CDF Aviation Management Program

CAL FIRE Aviation Management Program
Operational area
Area servedCalifornia
HeadquartersSacramento McClellan Airport
Agency overview
Established1958
Staffing18 CAL FIRE personnel, 130 contract employees
Facilities and equipment
Stations14 air tanker bases, 11 helicopter bases
Airplanes42
Helicopters25

The CAL FIRE Aviation Management Program is a branch of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (known also as CAL FIRE). Due to the frequency and severity of wildfires in California, the state has elected to establish its own aerial firefighting force rather than rely solely on contract or national resources. The Aviation Management Program is based at McClellan Airfield near Sacramento, California.