CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal

09/11/2026

25 years later, we remember.
On Patriot Day, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, as well as the families and communities forever changed by that day.
We remember the firefighters and emergency responders who ran toward danger to help others, many of whom never made it home. Their courage and sacrifice continue to shape the fire service and the way we answer the call.
We will never forget.

25 years later, we remember.

On Patriot Day, we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, as well as the families and communities forever changed by that day.

We remember the firefighters and emergency responders who ran toward danger to help others, many of whom never made it home. Their courage and sacrifice continue to shape the fire service and the way we answer the call.

We will never forget.

09/10/2026

Today at the 2026 The Continuing Challenge Hazardous Materials Conference in Sacramento, State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant had the privilege of presenting the James H. Meidl Instructor of the Year Award to LA City Fire Captain Robert “Bob” Dunivin.

Captain Dunivin brings more than 37 years of fire service experience, decades as a CSTI HazMat instructor, and is a long-time registered instructor with our State Fire Training Division. His leadership during major incidents, including the Palisades Fire, where he helped shape best practices for lithium-ion battery hazards, continues to strengthen California’s training and response capabilities.

We were also proud to have our OSFM team on site answering questions about State Fire Training programs and sharing information on our Pipeline Emergency Response Initiative.

09/09/2026

Recordings from this year’s Battery Energy Storage Systems Fire Safety Symposium are now live!

Catch the latest insights from fire service leaders, code officials, and industry experts on Battery Energy Storage System safety, now all in one place.

Watch all past events at:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPC2WHrhCAFs

View recordings of all past Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Safety Symposium events. View more information on BESS safety on our website at https://osf...

09/01/2026

Renewal Reminder: Licensing Season is Here!

It’s time to renew your Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems, Portable Fire Extinguisher Business & Technician, and Limited Applicator – Christmas Tree Flocking licenses.

Renewal Windows:
• Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems: September 1 – November 1
• Portable Fire Extinguisher Concern (Business) & Certificate of Registration (Technician): September 1 – November 1
• Limited Applicator – Christmas Tree Flocking: September 15 – October 31

Head over to calfire.govmotus.org to renew today!

Need application help?
• AES Licenses: [email protected]
• Fire Extinguisher Business/Technician: [email protected]
• Christmas Tree Flocking: [email protected]

08/31/2026

🔥 The August OSFM Newsletter is here! 🔥

This month, we’re spotlighting big updates across California—from national fire prevention leadership to lithium-ion battery safety, strengthened behavioral health support in incident operations, and important licensing renewal reminders.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay connected with the CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal.

https://conta.cc/3SFswLB

08/29/2026

Upcoming Live Webinar for Child-Care Center Safety! 🧸

Join CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal, the California Division of the State Architect, and the California Department of Social Services for a special live webinar focused on child-care centers.

Participants will gain valuable resources, practical guidance, and reference materials to help support ongoing safety in these important occupancies.

📅 When: September 30, 2026
🕒 Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Topics Include:
• Understanding Child Care Occupancies
• Navigating Child Care Code Requirements
• Key Differences Between Group E & I 4 Occupancies

📺 This session will be recorded and posted online after the event.
🎟️ Space is limited — register early!

🔗 Register here: bit.ly/ChildcareCentersWebinar2026

08/29/2026

A new Information Bulletin is available from CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) on Lithium-Ion Battery Safety.

This Informational Bulletin replaces the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Informational Bulletin 24 001: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety issued on January 23, 2024, and Informational Bulletin 23 003: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety issued on April 3, 2023. The update addresses the use of portable fire extinguishers involving lithium-ion battery fires.

View the entire bulletin at: https://bit.ly/Info-Bulletin_26-007

08/28/2026

Celebrating recent promotions and milestones!

This week, we proudly hosted a promotional and badge pinning ceremony to honor our incredible CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal members!
State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant led the swearing-in, joined by CAL FIRE Director Chief Joe Tyler, leadership, co-workers, and the families and friends who make these moments so special.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals for their promotions, new roles, and career milestones:

Code Development & Analysis
• Adrienne Janowiak | Office Technician

Community Wildfire Preparedness & Mitigation
• Bryan Carter | Assistant Chief
• Jennifer Renner | Assistant Chief
• Jacob Gilliam | Battalion Chief
• Adrian Bracewell | Research Data Analyst II

Fire & Life Safety
• Cliff DuGranrut | Deputy State Fire Marshal III (Supervisor)

Fire Engineering & Investigations
• Bryan Gouge | Division Chief
• Jennifer Mecham | Arson & Bomb Investigator

Pipeline Safety & CUPA
• Tuan Tran | Assistant Deputy Director

State Fire Training
• Madison Cannon | Office Technician

25-Year Recognition
• Malcom Kennedy

Retirement
• Brian Barkley
• Lisa Dowdy
• Kirsten Fonesca
• Diane Radford

Congratulations to all! Your dedication and service make California safer every day.
View all images at:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD3xYi

Ignite your passion with a career at CAL FIRE. Apply today at www.JoinCALFIRE.com.

08/26/2026

One unattended pan can change everything.

For Campus Fire Safety Month, we’re sharing simple steps that can help prevent a cooking fire: keep your cooking area clear, stay in the kitchen, use microwaves safely, and know how to act if something catches fire.

Cooking may be part of your daily routine, but fire safety should be, too.

Learn more about cooking safety at: Safety with cooking equipment | NFPA



CAL FIRE

08/25/2026

🛹 Major events require planning and safety measures.

Earlier this summer, our team was on-site at Cal Expo in Sacramento for the X Games. Their role is to ensure public safety by inspecting fire exits, safety plans, and emergency access, and by ensuring all fire extinguishers, alarms, and suppression systems are ready for use.

Planning for a large event involves more than what happens on the day of the event. Fire and life safety considerations are reviewed in advance to help identify potential hazards, ensure emergency access is maintained, and confirm that safety systems are ready if they are needed.
From the layout of the event and access for emergency responders to fire protection systems and evacuation considerations, these measures are part of the planning that goes into safely hosting large crowds.

This work contributes to a safe event for everyone.