AB 609: Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development: report on new technologies.

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.