turn advocacy into action.
Don Butz
Fire Chief, San Diego County, Lakeside Fire Protection District President FDAC
Rob Silano Director
Menlo Park Fire Protection District
On September 13, 2025, the Menlo Park Fire Protection District took delivery of 14 Qwake C-Thru Navigation Helmets mounted, hands free, thermal imaging cameras to include a heads-up display communication system for enhanced firefighter vision and navigation. The Fire District is waiting for the delivery of the entire completed order of forty-two units.
The Fire District approved the purchase in May 2021. Firefighters worked side by side with Qwake Technologies LLC since 2017 to coordinate the operational effectiveness of the device, to fine tune it, for firefighter use by the Fire District.
This device provided the fire district with hands-free thermal imaging, improved situational and spatial awareness during structural firefighting, rescue operations, and critical emergencies. This technology has now advanced and was developed enough to turn what were aspirations into operational realities with amazing significant benefits that will improve firefighter’s ability to save lives and property, along with a dramatic improvement to their overall safety, situational and spatial awareness, while conducting the most important and dangerous job tasking in the profession, interior firefighting.
Please review the current link to Qwake Technologies LLC.
https:/www.qwake.tech
Julee Malinowski Ball Public Policy Advocates, LLC
Hartmann Public Policy Advocates, LLC
Obed Franco Public Policy Advocates, LLC
With the 2025 Legislative Session now officially concluded, California’s fire service can look back on a productive and high-stakes year that yielded meaningful policy wins, sustained budget investments, and a continued push for structural reforms to support local fire districts. Over the course of the summer, FDAC remained actively engaged through budget deliberations, committee hearings, floor votes, and last-minute amendments to ensure that fire service priorities stayed front and center in both fiscal and policy discussions.
Budget Wins and Structural Reform Advocacy
Despite early projections of a $12 billion deficit, the final budget package protected wildfire prevention and fire service programs from major cuts. One of the most notable structural changes included the realignment of CAL FIRE’s $1.54 billion operating budget from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), a shift designed to insulate the agency from economic volatility. A General Fund backstop was included to safeguard operations in the event of GGRF auction shortfalls, and those funds will support CAL FIRE’s transition of seasonal firefighters to full-time status.
Proposition 4 Spending Plan
As part of the final budget package, the Legislature also approved the spending plan for Proposition 4, the $10 billion bond measure approved by voters in March. The
plan includes multiple funding categories that local fire districts may be eligible for, including:
• Wildfire prevention and defensible space
• Emergency operations centers
• Equipment and fleet upgrades
• Facility modernization
• Disaster preparedness
Agencies are now working to develop implementing guidelines with the goal of releasing applications this fall and distributing funds as quickly as possible. FDAC will continue tracking the development of these guidelines and advocating for streamlined access for special districts.
Other Major Investments Included:
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$1.6 billion in continued wildfire and forest resilience funding since 2022.
$31.5 million to modernize CAL FIRE’s training infrastructure.
$8.5 million in property tax backfill for fire-impacted school districts.
$1.6 billion in Prop. 35 funding for ground emergency medical transportation (GEMT).
Despite these positive developments, local fire districts were largely left out of direct funding allocations. FDAC’s Fighting Fire with Funding white paper, released earlier this year, helped
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elevate awareness of the severe structural underfunding local agencies face. The document was widely circulated among key policymakers, prompting continued conversations with legislative and administration officials. While no local-specific revenue enhancements were included in this year’s budget, FDAC made progress in highlighting the funding gap and laying groundwork for future proposals.
Signed Into Law: Fire Service Legislation
This article was prepared prior to the Governor’s bill signing deadline on October 13, 2025; as a result, additional measures may have been signed that are not reflected in the list below.
Several high-priority bills backed by FDAC and its partners have now been signed into law:
• AB 468 (Gabriel; D-Encino) – Looting
Strengthens penalties for burglary and theft committed in disaster or evacuation zones, expanding the definition of looting to include crimes like trespassing and theft from vehicles in areas under evacuation or rebuilding after a disaster. (FDAC Support)
• AB 645 (Carrillo; D-Palmdale) – 911 Dispatcher
Medical Instruction
Requires agencies that provide 911 services to implement or maintain prearrival medical instruction policies. (FDAC Support)
• AB 841 (Patel; D-San Diego) – State Fire Marshal: Personal Protective Equipment: Battery Fires
Requires the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with Cal/OSHA, to establish a working group to study and make recommendations on personal protective equipment for lithium-ion battery fires. The group will evaluate PPE materials, cleaning methods, decontamination practices, and safety technologies, and must submit its recommendations to the Legislature by September 1, 2026. (FDAC Support)
• SB 72 (Caballero; D-Merced) – Wildfire
Resilience and Land Use Planning
Strengthens coordination between land use planning and water supply strategies in fire-prone areas. (FDAC Support)
•
SB 345 (Hurtado; D-Bakersfield) - California Fire and Arson Training Act Fees
Authorizes the State Fire Marshal to collect fees for fire service training only when state appropriations fall short. (FDAC Sponsored)
• SB 394 (Allen; D-Santa Monica) – Water Theft from Fire Hydrants
Expands existing law to allow utilities to take civil action against unauthorized use of hydrants or meters and enables local water agencies to adopt ordinances and impose fines for illegal fire hydrant connections. (FDAC/ CFCA Support)
• SB 499 (Stern; D-Los Angeles) – Fee Collection for Utility and Emergency Services
Allows local agencies to collect utility connection fees at application and permits early collection of development fees for public safety improvements identified in local hazard mitigation or safety plans. (FDAC/CFCA Support)
• SB 571 (Archuleta; D-Pico Rivera) – Impersonating Emergency Personnel During Looting
Authorizes courts to consider impersonation of emergency personnel during looting as an aggravating factor in sentencing. (FDAC/CFCA Support)
• SB 707 (Durazo; D-Los Angeles) – Brown Act
Teleconferencing Expansion
Expands public access requirements for meetings, including special districts. Raises cost and operational concerns. (FDAC Oppose)
FDAC will continue to monitor implementation activity associated with these newly enacted laws and collaborate with partners to ensure local fire agency needs are accounted for.
Political Backdrop: Senate Leadership in Transition
Midway through the Session, the Senate experienced a notable leadership shake-up. While Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire entered the year with broad support, a shift within the Senate Democratic Caucus emerged during the summer. In response, McGuire announced he would step down, naming Senator Monique Limón as his successor. The transition was originally scheduled for early 2026, but mounting pressure from within the caucus led to an expedited
CONTINUED
timeline. Senator Limón is now set to assume the pro Tem role on November 17, 2025. This leadership change added complexity to end-of-session negotiations and is expected to shape the Senate’s budget and policy direction heading into the next legislative year. FDAC has already initiated outreach to the incoming leadership to ensure fire service priorities remain a focus.
Proposition 50: November Ballot Measure
A key statewide issue that will remain in the spotlight is Proposition 50, which appears on the November 4, 2025, Special Election ballot. The measure would redraw California’s congressional districts as a temporary adjustment to potentially increase Democratic representation in the U.S. House of Representatives—mirroring steps taken by Texas Republican leaders to bolster their party’s representation.
A “yes” vote on Proposition 50 would approve the creation of new congressional maps, to be used for elections from 2026 through 2030, reflecting these temporary adjustments.
A “no” vote would retain the current congressional maps drawn by the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, which will resume its work and authority in 2031 under the state’s regular redistricting cycle.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on this Session’s wins and setbacks, FDAC remains committed to building momentum for equitable funding, modernized infrastructure, and policy reforms that prioritize safety, readiness, and sustainability. The groundwork laid in 2025 — especially through the Fighting Fire with Funding campaign — will continue to shape advocacy efforts in the upcoming Session.
With Proposition 50 heading to voters in November and implementation work beginning on newly enacted laws, fire agencies will remain actively engaged throughout the fall. The Legislature is scheduled to reconvene for the 2026 Session on January 5, 2026.
2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
& LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
APRIL 21 - 24, 2026 | SEASIDE, CA
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The 2026 Annual Conference + Leadership Symposium will take place April 21–24, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, CA. Registration opening soon!
Have an idea for a session you want to see on the 2026 program? Submit your proposal here
We encourage you to share this information with your department, district, and peers. Let’s make this year’s event one to remember!
Waterloo Morada Fire District: Serving a Diverse and Evolving Community
The Waterloo Morada Rural County Fire Protection District, commonly known as the Waterloo Morada Fire District (WMFD), has been proudly serving the communities of Morada and Waterloo since its formation in 1947. Located in unincorporated San Joaquin County, our district borders the City of Stockton to the west and stretches eastward into predominately agricultural land, including expansive orchards and long-established homesteads.
WMFD is governed by the Fire Protection District Law of 1987, which empowers us to provide fire protection, rescue, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response, and other vital services essential to safeguarding lives and property. Today, WMFD operates two fire stations covering approximately 36 square miles and serving a population approaching 15,000 residents.
District Operations
Our daily staffing model reflects both the demands of our service area and our commitment to readiness. Each day, WMFD staffs one Battalion Chief and two fully equipped engine companies. Each engine is staffed with a Company Officer, a Driver/
Operator, and a Firefighter. These crews operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on a traditional 48/96 shift rotation across three shifts (A, B, and C).
Behind the scenes, a dedicated Administrative Assistant supports daily operations, while 22 full-time and 1 part-time fire investigator carry out the all-risk mission of the district. Governance is provided by a five-member elected Board of Directors, each serving four-year terms. Together, the Board sets policies and provides oversight, while the Fire Chief ensures their direction is implemented effectively.
A Diverse Service Area
The Waterloo Morada Fire District’s boundaries encompass a strikingly diverse mix of communities. On our western edge, industrial zones and urban neighborhoods transition directly from Stockton’s city limits. To the north and east, the bedroom community of Morada represents a wide socio-economic range of residential development. Beyond, the rural community of Waterloo and surrounding farmland define much of our remaining geography.
This diversity presents unique challenges. Industrial facilities, agricultural operations, and suburban housing developments each require tailored prevention, response, and education strategies. The absence of widespread municipal utility infrastructure in much of the district, coupled with the slower
Eric G. Walder Fire Chief
Waterloo Morada Fire District
pace of development, reinforces the importance of resourceful, community-oriented fire protection.
Community Support and Measure N
The continued success of WMFD would not be possible without the strong support of our community. In particular, the passage of Measure N has been instrumental in ensuring we can provide the staffing, equipment, and resources needed to maintain the level of service our residents expect and deserve. This dedicated revenue stream allows us to remain operationally strong while planning for the future.
We are deeply thankful to the citizens who have placed their trust in us through Measure N and through their ongoing support of the fire district. It is this partnership with our community that ensures WMFD can continue to deliver all-risk fire, rescue, and emergency medical services with professionalism and care.
Looking Ahead
While the service area itself may shrink over time due to annexations by the City of Stockton, our call volume is not expected to decrease proportionally. WMFD remains committed to adapting to these changes while maintaining a high standard of service. With growth projected to occur slowly in the unincorporated areas, we will continue to focus on maximizing operational efficiency, stewarding taxpayer dollars wisely, and strengthening regional partnerships.
At WMFD, we proudly stand by our motto: “Our Community, Our Priority.” This is more than just a phrase, it is a reflection of our values, our gratitude to those we serve, and our commitment to protecting lives and property today and in the years ahead.
Willie Sapeta Fire Chief Lake County Fire Protection District
Post-Fire Preparedness and Interagency Coordination Summary
Following the recent Eaton and Palisades Fires, questions have again been raised regarding the adequacy of water supply for fire suppression. Lake County is, unfortunately, no stranger to these challenges—our history includes the 2015 Valley Fire, 2016 Clayton Fire, and 2017 Sulphur Fire, each of which caused catastrophic damage to critical water infrastructure within their respective footprints.
In response to those past incidents, the Lake County Fire Protection District (LCFPD) established an interagency coordination network with local water providers. What began as a partnership between LCFPD, and four local agencies, has now grown to include forty water providers countywide, all focused on ensuring water availability for firefighting operations during major incidents.
Current Mitigation and Infrastructure Actions
Several mitigation strategies have been implemented, including:
• Installation of raw water hydrants and plumbed intake lines to support drafting operations.
• Establishment of four interties connecting the City of Clearlake and Lower Lake systems, collectively providing 10–12 million gallons of accessible water.
• Coordination with providers to maintain 80–90% tank capacity during fire season.
• Deployment of additional plant operators during Red Flag conditions.
• Ongoing project to purchase two to four fire-rated portable pumps to be strategically deployed during major incidents, reducing demand on domestic systems.
• Active participation and coordination in the newly established Lake County Water Association with standard governance, By Laws, an Emergency Response Handbook and Countywide Liaisons, and a schedule of quarterly training.
School District Coordination and Evacuation Planning
The LCFPD and the Konocti Unified School District (KUSD) have developed and implemented a Red Flag Evacuation Plan.
• During Red Flag warnings, two to four buses are staged at each school for rapid evacuation readiness.
• The KUSD Superintendent maintains direct communication with the Fire Chief and has access to the district’s active 911 account, ensuring real-time awareness of incidents that could impact school facilities.
• In the event of an evacuation, the Incident Commander (I.C.) coordinates with the Superintendent to identify and activate alternate school sites designated for safe refuge and student/guardian reunification.
EMT Education Partnership
LCFPD and KUSD are currently in their third year hosting an EMT training program integrated into the high school daily schedule. The Class of 2024 graduated eight students, of whom four have successfully obtained their National Registry certification, with two more scheduled for testing. LCFPD has since hired two graduates as Limited-Term EMT/ Attendants, demonstrating the program’s value in workforce development and community resilience.
Certificate of Achievement in Fire District Leadership (COA)
Interested in Hosting a COA Program in Your Area?
FDAC’s Certificate of Achievement (COA) program provides essential training for fire protection district board members and leaders. This mobile two-day program covers key topics to help fire districts thrive.
Course Topics:
• Legislation, Regulations, and Codes
• Board Organization, Roles, and Responsibilities
• Fire District Planning
• Latest Trends and Resources
Hosting Requirements:
• A space with proper AV equipment
• Minimum of 10 attendees at registration deadline
Why Host?
• Provide valuable leadership training for your fire district
• Network with industry professionals
• Strengthen your district’s governance
Ready to Host?
Contact us at staff@fdac.org today to schedule your COA program!
Would you like to see your Fire Districts photo in FDAC publications and marketing material? We are looking to share the face of California local government fire. If you have photos that you would like FDAC to consider, please upload them to the dropbox link below.
*FDAC reserves the right to choose photos as it seems fit, there is no guarantee that photos will be selected for use. This continuity has created a culture of community. As the community and State continue to change LFPD, as well as all special districts, we are all experiencing challenges in funding, growth, and providing the highest level of service possible.
