FDAC Report - 2026 March

FDAC F I R E D I S T R I C T S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C A L I F O R N I A

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2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 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 PHOTOGRAPHY 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.

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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.

frmsrisk.org FDAC

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE M A E C H 2 0 2 6

Don Butz Fire Chief San Diego County Lakeside Fire Protection District, President FDAC

Working Together for Our Future

New Faces in Leadership

Hello FDAC Members,

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As your President, I am proud to share the hard work our Association has done since October. We are focused on making sure our fire districts have the money, legal support, and leadership they need to keep our communities safe.

Assistant Chief Jason Serrano from San Bernardino County as our new Zone 6 Director.

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Chief Brian Bernier as our new FDAC Treasurer.

Fighting Fire with Funding Our biggest project right now is called Fighting Fire with Funding. We know that many districts are struggling to pay for equipment and staff. We had an opportunity to meet with the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) in Sacramento. The goal of our meeting was to inform and educate the LAO about the unique challenges fire districts face. We also went there to seek their advice on the best direction for this initiative moving forward.

Their expert feedback will help us navigate the state budget process more effectively.

We also had opportunities to meet in late January and February with several state leaders, including Senator Cabaldon and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, to keep this momentum going.

A Major Win in Court We have some great news regarding a legal case in San Bernardino. A court recently decided that local governments have the right to choose the best entity to provide ambulance services based on “best value.”

This is a big win! It sets a “precedent,” which means it helps other fire districts across California stay in control of how they serve their residents.

Supporting New Laws

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We are also supporting a new bill called AB 35. This law would help move money from wildfire grants to local districts much faster.

Right now, there is too much red tape. We are working to cut through that so you can get the resources you need to fight fires before they start.

Our Board of Directors has seen some changes. Please join me in welcoming:

We thank Chief Tim Henry for his years of service as he moves into retirement. We are still looking for leaders for Zone 5 and one “At-Large” position. If you want to help lead our Association, now is a great time to step up!

Training and Learning Mark your calendars for our Annual Conference & Symposium from April 20-24, 2026. We have great speakers lined up for us and looking forwarding to see everyone at Seaside.

We are also excited about our new podcase about the Fighting Fire with Funding initiative to help informed members, state legislators, and the public. Chief Chris Tubbs is hosting three episodes that explain our funding challenges in a way that is easy for the public to understand.

Finally, I encourage your district to look into hosting a Certificate of Achievement (COA) training program. This program is a fantastic way to train your team right at home. It covers the essential every district needs to know, including: •

The Brown Act: Understanding public meeting laws.

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Budgeting: Managing your district’s money responsibly.

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Roles and Responsibilities: Defining the specific jobs of the Fire Chief versus the Board of Directors.

A Heartfelt Thank You I want to personally thank Chief Brian Helmick.

He has worked incredibly hard on our Fighting Fire with Funding report. This report explains our funding needs clearly and has given us a powerful tool to use when we talk to lawmakers.

We also want to honor our heroes. Please remember that nominations for the Medal of Valor are vopen until May 1. If someone in your district has shown extraordinary bravery, please nominate them.

Thank you for everything you do to protect California. We are stronger when we work together.

California Voters Signal Strong Support for Wildfire Prevention and Affordability Protections New statewide polling highlights overwhelming public support for wildfire risk reduction and utility affordability, reinforcing the urgency behind FDAC’s Fighting Fire With Funding initiative.

Recent polling released by Environmental Defense Fund Action reveals a clear and compelling message from California voters: wildfire prevention and affordability protections are top priorities. According to the survey of likely 2026 voters, 90% or more expressed concern about the rising cost of home insurance and electricity, two issues deeply connected to wildfire risk and community resilience.

Just as significant, 90% or more of voters indicated support for additional actions to prevent wildfires, require insurance discounts for homeowners and communities that take steps to reduce wildfire risk, prevent unfair utility rate increases, and protect groundwater supplies.

This level of consensus is rare in today’s political environment and underscores the importance of continued investment in wildfire prevention, mitigation, and emergency response. For fire districts, this data reinforces what local leaders see every day: communities want proactive solutions that protect lives, property, and financial stability.

Through our Fighting Fire With Funding grassroots initiative, FDAC continues to advocate for the resources fire districts need to reduce wildfire risk, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and help safeguard the communities they serve.

Source: Environmental Defense Fund Action, Global Strategy Group Poll, 2025

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Fire Districts Association of California H O N O R I N G C H I E F B R I A N H E L M I C K

FDAC President Chief Don Butz, Lakeside Fire Protection District, FDAC Immediate Past President Chief Eric Walder, Waterloo Morada Fire District, FDAC 1st Vice President Chief Geoff Belyea, American Canyon Fire Protection District and FDAC Deputy Director Carmen Berry attend the retirement party on January 31st in Brentwood, CA presenting Chief Helmick with a plaque honoring his contribution to FDAC.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND ADVOCACY

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fter a distinguished 30-year career in the fire service, Chief Brian Helmick retired on February 2, 2026, marking the end of an era of dedicated leadership, community service, and statewide advocacy for fire protection in California. His career reflects not only a deep commitment to the communities he served on the front lines but also to the broader fire service profession through volunteer leadership and policy work.

Chief Helmick first joined the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) Board of Directors in 2019, representing the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District where he served as Fire Chief. In this role, he quickly became a respected voice on the board known for his thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and steadfast advocacy for the needs of fire districts across the state. Even after East Contra Costa Fire’s annexation into the Contra Costa County 6

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Fire Protection District (ConFire), Helmick maintained his seat on the FDAC board, ensuring continuity and a strong representation of local fire service perspectives during a time of significant change.

Throughout his tenure with FDAC, Chief Helmick took on a number of leadership roles. He served as deputy director on the FDAC and CalChiefs Joint Legislative Task Force and was FDAC’s representative to the California Special Districts Association (CSDA). Additionally, he contributed as President of the Emergency Management Section of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) reflecting his broader influence on California’s fire service community and policy discussions.

One of Chief Helmick’s most noteworthy contributions to FDAC members was his leadership in drafting and advancing FDAC’s “Fighting Fire with Funding” white paper. This document, released to Governor Newsom and legislative leaders in 2025, highlights the urgent funding shortfalls faced by fire protection districts throughout

California and outlines the critical need for sustainable, modernized revenue mechanisms to support fire service readiness statewide. The white paper underscores the reality that local fire agencies are struggling to maintain staffing, equipment, training, and infrastructure even as service demands grow due to population expansion, wildfire risk, and increased emergency response expectations.

Helmick’s work on this initiative helped elevate the conversation around fire district funding in Sacramento and across the state, providing policymakers with data-driven insights and practical recommendations.

His efforts have strengthened FDAC’s advocacy capabilities and set a foundation for continued engagement on behalf of all California fire districts.

Beyond his professional achievements, colleagues consistently cite Chief Helmick’s commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement. He has championed the voices of local fire districts, always reminding stakeholders that effective leadership begins with service to firefighters, to residents, and to the communities that depend on them.

As Chief Helmick steps into retirement, FDAC and California’s fire service at large honor his decades of service, leadership, and heartfelt dedication to advancing the profession. His legacy will continue to shape policies, partnerships, and the future of fire protection across the state.

Thank you, Chief Brian Helmick, for your unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safer and stronger. Your impact will be felt for years to come.

FDAC

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Fire Districts Association of California L E G I S L A T I V E O U T L O O K

Julee Malinowski Ball Public Policy Advocates, LLC

Audra Hartmann Public Policy Advocates, LLC

Obed Franco Public Policy Advocates, LLC

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U P D A T E :

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alifornia has now entered the second year of the 2025–26 Legislative Session, which is also a statewide election year. Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) is beginning her first full year as Senate President pro Tempore, putting her leadership stamp on policy priorities and committee structures, while Governor Gavin Newsom has started the final year of his tenure. Given all that, the Governor has released his last proposed state budget, setting the stage for a fast-paced winter of hearings, negotiations, and positioning at the Capitol.

The Governor’s 2026–27 budget proposal continues to protect core wildfire and fire service operations even as the state navigates a projected deficit. One of the most significant structural moves is a continued shift of CAL FIRE’s operating costs from the General Fund to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), backstopped by the General Fund to guard against auction volatility. The proposal also maintains investments in wildfire workforce stabilization, including support for the 66-hour workweek and the transition of hand crews from seasonal to permanent status.

On the mitigation side, the budget leans more heavily on Proposition 4 climate bond dollars for forest health, vegetation management, and training infrastructure. At the same time, some earlier General Fund commitments to home hardening and vegetation work are proposed for reversion, with the Administration signaling an intent to rebuild them through bond-funded

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programs. For local fire districts, the message is clear: operations remain a priority, but mitigation funding is increasingly tied to climate revenues and bond implementation.

January and February have followed a familiar rhythm. Two-year bills either moved out of their house of origin or fell short, and attention quickly shifted to new bill introductions ahead of the February 20 deadline. At the same time, budget committees began dissecting the Governor’s proposal, probing the gap between the Administration’s more optimistic revenue outlook and the Legislative Analyst’s more cautious deficit projections. The subcommittee hearing schedule, where the real review takes place, will be out soon and reflect the cadence through the May Revise.

As new bills are introduced and legislators return from their caucus policy retreats, the major themes for 2026 will start to take shape. Those conversations will ultimately determine how much room there is for additional investments in wildfire prevention, local resilience, and public safety, and how existing commitments are implemented.

One structural change that could matter for years is the creation of a new Senate Emergency Management Committee, chaired

by Senator Henry Stern. By giving emergency management its own policy home, the Senate has signaled that wildfire, disaster preparedness, and response will have a more defined and visible place in the committee

process. For FDAC, this is an opportunity to deepen relationships with key legislators on issues that cut across fire, EMS, land use, and climate.

As the bill introduction deadline passes and policy and budget hearings ramp up, the rest of 2026 will largely be defined by how legislators, leadership, and the Administration sort through competing priorities in an election year. Much of the real work will happen in committee rooms and caucus discussions as bills are negotiated and amended.

FDAC will continue to monitor fire related legislation, as well as any major budget decisions that affect local fire districts, as measures move through the process this year, and will keep members updated as legislation advances.

FDAC

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Fire Districts Association of California Z O N E 6 R E P O R T

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reetings from Southern Zone 6. I am honored and excited for the opportunity to fill one of the FDAC Zone Director positions. I truly feel privileged to be engaged at this level of such an integral Association in the California fire service, and I aim to represent and communicate well with our zone’s fire districts.

Jason Serrano Assistant Chief San Bernardino County Fire Protection District

I currently serve as an Assistant Chief for the San Bernardino County FPD and oversee the fire/rescue operations, and emergency medical response in the San Bernardino Mountain region. This area of the Fire District encompasses the communities of Crestline, Twin Peaks, Lake Arrowhead, Green Valley Lake, Fawnskin, Angelus Oaks, and Forest Falls.

I began my career in public service in 1994 as a paid-call firefighter and private ambulance EMT in the Victorville/High Desert area. In 1997, I was hired by the San Bernardino City Fire Department, where I dedicated 20 years, and contributed to the fire service as a fire technology instructor at Victor Valley College for nearly 16 years as a registered state instructor.

After joining the San Bernardino County FPD in 2016, I took an active role in developing several operational training programs and formulating new policies - contributing to the organization across various capacities.

In 2019, I was selected by the Fire Chief to represent Fire Districts South on the FIRESCOPE Task Force with Cal-OES, eventually serving as the chair from July 2023 until January 2026. Currently, I hold a position on the IAFC Emergency Management Committee, continuing my dedication to improving the fire service in California and beyond through national collaboration.

Current Events Within the Zone

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Many of you may be aware of FDAC’s Letter of Support for the proposed CONFIRE Ambulance JPA in San Bernardino County and the advocacy for publication of the Appellate Court’s ruling. In December of 2025, the State Court of Appeals issued its ruling on the appeal of the Preliminary

Injunction in favor of the County of San Bernardino and CONFIRE. The Appellate Court ordered the superior court to reverse its order on the Preliminary Injunction. The ruling is a major milestone, as it affirms the County’s best value selection process, allowing the County to take into consideration the overall community impact and needs. The Court also determined that the opinion meets the standards for publication specified in California Rules of Court and issued an order certifying it for publication. The JPA is working closely with its legal team, the County, and ICEMA to evaluate next steps in anticipation of operationalizing the program’s implementation plan.

January of 2026 marked the one-year anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires.

As those affected still work through recovery, it is important that we reflect on the lives lost and the significant suffering our Southern California residents have experienced. It is also imperative that we continue to advocate for resilient communities and building standards such as the Zone 0 requirements.

Despite the Board of Forestry, CAL FIRE, and local jurisdictions conducting extensive public workshops, comment periods, and revisions, final adoption is still pending due to resistance from various stakeholders and communities throughout the State. All of us, as members of FDAC can appreciate and acknowledge the cultural resistance, aesthetic concerns, and legal complexities in enforcing uniform standards across rural and urban areas, along with concerns about costs and impacts on landscaping. However, FDAC still strongly supports the implementation of Zone 0 defensible space standards in Executive Order N-18-25. By eliminating combustible materials in this zone, we significantly reduce the risk of structure loss and improve civilian and firefighter safety. This proactive measure is proven to be one of the most effective strategies in protecting lives, property, and communities from catastrophic fire events.

Zone 0 is not just a regulation - it’s a lifesaving standard that reflects our commitment to resilience and public safety.

SAVE THE DATE!

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2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE & LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

APRIL 21 - 24, 2026 | SEASIDE, CA

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! The 2026 Annual Conference + Leadership Symposium will take place April 21–24, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, CA. Register now!

We encourage you to share this information with your department, district, and peers. Let’s make this year’s event one to remember!

REGISTER TODAY!

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SAVE THE DATE! S P E C I A L D I S T R I C T S

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YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SPECIAL DISTRICTS LEGISLATIVE DAYS With FDAC Serving as a Proud Partner April 7 and 8 | Hyatt Regency Sacramento

REGISTER HERE Don’t miss your chance to come together with local leaders from all types of special districts throughout the state to engage and advocate on behalf of the communities you serve.

FDAC is a partner of this legislative conference where Fire Protection Districts can work with our fellow special districts of all types on issues that matter to all of us as we take action on shared priorities, including: 

CEQA

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Revenue for Infrastructure

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Public Works Planning, Permitting, and Contracting

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Brown Act Open Meeting Requirements

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Artificial Intelligence and Automated Decision Systems

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Emergency Preparedness and Response

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Employment Practices and Workers’ Compensation

Register on or before March 6 for an Early Bird Discount!

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Certificate of Achievement in Fire District Leadership (COA) MARCH 20 & 21, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EACH DAY MENDOCINO COLLEGE| 1000 HENSLEY CREEK RD, UKIAH, CA 95482 | MEETING ROOM 4210 $300 MEMBERS / $450 NON-MEMBERS

FDAC offers a “mobile” training program specifically designed for fire protection district board members and professional fire leadership. Governing a fire protection district has similar aspects to other special districts but yet unique requirements which is why FDAC offers the Certificate of Achievement (COA) program.

REGISTER TODAY! The COA course of instruction is presented over two days and will include the following topics: • Legislations, Regulations and Code • Board Organization, Roles, Responsibilities and the Brown Act • Fire District Planning • Latest Trends, Issues, and Resources Each of these topics are presented through an interactive process by fire district professionals, well-versed in the understanding of what it takes to develop, manage, and maintain a successful organization.

VISIT WWW.FDAC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Fire Districts Association of California Z O N E 2 R E P O R T

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s the state continues through the winter season and prepares for the upcoming spring and summer, the recent rains have provided some relief to the drought conditions in Northern California. Hopefully, additional storms will help prolong the start of fire season.

Kyle Heggstrom Fire Chief Linda Fire Protection District

Zone 2 continues to face many of the same challenges as in previous years. Volunteer fire organizations continue to struggle with recruitment and retention. Combination departments face ongoing financial pressures in maintaining the level of service expected by their communities, and fully paid departments are experiencing similar constraints. As a result, we are seeing more mergers and consolidations out of necessity. While these mergers are often positive—reducing duplication of efforts and improving economies of scale—they also highlight the severity of the challenges facing the fire service.

Throughout Zone 2, Counties, Cities, and Special Districts are increasingly looking to local tax measures to relieve financial hardships. Although some of these measures have been successful, many have not.

California voters continue to be cautious about approving additional taxes or revenue solutions. Fire districts will need to continue evolving to operate effectively within these financial constraints.

The fire service has never been a stranger to change. Adaptability and flexibility are qualities we must continue to embrace.

Thinking creatively and seeking innovative solutions will help keep the California fire service strong. Supporting legislative advocacy and organizations such as the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) will remain imperative to our long-term success.

In conclusion, Zone 2 remains focused on the future and committed to working with local leaders to resolve complex challenges. The year 2026 brings both new opportunities and continued responsibility to serve our communities effectively.

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Fire Districts Association of California C A L L

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ould 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.

SUBMIT PHOTOS HERE

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