CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced

08/31/2026

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

For Shereda Tate, it’s the connections she’s made, the opportunity to grow and having a workplace that supports her along the way.

As a Senior Personnel Specialist, Shereda supports employees through personnel services while building relationships with colleagues across CAL FIRE. She also values the resources available to her and the balance that allows her to make time for what matters outside of work.

08/29/2026

08/28/2026

Please join CAL FIRE Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit (MMU) in congratulating Edgar Sanchez-Chavez and Cameron Fuentes on their promotion to Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE)!

Division Chief Mark Pimentel joined our newest engineers to recognize this important milestone. Both FAEs completed 10 weeks of rigorous testing during their Firefighter and Company Officer training. Their dedication and hard work are a true reflection of the MMU standard, and we couldn't be prouder to see them step into this new leadership role. Welcome to the next chapter!

08/28/2026

Registration is OPEN for the 39th Annual Smokey Bear Run / Walk!
Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Bass Lake, California for one of our favorite community traditions!
Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/BassLake/SmokeyBearRun

Registration is OPEN for the 39th Annual Smokey Bear Run / Walk!

Join us Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Bass Lake, California for one of our favorite community traditions!

Choose from the 10K Run, 2-Mile Run or Walk, Kids Race, or join us virtually!

Enjoy a scenic course along Bass Lake, get your race T-shirt, and help support our local community. This year’s event proceeds will go right back into our community!

Whether you’re a runner, walker, or bringing the kids out for some fun, there’s a place for you at the Smokey Bear Run.

Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/BassLake/SmokeyBearRun

08/27/2026

Dialing 911? Help responders help you.

Calling 911 is often the first step in an emergency. What you do next can help emergency responders get to you quickly and safely.

When you call, be ready to provide your location, explain what is happening and answer the dispatcher’s questions. Stay on the line and follow their instructions until help arrives.

A few simple steps can make a big difference when every second counts.

08/26/2026

🐾Sometimes the best support has four paws.

For National Dog Day, we’re highlighting some of the therapy dogs who have visited our personnel at incidents across California.

Wildfire response is demanding work, and taking care of the people behind the response is just as important as the work itself. These visits provide a moment to pause, reset and connect, helping support the mental health and overall well-being of our personnel during challenging assignments.

We’re grateful to the organizations and handlers who make these visits possible and to the dogs who show up ready to do what they do best.

08/23/2026

What happens when a wildfire outgrows a local response?

When a wildfire grows large or becomes more complex, the local agency in charge may request support from a CAL FIRE Incident Management Team (IMT).

The IMT steps in to take over the day-to-day management of the wildfire,
coordinating personnel, aircraft, equipment, safety, and logistics from the agencies working together on the incident. This helps ensure the response stays organized while also allowing the local agency to keep its resources available for other emergencies, fires, and medical calls in its area.

IMTs are made up of experienced firefighters and support staff who specialize in managing large, complex incidents and work together to keep the wildfire response coordinated, safe, and moving forward.

08/22/2026

Not every wildfire becomes a headline. In fact, most don’t.

Hundreds of wildfires can start across California in a single week, especially during critical fire weather. CAL FIRE and our partner agencies are constantly monitoring fire activity across the state and responding when fires are reported.

The fires you don’t hear about are often the ones we worked quickly to keep small.

08/22/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Chief Raymond Shull on his promotion to Battalion Chief of the Training Bureau! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Chief Shull's well-earned promotion within the Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit!

Chief Shull's fire service journey began in February 2006 as a volunteer firefighter with the Mariposa Public Utilities District. He joined CAL FIRE in July 2006 as a Firefighter I in MMU, serving at Hornitos, Catheys Valley, and Mariposa Fire Stations, with an additional assignment at Bass Lake Fire Station.

In 2013, he was promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer, working in the Schedule B program at Mariposa Headquarters and supporting the Merced County Schedule A contract. He also contributed to firefighter hiring and served as Unit Physical Fitness Coordinator.

In 2017, he was promoted to Fire Captain at Mt. Bullion Conservation Camp, leading Crew 4 before becoming Operations Captain in 2020, overseeing camp facilities and logistics.

Most recently, Chief Shull served as a Crew Captain at Pine Grove Conservation Camp in the Amador-El Dorado Unit.

A qualified crew strike team leader, certified C Faller, and active member of the MMU Saw Cadre and MMU/TCU C-219 Cadre, Chief Shull also holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Congratulations, Chief Shull, thank you for your two decades of dedicated service! 🚒🔥

08/22/2026

Please join CAL FIRE Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit (MMU) in congratulating Jeremiah Reagan, Steven Kay, and Aldo Alvarez on their promotion to Fire Apparatus Engineer (FAE)! Pictured with Unit Chief Chris Trindade, they have earned this milestone after completing 10 weeks of rigorous Firefighter and Company Officer training. Their dedication and hard work are a true reflection of the MMU standard, and we couldn't be prouder to see them step into this new leadership role. Welcome to the next chapter!