Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Fire Innovation Unit

The unit is intended to connect emerging tools with firefighters’ operational needs, from early detection and suppression to community risk reduction and landscape resilience. It operates upon legislative funding and sunsets January 1, 2033.

What the law does ​

• Creates the Fire Innovation Unit, comprising the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development, the Innovation, Outreach, and Coordination Program, and the Rapid Acquisition and Deployment Program.
• Authorizes testing, validation, testbeds, technical assistance, public technology information, and partnerships with governments, tribes, schools, nonprofits, researchers, utilities, and private companies.
• Authorizes grants and contracts for early-stage, mature, and dual-use technologies that support wildfire prevention, preparedness, mitigation, and response.
• Allows follow-on operational contracts without a new competitive solicitation when a vendor’s formally validated technology remains substantially similar to the piloted use.
• Requires annual reports beginning January 1, 2028, on technologies and projects, performance and cost-effectiveness, and leveraged partnerships and funding.

Who it affects ​

• CAL FIRE personnel, local fire agencies, and other fire agencies that may test, use, or provide feedback on wildfire technologies.
• Technology vendors, utilities, nonprofits, tribal governments, and research and educational institutions seeking to partner, test products, or receive awards.

Context ​

The law does not alter the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ authority over the Mutual Aid System.