CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit

09/03/2026

🔥 Decoding Fire Talk
Fire departments work to communicate in plain language. During wildfire updates, you may still hear specialized terms used by firefighters, aircraft crews and partner agencies to communicate quickly and accurately.
What does “head of the fire” mean? What’s a “flank”? And does “forward progress stopped” mean the fire is out?
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common wildfire terms you may hear during an incident.

Track active wildfires at fire.ca.gov

09/03/2026

🍂🔥 FALL IS IN THE AIR — BUT FIRE DANGER IS STILL HERE.
Cooler mornings, changing leaves, and shorter days may feel like the end of summer, but California’s wildfire risk doesn’t disappear when the seasons change.
Some of California’s most catastrophic wildfires have started during the “BER” months — September, October, November, and December.
Dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong fall winds can create conditions for fires to ignite and spread rapidly.
As we head into fall, CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit reminds everyone to remain fire safe:
🔥 Follow all burn restrictions
⚡ Use caution with anything that can create a spark
🏕️ Fully extinguish campfires where permitted
🚗 Never drive or park on dry vegetation
🌬️ Stay alert to changing weather and fire conditions
Fall is in the air, but fire season isn’t over.
One Less Spark… One Less Wildfire.
CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit
Protecting California — Stronger Communities
www.fire.ca.gov
  FallFireSafety

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

🌧️ LIGHT RAIN DOESN’T END FIRE SEASON 🔥
A little rain is always welcome, but light rainfall is not enough to eliminate wildfire hazards.
Even after a light rain, vegetation and larger fuels can remain dry, and fire can still spread when warmer, drier, or windy conditions return.
CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit reminds everyone to:
🔥 Continue using caution with equipment that can create sparks
🔥 Follow all burn restrictions and fire-safety requirements
🔥 Properly extinguish campfires where they are permitted
🔥 Avoid parking or driving on dry vegetation
🔥 Stay alert to changing weather and fire conditions
Don’t let a little rain create a false sense of security. Wildfire risk remains.
Help us prevent the next wildfire.
CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit
🌲 Protecting California — Stronger Communities
www.fire.ca.gov (http://www.fire.ca.gov/)
 

08/31/2026

Your one stop for all your CAL FIRE career info.
JoinCALFIRE.com is your first step to a rewarding career at CAL FIRE.
Dive into career options, explore upcoming examinations, and book 1-on-1 recruitment meetings through this award-winning website.
CAL FIRE Careers

08/27/2026

Today, August 27, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the Bus Fire, an important and somber milestone in our fire aviation history. We pause to honor the memory of Tanker 87 pilot Larry Groff and Tanker 92 pilot Lars Stratte, whose airtankers collided over the incident that day. They made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of California.
Their loss was profound, yet it became the catalyst for critical advancements in fire aviation safety. Lessons learned from this tragedy directly contributed to the development of today’s modern fire traffic area (FTA) dimensions and communication protocols. These policies and procedures continue to safeguard our air and ground crews. Their legacy lives on in these essential practices.
In recognition of this anniversary, the memorial near the incident site on Bus McGall Road has been restored to ensure it remains a place of reflection. We extend our sincere gratitude to Salt Creek Conservation Camp for crafting the new sign, and to the Ukiah Air Attack Base personnel for site preparation and installation—providing a fitting and lasting tribute to the bravery and dedication of these two pilots.
We remember them with honor and respect.

08/25/2026

🚨 Now Hiring: Cook Specialist I

📍 Location: Fort Bragg, CA
💼 Classification: Cook Specialist I
🆔 JC-529684
💰 Salary Range: $3,799.00 - $4,656.00 per Month
📆 Final Filing Date: 9/24/2026

This is a great opportunity to join CAL FIRE and contribute to supporting the department’s mission and day-to-day operations.

🔗 Apply here: https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=529684

If you’re interested, we encourage you to apply early.

Looking to make a difference? Join our strong and mighty workforce. We offer benefits and growth opportunities and impact the lives of millions of Californians.

08/24/2026

🚨🚨 IF YOU SEE SMOKE, FLY AWAY!
When you see wildfire smoke, CAL FIRE and partner aircraft are likely working that fire — dropping retardant, coordinating suppression, and saving lives. Entering that airspace puts everyone at risk.
Flying into active wildfire airspace is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) violation, and it could ground the aircraft protecting your communities. Do not risk a midair collision. Know the rules
before you fly. Protect the pilots protecting your state.
CAL FIRE Air Ops

08/21/2026

🔥WILLIAMS FIRE – FINAL UPDATE🔥
The Williams Fire remains estimated at 18.74 acres and is now 100% contained.
Fire personnel will continue patrolling the fire for the next several days, monitoring for hotspots and ensuring containment lines remain secure.