Existing law, the California Emergency Services Act, establishes, within the office of the Governor, the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), under the direction of the Director of Emergency Services for the purpose of mitigating the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies.

Existing law establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and establishes various programs for the prevention and reduction of wildfires. Existing law requires Cal OES and CAL FIRE to jointly establish and lead the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center, and sets forth the functions and duties of the center, including serving as the states integrated central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting.

Existing law, until January 1, 2029, also establishes the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within CAL FIRE under the direct control of the director of CAL FIRE. Under existing law, the office is responsible for studying, testing, and advising regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires throughout the state, as provided.

This bill would require the office to submit a report, as specified, to the Legislature, on or before July 1, 2025, that assesses the feasibility of CAL FIRE and Cal OES, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, as specified, technologies and whether any new technologies exist that might meet CAL FIRE standards of water and retardant delivery systems, as specified. The bill would also require the office to consider whether updates are appropriate to CAL FIRE and Cal OES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

Existing law, the California Emergency Services Act, establishes, within the office of the Governor, the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), under the direction of the Director of Emergency Services for the purpose of mitigating the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies.

Existing law establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and establishes various programs for the prevention and reduction of wildfires. Existing law requires Cal OES and CAL FIRE to jointly establish and lead the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center, and sets forth the functions and duties of the center, including serving as the states integrated central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting.

Existing law, until January 1, 2029, also establishes the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within CAL FIRE under the direct control of the director of CAL FIRE. Under existing law, the office is responsible for studying, testing, and advising regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires throughout the state, as provided.

This bill would require the office to submit a report, as specified, to the Legislature, on or before July 1, 2025, that assesses the feasibility of CAL FIRE and Cal OES, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, as specified, and whether any new technologies exist that might meet CAL FIRE standards of water and retardant delivery systems, as specified. The bill would also require the office to consider whether updates are appropriate to CAL FIRE and Cal OES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular Session

AB 609 (Papan) - Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development: report on new technologies

Bill Summary:

This bill would require the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies.

Fiscal Impact:

• CalFire estimates one-time costs of about $740,000 (General Fund) to develop, prepare, and submit the report.
• Minor and absorbable costs for the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to consult with CalFire on the report.

Background:

While wildland fires have always been present in the state, the number of days with extreme fire risk has more than doubled in the last 40 years. This is likely to continue to increase. One of the impacts of climate change in the state is an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. In forested regions, decades of fire suppression, historic logging practices and drought have produced unhealthy forests -- in some forests, the current tree density is up to an order of magnitude greater than the density a century ago. These conditions exacerbate the risk of an extreme wildfire developing when a fire occurs.

Catastrophic and devastating wildfires have occurred repeatedly in the state in recent years. Nine of the twenty largest and seven of the twenty most destructive wildland fires in state history occurred in 2020 and 2021 when almost 7 million total acres burned. The 2020 August Complex Fire in northern California – the largest fire in California’s modern history – burned over 1 million acres by itself, and the 2021 Dixie Fire was almost 1 million acres. Two wildland fires in recent years burned over the crest of the Sierras, which had not been previously observed. In the last several years from wildland fire, tens of thousands of structures – almost entirely homes – have been destroyed, insured losses incurred are in the billions of dollars, prime habitat has been destroyed or damaged, and, tragically, hundreds of lives have been lost. In addition, millions of Californians have been exposed to unhealthy air quality due to the wildfires. Improving the health and resiliency of the state’s wildlands and forests to wildland fire are important to protecting public and environmental health and safety.

Aviation resources are an important component of fire suppression. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) responds to thousands of wildland fires in the state annually and includes both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. CalFire has fourteen air tanker bases located throughout the state, ten “helitack” bases, and one combined CalFire/San Diego County Sheriff helitack base. Almost all of the state responsibility area, according to CalFire, can be reached by aircraft from one of these bases within 20 minutes. The goal of the aviation program is to keep 95% of fires to 10 acres or less by rapid response and deployment of fire suppression materials, including the release of fire retardant and water.

Effective wildland fire response involves the efforts of all levels of government and the private sector. The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) also plays an important role in wildland fire response and mitigation as the state’s emergency response organization. It has established programs to promote wildfire resiliency throughout the state as well as providing emergency response.

At the federal level, the National Interagency Fire Center has promulgated national standards for interagency coordination and cooperation for aviation programs among other wildland fire response programs. The National Interagency Aviation Committee facilities the development and implementation of interagency fire aviation standards, among other things. It is a program of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) which seeks to “enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.” The Interagency Airtanker Board evaluates airtankers against established performance criteria and recommends approval for use. The Interagency Airtanker Board promotes standardization and cooperation among NWCG member agencies and airtanker related industries in all aspects of aerial delivery systems utilization.

Proposed Law:

This bill would require CalFire to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies. Specifically, this bill would:

1. Require, on or before July 1, 2025, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within CalFire to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility of CalFire and Cal OES, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies.
2. Require the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to determine if any new technologies exist that might meet CalFire standards of water and retardant delivery systems, including retardant delivery standards for safety, airworthiness, coverage level, consistent delivery, delivery time, precision delivery, and ground firefighter safety.
3. Require, as part of this report, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to consider whether updates are appropriate to CalFire and CalOES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

Related Legislation:

SB 436 (Dodd, 2023) would have required CalOES to prepare a Wildfire Risk Baseline and Forecast, a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework, and a Wildfire Mitigation Scenarios Report on varying reporting schedules to address wildfire risk mitigation actions and provide for coordinated mitigation planning, among other things, as provided. This bill was held on the Suspense File in this committee.

SB 109 (Dodd, Chapter 239, Statutes of 2021) established the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within Cal FIRE, as well as the Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board to conduct research and testing on emerging technologies to prevent, predict, and fight wildfires, as provided.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Bill Dodd

Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: 609 Hearing Date: 7/11/2023

SUBJECT: Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development: report on new technologies

DIGEST: This bill requires the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development (Office) to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Office of Emergency Services (OES), within the office of the Governor, for the purposes of mitigating the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies.
2. Establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (Cal FIRE) and various programs for the prevention and reduction of wildfires.
3. Establishes the Office within Cal FIRE under the direct control of the director of Cal FIRE and makes the Office responsible for studying, testing, and advising regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires throughout the state, as specified.
4. Establishes the Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board (Board) to serve in an advisory capacity. The Board is required to meet at least four times per year to review, analyze, and assess the activities and progress of the Office, and to consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities regarding their interaction and responsiveness of the office.
5. Provides that any report required or requested by law to be submitted by a state or local agency to the Members of either house of the Legislature, shall, generally, instead be submitted as a printed copy to the Secretary of the Senate, as an electronic copy to the Chief Clerk of the Assembly, and as an electronic or printed copy to the Legislative Counsel.

This bill:

1. Requires the Office, on or before July 1, 2025, to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility of Cal FIRE and OES, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee (NIAC) and the International Airtanker Board (IAB), to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System, as appropriate, and whether any new technologies exist that might meet Cal FIRE standards of water and retardant delivery systems, including retardant delivery standards for safety, airworthiness, coverage level, consistent delivery, delivery time, precision delivery, and ground firefighter safety.
2. Requires the Office to consider, as part of the report, whether updates are appropriate to Cal FIRE and OES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “the climate crisis has now reached California’s doorstep. Years of consecutive record-breaking heat and severe drought have left our state barren, dry and vulnerable to extreme wildfires. In just the last three years, 24,000 wildfires have burned over 7 million acres and destroyed 11,000 buildings. But the problem is not just the unprecedented number of fires that are being ignited. It’s also the increasing danger that wildfires pose to humans, including the 36 people that have lost their lives since 2020. Not to mention the toxic ash and smoke that have crept into to every corner of California.”

Further, the author’s office notes that, “our current approach to wildfire suppression is simply too old and too slow. The current method for aerial firefighting dates back to 1971 and remains relatively unchanged. Put simply, our approach to wildfire suppression was built for a climate that no longer exists today. For instance, 18 of the 20 largest fires in state history were ignited after the year 2000. We are in a new era of devastating wildfires and to meet this moment we must pursue a new approach to suppressing fires and saving lives. Assembly Bill 609 will encourage Cal Fire to research innovative solutions, such as Containerized Aerial Firefighting Systems, that better help California face the threat of devastating wildfires. We must champion 21st solutions for 21st century problems.”

Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development. The Office was established as a permanent technology and research capability within Cal FIRE by SB 109 (Dodd, Chapter 239, Statutes of 2021). The Office helps develop advancements and taps innovation from the public and private sectors. The Office focuses on evaluating new and novel approaches to fighting wildfire. Public, private, and non-profit organizations and companies work closely with the Office to advance the application of technology to wildland firefighting. Guided by an advisory board, the Office also plays a unique role in providing recommendations to state and local agencies on what the best and most effective technologies are available to them in the ongoing battle against wildfires.

According to Office’s website, areas of focus include artificial intelligence (AI), last mile connectivity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI improves wildfire suppression by detecting fires early, predicting their occurrence, guiding firefighting efforts, and aiding in post-fire analysis and restoration. Last mile connectivity is crucial for effective wildland firefighting and enables real-time data collection and analysis, allowing first responders to communicate and coordinate their efforts. IoT technologies can play a critical role in wildland firefighting by improving situational awareness, enhancing firefighter safety, and optimizing resource management.

Interested parties with technology that they feel worthy of research are directed online to complete and submit a form. The form asks for information that may be useful and pertinent to the mission of Office. The office reviews every submission and assesses it for consideration in the current research and development plan for Cal FIRE and for inclusion in Office’s annual and quarterly reports to the Board. It is important for those interested in submitting requests to the Office to note that the online form is not suitable for marketing pre-existing products to Cal FIRE. Any promotional or sales-related content must follow the appropriate procurement procedures.

The Office carefully reviews and evaluates all submissions and may reach out to applicants for additional information, which may entail scheduling a meeting to further discuss the proposal. Due to a high volume of submissions, the Office asks to wait at least 12 weeks before inquiring about a submission. All Office findings will be published to the Board and will be publicly available on the Cal FIRE website. Existing law requires the Office to report the findings and recommendations of the Board to the Legislature no later than January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter.

New AI, Satellites, Tech and Aircraft. In June of this year, Governor Newsom announced that California has built up more tech, firefighters, and aircraft for wildfire than ever before. Included in the announcement, Governor Newsom highlighted the state’s investment in FireHawk night-capable helicopters which are faster and have a greater capacity to carry water. These helicopters allow Cal FIRE to conduct night flight operations and are outfitted with capabilities to carry 1,000 gallon external water tanks. The Governor announced that the state’s initial fleet of 12 is being expanded to 16.

Further, Cal FIRE has secured an additional 24 aircraft to bolster its firefighting aircraft fleet across California for the second year in a row as a result of over $72 million in funding provided by the Legislature. The investment has allowed Cal FIRE to secure 19 additional helicopters and five airplanes for a contractual period of 90-120 days to enhance statewide response efforts against wildfires. The additional fixed-wing aircraft include three large airtankers specifically designed to carry up to 4,000 gallons of retardant.

National Interagency Aviation Committee. The NIAC provides national leadership in wildland fire aviation. The NIAC facilitates the development and implementation of interagency fire aviation standards, procedures, and programs to enhance safety, effectiveness, and efficiency in all areas of aviation operations. The NIAC develops interagency guidance for fire aviation for adoption and use by the member agencies. The NIAC also provides interagency aviation guidance for law enforcement, search and rescue, and resource management aviation for the US Forest Service and Department of Interior.

International Airtanker Board. The IAB evaluates airtankers against established performance criteria and recommends approval for use. The IAB promotes standardization and cooperation among National Wildfire Coordinating Group member agencies and airtanker related industries in all aspects of aerial delivery systems utilization.

Container Aerial Fire Fighting Systems. This bill requires the Office, on or before July 1, 2025, to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility of Cal FIRE and OES working with the NIAC and the IAB to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System, as appropriate, and whether any new technologies exist that might meet the Cal FIRE standards of water and retardant delivery systems, including retardant delivery standards for safety, airworthiness, coverage level, consistent delivery, delivery time, precision delivery, and ground firefighter safety.

Although not defined in this bill, “Container Aerial Fire Fighting Systems” appear to be a family of products that are specialized systems designed to be deployed from an aircraft for combating wildfires. They consist of a container or tank that can be loaded onto an aircraft and a system for delivering water or fire retardant chemicals onto the fire. Generally, a container is typically made of a lightweight and durable material such as aluminum or composite materials. It is designed to fit securely inside the cargo bay of an aircraft, usually a large cargo plane or a modified firefighting aircraft.

The container is filled with water or fire retardant chemicals before being loaded onto the aircraft. The capacity of the container can vary depending on the specific system and aircraft used. It is unclear if such a system would be compatible with the current Cal FIRE fleet of aircraft.

While not well known, this technology is not new, and has been tested and studied – including in California – over the last decade or more. An article from 2010 on the website wildfiretoday.com discussed the system as an attempt to “reinvent air tankers by dropping 200-gallon plywood/plastic containers of retardant or water, each weighing about 2,000 pounds, from a normally-configured C-130.”

Further, the Yuma Sun described the delivery system at the time thusly:

After the aircraft drops the containers from an altitude of 500 feet, ground instrumentation tracks the first two payloads out of the aircraft as they descend, measuring the exact altitude at which water is released. Workers then take global positioning satellite measurements around the circumference of the impact area that will be used to make a grid map of the area the water impacted.

Concerns raised in 2010 included the safety of firefighters on the ground who would have to be moved far away from the drop zone in order to avoid being hit by what wildfiretoday.com described as “four-foot square plywood skid boards, the cardboard boxes, and the plastic containers – or a full 2,000-poind container that failed to disperse its load. Other issues include the debris left on the ground after a drop and the inability to vary coverage levels of retardant.”

Suggested Amendment. As currently drafted this bill requires the Office to submit a report to the Legislature on “innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System.” There is no definition of “Container Aerial Fire Fighting System” in this bill or existing statute and thus it is unclear exactly what technology this may be referring to.

Additionally, the Office has an established process for individuals, nonprofits, academics, and companies to submit their technologies for review. As drafted, this bill would seem to supersede the existing framework established by SB 109 (Dodd, Chapter 239, Statutes of 2021) and instead require the Office to study one particular product that would otherwise be subject to the normal review process. As such, the Committee may wish to consider amending the bill to remove the specific reference to this one product, and instead, require the Office to produce a report to look at “new aerial firefighting technologies” generally, while remaining product neutral.

(h) On or before July 1, 2025, the office shall submit a report to the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795, that assesses the feasibility of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Office of Emergency Services, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System, as appropriate, and whether any new technologies exist that might meet the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection standards of water and retardant delivery systems, including retardant delivery standards for safety, airworthiness, coverage level, consistent delivery, delivery time, precision delivery, and ground firefighter safety. As part of this report, the office shall consider whether updates are appropriate to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Office of Emergency Services procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

Prior/Related Legislation

SB 109 (Dodd, Chapter 239, Statutes of 2021) establishes the Office and the Board to study, test, and advise regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires throughout the state, through specified activities, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT:

Caylym Technologies International

OPPOSITION:

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: In support of the bill, Caylym Technologies International writes, “AB 609 would require the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development (Office) to submit a report to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2025, that assesses the feasibility of Cal Fire and Cal OES, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies. The report would also include a review as to whether any new technologies exist that may meet Cal Fire standards of water and retardant delivery systems, and specifically if any of these technologies are currently available within the state.”

DUAL REFERRAL: Senate Natural Resources and Water committee (11-0) & Senate Governmental Organization Committee

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER

Senator Dave Min, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: AB Hearing Date: June 27, 2023

Subject: Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development: report on new technologies

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

While wildland fires have always been present in the state, the number of days with extreme fire risk has more than doubled in the last 40 years. This is likely to continue to increase. One of the impacts of climate change in the state is an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. In forested regions, decades of fire suppression, historic logging practices and drought have produced unhealthy forests -- in some forests, the current tree density is up to an order of magnitude greater than the density a century ago. These conditions exacerbate the risk of an extreme wildfire developing when a fire occurs.

Catastrophic and devastating wildfires have occurred repeatedly in the state in recent years. Nine of the twenty largest and seven of the twenty most destructive wildland fires in state history occurred in 2020 and 2021 when almost 7 million total acres burned. The 2020 August Complex Fire in northern California – the largest fire in California’s modern history – burned over 1 million acres by itself, and the 2021 Dixie Fire was almost 1 million acres. Two wildland fires in recent years burned over the crest of the Sierras, which had not been previously observed. In the last several years from wildland fire, tens of thousands of structures – almost entirely homes – have been destroyed, insured losses incurred are in the billions of dollars, prime habitat has been destroyed or damaged, and, tragically, hundreds of lives have been lost. In addition, millions of Californians have been exposed to unhealthy air quality due to the wildfires. Improving the health and resiliency of the state’s wildlands and forests to wildland fire are important to protecting public and environmental health and safety.

Aviation resources are an important component of fire suppression. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) responds to thousands of wildland fires in the state annually and includes both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. CAL FIRE has fourteen air tanker bases located throughout the state, ten “helitack” bases, and one combined CAL FIRE/San Diego County Sheriff helitack base. Almost all of the state responsibility area, according to CAL FIRE, can be reached by aircraft from one of these bases within 20 minutes. The goal of the aviation program is to keep 95% of fires to 10 acres or less by rapid response and deployment of fire suppression materials, including the release of fire retardant and water.

Effective wildland fire response involves the efforts of all levels of government and the private sector. The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) also plays an important role in wildland fire response and mitigation as the state’s emergency response organization. It has established programs to promote wildfire resiliency throughout the state as well as providing emergency response.

At the federal level, the National Interagency Fire Center has promulgated national standards for interagency coordination and cooperation for aviation programs among other wildland fire response programs. The National Interagency Aviation Committee facilities the development and implementation of interagency fire aviation standards, among other things. It is a program of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) which seeks to “enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners.” The Interagency Airtanker Board evaluates airtankers against established performance criteria and recommends approval for use. The Interagency Airtanker Board promotes standardization and cooperation among NWCG member agencies and airtanker related industries in all aspects of aerial delivery systems utilization.

Existing law:

1. Establishes CAL FIRE within the California Natural Resources Agency, and establishes various programs for the prevention and suppression of wildfires at CAL FIRE, as provided. (Public Resources Code §701)
2. Establishes the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within CAL FIRE under the direct control of the director of CAL FIRE to study, test, and provide advice regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires within the state. (Government Code (GOV) §8586.8)
3. Provides the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development shall serve as the central organizing hub for the state government’s identification of emerging wildfire technologies. (GOV §8586.8)
4. Under the California Emergency Services Act, establishes Cal OES within the office of the Governor for the purpose of mitigating the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies. (GOV §8550)

PROPOSED LAW

This bill would require CAL FIRE to submit a legislative report that assesses new aerial firefighting technologies, as provided. Specifically, this bill would:

1. Require, on or before July 1, 2025, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within CAL FIRE to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility of CAL FIRE and Cal OES, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System, as specified.
2. Require the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to determine if any new technologies exist that might meet CAL FIRE standards of water and retardant delivery systems, including retardant delivery standards for safety, airworthiness, coverage level, consistent delivery, delivery time, precision delivery, and ground firefighter safety.
3. Require, as part of this report, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to consider whether updates are appropriate to CAL FIRE and CalOES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

According to the author, “The climate crisis has now reached California’s doorstep. Years of consecutive record-breaking heat and severe drought have left our state barren, dry and vulnerable to extreme wildfires. In just the last three years, 24,000 wildfires have burned over 7 million acres and destroyed 11,000 buildings. But the problem is not just the unprecedented number of fires that are being ignited. It’s also the increasing danger that wildfires pose to humans, including the 36 people that have lost their lives since 2020. Not to mention the toxic ash and smoke that have crept into every corner of California.”

“Our current approach to wildfire suppression is simply too old and too slow. The current method for aerial firefighting dates back to 1971 and remains relatively unchanged. Put simply, our approach to wildfire suppression was built for a climate that no longer exists today. For instance, 18 of the 20 largest fires in state history were ignited after the year 2000. We are in a new era of devastating wildfires and to meet this moment we must pursue a new approach to suppressing fires and saving lives.”

“Assembly Bill 609 will encourage Cal Fire to research innovative solutions, such as Containerized Aerial Firefighting Systems, that better help California face the threat of devastating wildfires. We must champion 21st solutions for 21st century problems.”

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION

None received

COMMENTS

Double referral. This bill received a referral to both this Committee and the Senate Governmental Organization Committee. Elements of the bill under the jurisdiction of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee will be discussed before that Committee, and are included here for context and completeness only.

Caylym Technologies. One of the business lines of the California-based supporter of this bill, Caylym Technologies, is a pallet-based fire retardant delivery system designed to be deployed from military aircraft in widespread use – such as the C-130 or similar – with rear-loading cargo doors. According to promotional materials available on Caylym’s website, the aircraft would require no modification.

Study bill. This bill would require a study to be completed, as provided.

Recent related legislation

SB 436 (Dodd, 2023) would have required CalOES to prepare a Wildfire Risk Baseline and Forecast, a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework, and a Wildfire Mitigation Scenarios Report on varying reporting schedules to address wildfire risk mitigation actions and provide for coordinated mitigation planning, among other things, as provided. (This bill was held on the suspense file in the Senate Appropriations Committee.)

SB 109 (Dodd, Chapter 239, Statutes of 2021) established the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within Cal FIRE, as well as the Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board to conduct research and testing on emerging technologies to prevent, predict, and fight wildfires, as provided.

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS: none

SUPPORT

Caylym Technologies International, LLC

OPPOSITION

None Received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 609

Author:(Papan)

As Introduced Ver:February 9, 2023

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Requires the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses and evaluates new aerial firefighting technologies, as specified.

Major Provisions

1. Requires, on or before July 1, 2025, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility of Cal FIRE and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System, as specified.
2. Requires the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to determine if any new technologies exist that might meet the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection standards of water and retardant delivery systems, including retardant delivery standards for safety, airworthiness, coverage level, consistent delivery, delivery time, precision delivery, and ground firefighter safety.
3. Requires, as part of this report, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to consider whether updates are appropriate to Cal FIRE and Cal OES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

COMMENTS

Equity Impact: According to the author's staff, "this bill would not indiscriminately affect any specific group or community in California." The Committee staff notes disasters have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable individuals and communities. Efforts to mitigate risks and hazards, such as wildfires, may make these individuals and communities more resilient.

Background: Wildfires are a severe and growing threat to lives, property, and infrastructure in California. The confluence of a changing climate, urbanization, and constraints on forest management has added urgency to the need to enhance our strategy to address this threat. The 2021 and 2022 Budget Acts committed $2.8 billion over four years to continue strengthening forest and wildfire resilience statewide to mitigate the ongoing impact of climate change on California's wildlands continues to drive critically dry fuel conditions and longer, more severe fire seasons. In Cal FIRE's 2020 Fire Siege Report, the Director states, "at the end of 2020, we closed the book on, arguably, the worst fire year ever experienced on the west coast, and specifically in California. Since 2015, the term "unprecedented" has been used year over year as conditions have worsened, and the operational reality of a changing climate sets in. In California, the 2020 Fire Siege claimed the lives of 28 civilians and three firefighters, destroyed 9,248 structures and consumed 4.2 million acres.

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group: As mentioned above, this bill would require Cal OES and Cal FIRE to collaborate the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's Interagency Airtanker Board. The National Wildfire Group provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. Members of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Intertribal Timber Council, National Association of State Foresters, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Fire Administration, Office of Wildland Fire and the National Weather Service.

The Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB): The IAB evaluates airtankers against established performance criteria and recommends approval for use. The IAB promotes standardization and cooperation among NWCG member agencies and airtanker related industries in all aspects of aerial delivery systems utilization.

Cal FIRE's Research and Development Program: The Cal FIRE Research and Development Program receives, reviews, and makes recommendations on proposals to improve the equipment and technologies used in preparation and planning, incident response, and command and control. Proposals may include ground, aerial, mobile, portable, or stationary equipment used by Cal FIRE. The Research and Development Program works collaboratively with other government and non-government organizations to foster the continued betterment of Cal FIRE's capabilities.

The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST): In February 2023, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released a report titled, "Modernizing Wildland Firefighting to Protect Our Firefighters" with five recommendations to identify opportunities for science and technology to make the job of wildland firefighting safer and more effective. The recommendations highlight immediate needs that can be addressed with existing technology as well as strategic, long-term investments in new science and technology to ensure that our firefighters do not have to face tomorrow's fires with yesterday's tools. The five recommendations are:

1. Given the vulnerabilities and shortfalls in wildland firefighter communications, connectivity, and technology interoperability, immediately assess, adapt, and field currently available technologies.
2. Reverse the current trend of rapidly growing wildfire suppression costs by establishing a joint-agency executive office that can accelerate enterprise-level development and deployment of new technologies that enhance situational awareness and initial attack capabilities.
3. Strengthen the full operational sequence of wildland firefighting— detection, alert, response, and suppression—by assessing existing technologies available within the federal arena, the private sector, and allied nations that could be integrated at each stage.
4. Accelerate improvement of predictive wildfire modeling tools by expanding research community access to archived satellite data from defense and other government sources.
5. Expand our nation's wildfire response capacity by encouraging development and field demonstration of prototype autonomous detection, assessment, and containment systems for wildland fire.

According to the Author

The climate crisis has now reached California's doorstep. Years of consecutive record-breaking heat and severe drought have left our state barren, dry and vulnerable to extreme wildfires. In just the last three years, 24,000 wildfires have burned over 7 million acres and destroyed 11,000 buildings. But the problem is not just the unprecedented number of fires that are being ignited. It's also the increasing danger that wildfires pose to humans, including the 36 people that have lost their lives since 2020. Not to mention the toxic ash and smoke that have crept into to every corner of California. Our current approach to wildfire suppression is simply too old and too slow. The current method for aerial firefighting dates back to 1971 and remains relatively unchanged. Put simply, our approach to wildfire suppression was built for a climate that no longer exists today. For instance, 18 of the 20 largest fires in state history were ignited after the year 2000. We are in a new era of devastating wildfires and to meet this moment we must pursue a new approach to suppressing fires and saving lives.

Arguments in Support

Caylym Technologies International, LLC, writes in support, "AB 609 would require the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development (Office) to submit a report to the Legislature on or before July 1, 2025, that assesses the feasibility of Cal Fire and Cal OES, working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies. The report would also include a review as to whether any new technologies exist that may meet Cal Fire standards of water and retardant delivery systems, and specifically if any of these technologies are currently available within the state."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, "Costs of an unknown, but potentially significant, amount to CAL FIRE to develop the specified report on new aerial firefighting technologies. In addition, since the primary purpose of this bill is to require CAL FIRE to study an issue and create a report, this bill is eligible for this committee's suspense file. Minor and absorbable costs to OES to consult with CAL FIRE on the report."

VOTES

ASM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: 7-0-0

YES: Rodriguez, Waldron, Aguiar-Curry, Alvarez, Calderon, Megan Dahle, Schiavo

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-1

YES: Holden, Megan Dahle, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Hart, Lowenthal, Mathis, Papan, Pellerin, Sanchez, Weber, Ortega

ABS, ABST OR NV: Robert Rivas

UPDATED

VERSION: February 9, 2023

CONSULTANT: Mike Dayton / E.M. / (916) 319-3802 FN: 0000605

Date of Hearing: May 3, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 609

Author:(Papan) – As Introduced Ver:February 9, 2023

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill requires, by July 1, 2025, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development (Office) within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to submit a report to the Legislature assessing the feasibility of CAL FIRE and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) new aerial firefighting technologies.

The report must be developed with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and International Airtanker Board to evaluate: 1) innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, as specified, and 2) whether any new technologies might exist to meet CAL FIRE water and retardant delivery systems standards, as specified.  The report must also consider whether updates to CAL FIRE and OES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California are appropriate.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Costs of an unknown, but potentially significant, amount to CAL FIRE to develop the specified report on new aerial firefighting technologies. In addition, since the primary purpose of this bill is to require CAL FIRE to study an issue and create a report, this bill is eligible for this committee’s suspense file.
2. Minor and absorbable costs to OES to consult with CAL FIRE on the report.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:  

The current method for aerial firefighting dates back to 1971 and remains relatively unchanged.  Put simply, our approach to wildfire suppression was built for a climate that no longer exists today.  For instance, 18 of the 20 largest fires in state history were ignited after the year 2000.  

The author states this bill encourages CAL FIRE “to research innovative solutions, such as Containerized Aerial Firefighting Systems, that better help California face the threat of devastating wildfires.”  This bill is supported by Caylym Technologies International, LLC (Caylym), a manufacturing company that produces barrier, water, and firefighting systems.

1. Containerized Aerial Firefighting Systems (CAFFs). CAFFs fight wildfires from the air by dropping water and retardant out of cargo planes, providing ground crews with dependable cover from the air. The technology can transform any aircraft with a rear ramp into a firefighting aircraft. For example, Caylym has a CAFF called the Guardian, which is an eight-ply, continuously wound corrugated container that holds 264 gallons of liquid. According to the Caylym’s website, “Using well established cargo delivery procedures, the Guardian allows formations of aircraft to attack wildfires safely, from higher altitudes, at lower cost.”
2. CAL FIRE Office. SB 109 (Dodd), Chapter 239, Statutes of 2021, established, until January 1, 2029, the Office to study, test, and advise on the procurement of emerging technologies and tools to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires throughout the state.  Existing law specifies the Office’s balanced, multimodal research and development program must include, but is not limited to, fire retardants and ground, aerial, mobile, portable, communication, predictive modeling, software, or stationary equipment.  The Office must consult with public, private, and nonprofit entities to identify such technologies and tools and make recommendations to state and local agencies for procurement.  

The Office is subject to review by a nine-member advisory board, which must meet at least four times per year to assess the Office’s progress, as well as interactions with and responsiveness to consulted entities.  The advisory board must submit, beginning January 1, 2024, an annual report of findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.  In addition to the Office’s and advisory board’s existing duties and reporting processes, this bill requires the Office to submit a separate report assessing the feasibility of CAL FIRE and OES to evaluate innovative new aerial firefighting technologies (including, but not limited to, CAFFS, as appropriate), whether any new technologies might meet CAL FIRE standards, and whether CAL FIRE and OES standards should be updated.

Analysis Prepared by: Irene Ho / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: March 13, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Freddie Rodriguez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 609 (

Author:Papan) – As Introduced Ver:February 9, 2023

SUBJECT: Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development: report on new technologies

SUMMARY: Requires the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses and evaluates new aerial firefighting technologies, as specified. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires, on or before July 1, 2025, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) to submit a report to the Legislature that assesses the feasibility of Cal FIRE and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), working with the National Interagency Aviation Committee and the International Airtanker Board, to conduct an evaluation of innovative new aerial firefighting technologies, including, but not limited to, the Container Aerial Fire Fighting System, as specified.
2. Requires the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to determine if any new technologies exist that might meet the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection standards of water and retardant delivery systems, including retardant delivery standards for safety, airworthiness, coverage level, consistent delivery, delivery time, precision delivery, and ground firefighter safety.
3. Requires, as part of this report, the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development to consider whether updates are appropriate to Cal FIRE and Cal OES procedures and deployment protocols to include innovative wildfire technologies currently available in California.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Under the California Emergency Services Act, establishes the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) within the office of the Governor for the purpose of mitigating the effects of natural, manmade, or war-caused emergencies. (Government Code 8550)
2. Establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) and establishes various programs for the prevention and reduction of wildfires. (Public Resources Code 701)
3. Requires Cal OES and Cal FIRE to jointly establish and lead the Wildfire Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center, and sets forth the functions and duties of the center, including serving as the state’s integrated central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting. (Government Code 8586.7)
4. Establishes the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within CAL FIRE under the direct control of the director of CAL FIRE to study, test, and advise regarding procurement of emerging technologies and tools in order to more effectively prevent and suppress wildfires within the state. (Government Code Section 8586.8)
5. Provides the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development shall serve as the central organizing hub for the state government’s identification of emerging wildfire technologies. (Government Code Section 8586.8)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS:

Purpose of the Bill: According to the author, “The climate crisis has now reached California’s doorstep. Years of consecutive record-breaking heat and severe drought have left our state barren, dry and vulnerable to extreme wildfires. In just the last three years, 24,000 wildfires have burned over 7 million acres and destroyed 11,000 buildings. But the problem is not just the unprecedented number of fires that are being ignited. It’s also the increasing danger that wildfires pose to humans, including the 36 people that have lost their lives since 2020. Not to mention the toxic ash and smoke that have crept into to every corner of California.”

The author adds, “Our current approach to wildfire suppression is simply too old and too slow. The current method for aerial firefighting dates back to 1971 and remains relatively unchanged. Put simply, our approach to wildfire suppression was built for a climate that no longer exists today. For instance, 18 of the 20 largest fires in state history were ignited after the year 2000. We are in a new era of devastating wildfires and to meet this moment we must pursue a new approach to suppressing fires and saving lives.”

“Assembly Bill 609 will encourage Cal FIRE to research innovative solutions, such as Containerized Aerial Firefighting Systems, that better help California face the threat of devastating wildfires. We must champion 21st solutions for 21st century problems,” the author concludes.

Equity Impact:

According to the author’s staff, “this bill would not indiscriminately affect any specific group or community in California.” The Committee staff notes disasters have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable individuals and communities. Efforts to mitigate risks and hazards, such as wildfires, may make these individuals and communities more resilient.

Background:

Wildfires are a severe and growing threat to lives, property, and infrastructure in California. The confluence of a changing climate, urbanization, and constraints on forest management has added urgency to the need to enhance our strategy to address this threat. The 2021 and 2022 Budget Acts committed $2.8 billion over four years to continue strengthening forest and wildfire resilience statewide to mitigate the ongoing impact of climate change on California’s wildlands continues to drive critically dry fuel conditions and longer, more severe fire seasons. In Cal FIRE’s 2020 Fire Siege Report, the Director states, “at the end of 2020, we closed the book on, arguably, the worst fire year ever experienced on the west coast, and specifically in California. Since 2015, the term “unprecedented” has been used year over year as conditions have worsened, and the operational reality of a changing climate sets in. In California, the 2020 Fire Siege claimed the lives of 28 civilians and three firefighters, destroyed 9,248 structures and consumed 4.2 million acres.

Mutual Aid System “Stretched to its limits” and impact on Initial Attack: According to Cal FIRE, “the mutual aid system in California was stretched to its limits as fires burned up and down the State in past years. Incident Commanders were forced to build plans based on scarcity of resources, and resource prioritization became a critical exercise to ensure the right resources were in the right places at the right time.

As the California Mutual Aid System hit the reaches of its capacity, the Emergency Management Assistance Compact was utilized to receive an influx of out-of-state resources. In some instances, initial attack resources were left on the line fighting the fires with no relief for 72 to 96 hours. According to Cal FIRE, “one of the greatest challenges faced by Incident Commanders was the scarcity of fire crews. Throughout the siege, the lack of crews became a significant operational liability.”

According to the author’s staff, “California needs to improve its wildfire response and management tactics in order to reduce devastation and prevent the loss of life. Containerized Aerial Firefighting Systems (CAFFS) are known to reduce response time, improve efficacy, and increase the number of capable aircrafts available. Assembly Bill 609 would direct CAL Fire to research management practices such as CAFFS, in hopes of improving the way that our state responds to wildfire threats.”

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group: As mentioned above, this bill would require Cal OES and Cal FIRE to collaborate the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s Interagency Airtanker Board. The National Wildfire Group provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners. Members of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Intertribal Timber Council, National Association of State Foresters, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Fire Administration, Office of Wildland Fire and the National Weather Service.

The Interagency Airtanker Board (IAB): The IAB evaluates airtankers against established performance criteria and recommends approval for use. The IAB promotes standardization and cooperation among NWCG member agencies and airtanker related industries in all aspects of aerial delivery systems utilization.

Cal FIRE’s Research and Development Program: The Cal FIRE Research and Development Program receives, reviews, and makes recommendations on proposals to improve the equipment and technologies used in preparation and planning, incident response, and command and control. Proposals may include ground, aerial, mobile, portable, or stationary equipment used by Cal FIRE. The Research and Development Program works collaboratively with other government and non-government organizations to foster the continued betterment of Cal FIRE’s capabilities.

The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST): In February 2023, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has released a report entitled, “Modernizing Wildland Firefighting to Protect Our Firefighters” with five recommendations to identify opportunities for science and technology to make the job of wildland firefighting safer and more effective. The recommendations highlight immediate needs that can be addressed with existing technology as well as strategic, long-term investments in new science and technology to ensure that our firefighters do not have to face tomorrow’s fires with yesterday’s tools. The five recommendations are:

1. Given the vulnerabilities and shortfalls in wildland firefighter communications, connectivity, and technology interoperability, immediately assess, adapt, and field currently available technologies.
2. Reverse the current trend of rapidly growing wildfire suppression costs by establishing a joint-agency executive office that can accelerate enterprise-level development and deployment of new technologies that enhance situational awareness and initial attack capabilities.
3. Strengthen the full operational sequence of wildland firefighting— detection, alert, response, and suppression—by assessing existing technologies available within the federal arena, the private sector, and allied nations that could be integrated at each stage.
4. Accelerate improvement of predictive wildfire modeling tools by expanding research community access to archived satellite data from defense and other government sources.
5. Expand our nation’s wildfire response capacity by encouraging development and field demonstration of prototype autonomous detection, assessment, and containment systems for wildland fire.

Related legislation: SB 436 (Dodd) of this Session. Requires the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, within the Natural Resources Agency, to prepare a Wildfire Risk Baseline and Forecast for the state and a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework sufficient to quantitatively evaluate wildfire risk mitigation actions, as specified. (Referred to the Senate Committees on Energy, Utilities and Communications and Natural Resources and Water)

Prior legislation: SB 209 (Dodd) of the 2019-2020 Session. Established a multi-agency California Wildfire Warning Center (CWWC) to monitor fire-weather and threat condition and to enhance fire-weather forecasting models. (Chapter 405, Statutes of 2019.)

SB 109 (Dodd) of the 2021-2022 Session. Established the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development within Cal FIRE, as well as the Wildfire Technology Research and Development Review Advisory Board to conduct research and testing on emerging technologies to prevent, predict, and fight wildfires, as specified. (Chapter 239, Statutes of 2021.)

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Caylym Technologies International, LLC

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Mike Dayton / E.M. / (916) 319-3802