Issuu

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025

FDAC REPORT

2024 BOARD OF DIRE CTOR S

Eric Walder, President

Don Butz, 1st Vice President

Jeff Willis, 2nd Vice President

Richard Pearce, 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.

Eric G. Walder, EFO Waterloo Morada Fire Protection District, President FDAC

Looking Back & Moving Forward

As we move into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made together at the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) over the past two years. This will be my final President’s Message, as my term concludes at our Annual Conference in beautiful Napa, April 1st–4th, 2025. However, I am not going anywhere—I will continue to serve FDAC as Past President for the next two years, supporting the association’s ongoing growth and success.

The start of 2025 was marked by devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, particularly the Eaton and Palisades incidents, which required an unprecedented level of response. FDAC is incredibly proud of our member districts and their personnel for their extraordinary efforts in battling these fires and protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure. The response by Fire District personnel was a testament to their training, resilience, and unwavering dedication to public safety. The 2024 wildfire season was also one of the most extreme in recent memory, further testing the limits of California’s fire service. Fire District personnel played a pivotal role in protecting communities across the state, deploying in record numbers to large-scale incidents. These back-toback fire events highlight the increasing demands placed on Fire Districts and underscore the importance of securing the resources and support our agencies need.

FDAC has remained a strong advocate for Fire Districts, ensuring that legislation affecting our agencies is carefully reviewed and acted upon. Through our Joint Legislative Task Force, in partnership with CalChiefs, we have successfully advanced key legislative priorities with the dedicated support of our FDAC Board Members, FDAC Task Force Members, Public Policy Advocates, and Association Managers at Smith Moore and Associates. This past year, FDAC has focused on advancing the FDAC Funding White Paper, and we are proud to have gained support from several of our partner associations. We are currently delivering the paper to State Leadership, with the goal of moving this initiative toward a positive resolution for all Fire Districts. This effort is a crucial step in ensuring long-term, sustainable funding for our agencies.

FDAC’s partnership with CalChiefs continues to grow, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to Past President Chief Mark Heine, whose leadership and collaboration were invaluable during my first year as FDAC President. I have also enjoyed working alongside CalChiefs President Chief Brian Fennessy, and I look forward to FDAC’s continued partnership under his leadership. While many challenges face the fire service today, strong collaboration between fire service associations is essential to ensuring our collective voice is heard. FDAC remains committed to working alongside our fire service partners to tackle issues that directly impact Fire Districts and emergency response efforts across the state.

One of the most exciting developments this year is the enhancement of FDAC’s Annual Conference, which will now incorporate the FDAC Leadership Symposium. This change reflects FDAC’s commitment to providing top-tier education and professional development for both current and future Fire District leaders. The 2025 FDAC Annual Conference & Leadership Symposium, taking place April 1st–4th in Napa, will bring together Fire District Board Members, Chiefs, and aspiring leaders for a comprehensive leadership and governance experience. By merging these two flagship events, we are creating an unparalleled opportunity for networking, mentorship, and education—all tailored to the unique needs of California’s Fire Districts. FDAC’s Education Committee, guided by Retired Fire Chief and Past FDAC President Steve Hall, has played a critical role in shaping this expanded program. We are dedicated to ensuring that Fire District leaders at all levels have access to the knowledge, training, and leadership development they need to effectively guide their agencies in an ever-evolving fire service landscape.

As my term as President ends, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to FDAC’s Board of Directors, Legislative Task Force Members, Education Committee, and our management partners at Smith Moore and Associates. Your dedication and commitment have made FDAC stronger, more effective, and more impactful than ever before. While this is my last message as President, I am excited to remain involved as Past President, continuing to support FDAC and its mission over the next two years. I have no doubt that FDAC will continue to grow, advocate, and strengthen the role of Fire Districts in California’s fire service.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the FDAC Annual Conference & Leadership Symposium in Napa, April 1st–4th, 2025, as we come together to shape the future of Fire District leadership.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has truly been an honor.

See you in Napa!

Eric G. Walder, EFO

Waterloo Morada Fire Protection District

President FDAC

2025 FDAC ANNUAL CONFERENCE &

LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM*

*Agenda is not final and is subject to change.

The Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 FDAC Annual Conference & Leadership Symposium, happening April 1-4, 2025, at the Napa Valley Marriott and Spa. This inaugural event combines the Annual Conference and Leadership Symposium, offering tailored sessions for all levels of fire service personnel. Whether you’re a chief, board member, or up-and-coming leader, this is your opportunity to find sessions relevant to your role and network with professionals across all ranks in the fire service.

LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM SESSIONS

FDAC is offering a full days program of up and coming fire agency leadership education on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, along with a Welcome Reception. These Leadership Symposium sessions are separate from the main event and can be attended on their own or in addition to the full conference.

PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS

FDAC will also offer two additional pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, along with a Welcome Reception. These pre-conference sessions are separate from the main event and can be attended in addition to the full conference.

HOTEL INFORMATION

We have secured a discounted rate at the Napa Valley Marriott and Spa, the host hotel for the conference.

Leadership Symposium –

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

8:00 am - 8:30 am

Welcome Breakfast

8:30 am - 9:45 am

Firefighter Detoxification Program

• Dr. Chris Holder, Wild Oak Medine

9:45 am - 10:00 am

Coffee Break

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Firefighter Recruitment Strategies:

Generation Z Perspectives on Fire Careers

• Chief Justin Matsushita, City of Santee FD

11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Professional Development Through Effective Leadership in Fire Districts

• Deputy Chief Brian Helmick, Conta Costa County FPD

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Set Up

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

They Don’t Teach This in Officer Class

• Battalion Chief Randolph Feltner, Naval District WA Fire

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Disciplining Safety and Non-Safety Employees: A Roadmap for Fire District Leaders

• Ruth Bond, AALRR

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Dessert Break

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Leadership Session

• Chief Steve Kovacs (ret.), Murphys FPD

• Chief Steve Hall (ret.), Central FPD

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Leadership in the Fire Service: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

• Chief Maurice, El Dorado Hills FD

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Exhibitor Welcome Reception

Pre-Conference –

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

1:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Ethics in the Public Sector – AB 1234 Compliant Training for Conflicts of Interest, the Political Reform Act & Form 700

• Jenica Maldonado, AALRR

• Sarah Lustig, AALRR

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm Break

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Preventing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation

• Joung H. Yim, LCW

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Exhibitor Welcome Reception

Conference Day 1–

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

8:30 am – 9:00 am

Welcome Breakfast Sponsored by LCW

9:00 am – 9:30 am

Opening Ceremonies and Welcome + FDAC Annual Membership Meeting and Elections

• President Eric Walder, Waterloo Morada FPD

• FRMS + FAIRA

9:30 am – 11:00 am

Opening Keynote: Beyond the Horizon

• Chief Jeff Johnson, WFCA

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

State Fire Officials & Cal OES Update

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Lunch with FDAC COA & White Paper Update Sponsored by BAER

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

The Five Step Fire Fiscal Sustainability Plan

• Matthew Slentz, CHW

• Tim Seufert, NBS

• Deputy Chief Brian Helmick, Conta Costa County FPD

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

PG&E Session TBD

• Speakers TBD

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Dessert Break

FDAC RELEASES WHITE PAPER ON FIRE DISTRICT FUNDING

Fighting Fire with Funding: The Urgent Need for Adequate Fire Service Resources in California FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 21, 2025

(Sacramento, California) The Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) released its white paper “Fighting Fire with Funding: The Urgent Need for Adequate Fire Service Resources in California” on Friday, February 21, 2025. The white paper outlines the critical funding shortfall that fire protection districts are facing as local government fire agencies try to keep up with the growing service demand. Local fire agencies are struggling to maintain staffing, equipment, and infrastructure with their current limited funding mechanisms.

“FDAC felt it was important to elevate the funding needs of local government fire agencies,” said Chief Eric Walder, FDAC President. “Investing in CalFire is essential, but it is equally critical to support the hundreds of local fire agencies that form the foundation of California’s emergency response.”

At any one time, it was estimated that up to 60% of personnel that were deployed to the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires came from local agencies. California, long

known for its world-class mutual aid system, is looking for ways to sustain and fund this collaborative model as demand skyrockets with the recent wildfires. Fire districts hold multiple essential roles. They protect their communities and provide essential mutual aid resources, including water rescues, urban search and rescue, and hazardous materials response teams.

FDAC and its collaborative partners, California Fire Chiefs Association and California Volunteer and Combination Chiefs Association, hope the white paper will generate dialogue to develop long-term, collaborative solutions that prioritize fire service readiness at every level.

“Local fire agencies provide all risk emergency response to their communities and support statewide mutual aid requests,” said Chief Walder. “California will not be prepared into the future without local fire agencies being staffed up and ready to respond.”

FDAC was founded in 1972 as the voice of California’s fire protection districts. California has approximately 350 districts throughout the state that provide fire protection, suppression, and emergency responses to local communities.

FIGHTING FIRE WITH FUNDING

The Urgent Need for Adequate Fire Service Resources in California

As California’s 2025 Legislative Session gets underway, the impacts of the previous year’s accomplishments and ongoing wildfire crises are shaping the state’s priorities. From securing critical resources for fire services to navigating immediate disaster recovery, the Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom have demonstrated their commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness.

The 2024 Legislative Session laid the foundation for many important policies aimed at strengthening fire services. Efforts included protecting emergency medical services’ quality assurance processes (AB 2225 - Rodriguez), addressing housing development fees to ensure proper funding for fire resources (SB 937 - Weiner), and collaborating on measures to extend housing entitlement periods (AB 2729 - Patterson) to ensure development projects do not hinder fire service funding. These efforts underscored the collaborative approach taken by lawmakers and stakeholders to enhance emergency response capabilities across the state.

Now, as 2025 begins, California’s attention has turned sharply toward addressing the immediate impacts of Southern California’s devastating wildfires. Governor Newsom, alongside legislative leaders, quickly enacted emergency measures (ABX1-4 – Gabriel) and SBX1-3 -- Wiener) to allocate $2.5 billion for recovery efforts, wildfire preparedness, and immediate response initiatives. Federal disaster aid has also been activated, ensuring a

coordinated approach to supporting affected communities.

Senate Leadership recently announced the bipartisan Fight for Firefighters Act to modernize California’s wildfire response. The Act transitions 3,000 seasonal CAL FIRE firefighters to permanent positions, ensuring year-round readiness. With an annual cost of $175-$200 million, it fully staffs CAL FIRE engines, vegetation management crews, and helicopter teams, while saving $8 million in unemployment costs. The Act emphasizes mental health support and proactive fire prevention measures, such as fire breaks and brush clearing, to address prolonged fire seasons and improve community safety. FDAC is preparing a letter and White Paper to advocate for strategic resource allocation, emphasizing the critical role of local fire departments in wildfire response and supporting the Act’s goals of boosting frontline readiness and community protection.

However, it is important to note that wildfire recovery costs and delayed tax collections for affected regions could have significant impacts on the small budget surplus previously projected by the Governor. The 2025-2026 Budget was developed before the recent fires, and ongoing expenses related to recovery may quickly erode that surplus.

The Governor’s proposed 2025-2026 Budget reflects cautious optimism. Improved revenue projections and the passage of Proposition 4

Audra Hartmann Public Policy Advocates, LLC

Julee Malinowski Ball Public Policy Advocates, LLC

Obed Franco Public Policy Advocates, LLC

(Climate Resilience Bond) provide financial stability, with key allocations focusing on wildfire prevention, forest health, and local fire prevention grants. This includes significant investments in reducing fuels, enhancing state-owned land resilience, and supporting home hardening programs to better prepare communities for future disasters.

Looking ahead, the upcoming bill introduction deadline on February 21 will be a critical point for the Task Force. With new legislation being introduced, the Task Force will be busy throughout March and April reviewing bill introductions and assessing organizational positions. Early legislative priorities already include bills such as AB 1 (Connolly; D-San Rafael) relative to wildfire mitigation regulations, AB 239 (Harabedian; D-Pasadena) regarding Los Angeles disaster housing task force, and AB 307 (Petrie-Norris; D-Irvine) relative to investment in fire camera mapping systems.

California’s fire services stand at a pivotal moment, bolstered by legislative achievements and continued investments. As lawmakers and stakeholders work together to address immediate challenges and build long-term resilience, the state remains committed to protecting its communities from both current and future fire threats.

1 Assembly Bill 2225 (Rodriguez); Chapter 329, Statutes of 2024; Signed by Governor Newsom on 09/20/2024.

2 Senate Bill 937 (Wiener); Chapter 290, Statutes of 2024; Signed by Governor Newsom on 09/19/2024.

3 Assembly Bill 2729 (Joe Patterson); Chapter 737, Statutes of 2024; Signed by Governor Newsom on 09/27/2024.

4 Assembly Bill 4-1st Extraordinary Session (Gabriel); Chapter 1, Statutes of 2025; Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom 01/23/2025.

5 Senate Bill 3-1st Extraordinary Session (Wiener); Chapter 2, Statutes of 2025; Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom 01/23/2025.

FDAC’s Certificate of Achievement (COA) program was developed to help educate district Board of Directors, Fire Chiefs, Chief Officers, Administrative Staff, and any other district personnel that want to enhance their knowledge surrounding the ins-and-outs of fire district management.

The COA program is focused on five areas:

Legal Mandates and Regulations, which provides an overview of laws, regulations, government codes, enabling legislation, and standards that impact fire districts in California.

Understanding Fire District Finance gives a high-level overview of the financial and budgeting roles and responsibilities of fire protection districts.

Board Organization, which defines Board of Director roles and responsibilities, relationships between the Board and the Fire Chief, board meeting dynamics, and interacting during crisis.

Fire District Planning discusses the need for planning, the various types of plans including strategic, master, community risk, and standards of cover plans, and what each planning process entails.

Trends, Issues, and Resources, provides an interactive process in discussing today’s trends related to fire districts, understanding public perceptions, the pros, and cons of various types of mergers, annexations, and consolidations, technology, and more.

The COA program is a two-day event, which can be offered during the week or on weekends to facilitate the needs of district staff and Board of Director’s schedules. If your fire district or county Fire Chief’s association is interested in hosting a Certificate of Achievement program, please contact FDAC staff for program costs and scheduling opportunities at staff@fdac.org

Fire Districts Association of California small agencies regarding this matter and most had the same concerns.

Jeffery A. Gilbert Fire Chief

Zone 2 Director

The Fire in Los Angeles has been a challenge for all. Northern California supported the movement of resources with great success and numbers. Many small combination and volunteer departments responded with personnel and apparatus. As we move into a wetter pattern many departments are shifting into dealing with flooding and water rescues.

With the Southern California responses the mutual aid system has been challenged mainly by an out dated resource ordering system. This has been the focal point of many meetings and conversations in the fire service. The FIRESCOPE Board just finished a two day meeting in Pasadena where we shared some of the needs and concerns of the fire service. I was able to contact many

1. Staffing for volunteer department

2. OSHA requirements for turnout gear

3. Sustainable funding for the future I believe many of these issues play right into what FDAC is doing for their members. Releasing the FDAC White Paper is going to be a big step in getting our voice out to the State Legislature.

As we move through this year we must stay focused and strive to do better for our members.

Don Butz Fire Chief San Diego County Lakeside Fire Protection District

The recent events in Los Angeles County have left us mourning the tragic loss of life, homes, memories, and dreams of the families impacted. Wildfires continue to be a growing concern, and their increasing frequency and intensity demand a proactive and balanced approach to mitigation.

For more than a decade, fire officials have recognized that there is no longer a defined fire season; instead, wildfires have become a year-round threat. Even during winter months, Los Angeles County has experienced some of the most destructive wildfires in California history. The reality is that California and other western states have seen a continuous rise in record-breaking fires since the 1980s. Several factors contribute to this trend, including climate change, insufficient land management, construction in fire-prone areas, and a lack of adequate firefighting resources. While these factors are complex and interrelated, this report will focus on the critical role of land management in wildfire mitigation.

Understanding the Fire Triangle and Land Management

Many of us learned about the Fire Triangle in our youth. For those unfamiliar, the Fire Triangle illustrates the three elements necessary for most fires to ignite: heat, fuel, and an oxidizing agent (typically oxygen in the case of wildfires). Removing any one of these elements prevents a fire from sustaining itself. Regarding wildfires, the only element we can effectively manage is fuel reduction, highlighting the importance of land management in wildfire mitigation.

Historically, natural and human activities helped regulate vegetation. A century ago, fuel sources were reduced through grazing by livestock and wildlife, timber harvesting, urban expansion, and naturally occurring wildfires caused by lightning strikes. These fires would often self-extinguish upon

encountering natural barriers such as rivers, lakes, rock outcroppings, and previously burned areas. This created a checkerboard of vegetation density, helping to prevent largescale, high-intensity wildfires. However, as fire suppression became standard practice to protect communities and resources, fuel accumulation in forests and open spaces reached hazardous levels, making wildfires more intense and destructive.

Additionally, indigenous fire management practices, which historically played a role in maintaining balanced ecosystems, were largely abandoned due to modern fire suppression policies. The result is an overgrown and overly dense landscape, prone to catastrophic wildfires and insect infestations that further weaken forest health. In many cases, dense vegetation obscures not only the forest itself but also homes and structures, increasing the risk of devastating fires.

Key Considerations for Wildfire Mitigation

• Structural Hardening: Implementing fire-resistant building features such as enclosed eaves, double-pane windows, and ember-resistant vents can help reduce home ignition risks.

• Evacuation Route Planning: Developing and maintaining clear, accessible evacuation routes ensures safer and more efficient evacuations during wildfire emergencies.

• Clearing Adjacent Wildfire Fuels: Removing overgrown vegetation and combustible materials near roads and evacuation corridors can prevent fires from obstructing escape routes and facilitate firefighter access. To address these challenges, we must recognize the following facts:

• Forest thinning reduces wildfire risk.

• Fuel breaks where forested areas meet communities are effective in slowing fire spread.

• Creating defensible space around homes significantly improves fire resilience.

• Building homes in fire-prone areas increases wildfire risk and necessitates stringent mitigation measures.

• Santa Ana wind events, which create low humidity and strong, prolonged winds, are a predictable annual occurrence in Southern California and will continue to challenge fire suppression efforts.

• Forest thinning projects are often delayed or obstructed by environmental regulations, funding shortages, and legal challenges.

• Fuel breaks can be controversial as they may alter the aesthetic appeal of communities.

• Some property owners resist defensible space requirements, despite their proven effectiveness.

• Sufficient firefighting resources are critical, yet often undervalued until disaster strikes.

A Balanced Approach to Fire Management

While land management is crucial, it must be part of a broader, multi-faceted strategy that includes:

• Prescribed Burns: Controlled burns are a proven method to reduce excessive fuel loads and restore ecological balance.

• Improved Building Codes: Homes in fire-prone areas should adhere to fire-resistant construction standards.

• Community Preparedness: Public education and stricter enforcement of defensible space requirements can significantly enhance fire resilience.

• Policy and Funding Reforms: Streamlining forest management approvals and increasing funding for mitigation efforts can help address bureaucratic delays.

• Integration of Traditional Knowledge: Incorporating indigenous fire management practices can complement modern approaches to land stewardship.

Conclusion

As we move forward, we must prioritize longterm wildfire resilience through sustainable land management, community preparedness, and policy reform. The responsibility to create better outcomes falls on all of us—individuals, communities, and governmental agencies alike. Future generations depend on our commitment to improving fire prevention and mitigation strategies. By taking decisive action now, we can reduce the devastation caused by wildfires and build a safer, more fireresilient future.

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.