CAL FIRE increased staffing to 11,436 positions since 2019 | The Locally Times
The agency added 5,607 positions over five years, increasing training capacity to 15 annual academies.
CAL FIRE increased its emergency response workforce to 11,436 positions, up from 5,829 in 2019. ## Training Capacity CAL FIRE expanded its training infrastructure from two centers in 2019 to four as of May 29, 2026, adding locations in Redding and Atwater. The agency scheduled 15 Company Officer Academies for 2026, compared to six in 2019. On May 29, 2026, 39 new Company Officers graduated from the Ione Training Center. Since 2019, 3,300 individuals have completed this training, which covers tactical command, personnel management, and all-risk emergency operations. ## Budget and Staffing Gaps The records do not specify the total annual budget allocation for the 11,436-position workforce. Additionally, the records do not state how many of these positions are currently filled or provide a regional distribution of staff across the state's fire units. ## Infrastructure Closures Caltrans District 3 scheduled a full closure of eastbound State Route 20 at the Interstate 80 junction in Nevada County from 6 a.m. Monday, June 1, to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3. This closure supports the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project, which rebuilds the I-80 freeway overpass at SR 20. Motorists traveling between Truckee and Grass Valley must use State Route 49 or State Route 174. Large trucks must use State Route 49. Additionally, the northbound Capital City Freeway in Sacramento is scheduled for closure from 11 p.m. Friday, May 29, to 3 a.m. Sunday, May 31, for a $239.5 million bridge deck overlay project. ## Key Questions **How much has the CAL FIRE workforce grown since 2019?** The agency grew from 5,829 positions in 2019 to 11,436 positions as of May 2026. **When will State Route 20 be closed for construction?** Eastbound State Route 20 at the Interstate 80 junction is scheduled for closure from 6 a.m. Monday, June 1, through 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3.