The best light show on your next camping trip might be right above you. Before you head into California’s wildlands, remember that campfires and portable gas stoves on public lands require a California Campfire Permit. And even with a permit, local fire restrictions can still prohibit campfires when fire danger is high. Always check the rules for your destination before you go. Better yet, consider skipping the campfire entirely. You don’t need one to enjoy a night outdoors, and sleeping under the stars can offer a pretty spectacular light show of its own. ➡️ Get your free California Campfire Permit and learn more about campfire safety at: #Camping# #California# #Wildlands# #CampfireSafety#

A new merit badge teaches wildland fire management. Scouts across America will be challenged to understand the role of fire in ecosystems, learn wildfire suppression tactics, and take action to reduce wildfire risk through the newly introduced Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge. While not everyone needs to master the use of fire tools like the Pulaski, everyday Californians can strengthen our collective safety by taking actions at the individual, neighborhood, and community levels to reduce wildfire risk. Education and action can help build more wildfire-resilient communities. Wildland Fire Management Merit Badge Guide:

CAL FIRE mourns the loss of a fourth federal wildland firefighter who succumbed to their injuries sustained while assigned to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado. Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, coworkers, and the entire federal wildland firefighting community. We continue to wish the injured firefighter from Rifle Heltitack a full recovery.

Today, we mourn the loss of a wildland firefighter who succumbed to injuries sustained while responding to the Knowles Fire on June 27th. We hold his family, loved ones, and crewmates in our prayers as they navigate this profound loss, and continue to pray for the families of the three firefighters lost in the same incident last month. This tragedy is a solemn reminder of the risks our wildland firefighters take every day to protect our communities, our public lands, and the American people. Their service and sacrifice mean more than words can express.

The deaths of three firefighters in Colorado were the first for the US Wildland Fire Service, a grim milestone for the new federal agency that launched in January to coordinate firefighting efforts on public land.

Last night, we learned that three wildland firefighters—serving with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service—lost their lives on Saturday, June 27, while responding jointly to the Knowles and Gore fires along the Colorado‑Utah border. Additionally, two wildland firefighters were injured in the line of duty and have been transported to a hospital. This is terrible news and a reminder of what our first responders risk every time they go out to prevent devastation and protect Americans from natural disasters. Our immediate focus is on supporting their families, friends, and fellow crewmates during this incredibly difficult time. The USDA and @SecDBurgum’s Interior family mourns with them and offers our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind. We are continuing to pray for their families and loved ones. May God bring them peace during this time. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Flags at all @Interior facilities are flying at half-staff through July 11 in honor of wildland firefighters Sydney Watson, Emily Barker, and Nick Hutcherson, who lost their lives in the line of duty. We honor their courage and commitment to protecting others. Please keep their families, friends, and fellow firefighters in your thoughts and prayers. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Flags at all @Interior buildings throughout the country have been lowered to half-staff to honor the 3 wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. On behalf of the Department, we carry forward their legacy with gratitude and respect for their courage, selflessness and service to others.

🏔️ When conditions are challenging, having the right support nearby matters. The Timber Fire is burning in the Big Sur area along California’s Central Coast, where steep hillsides, rugged terrain, and limited access can make it difficult for firefighters to move safely through the landscape. Essential work to contain the fire, like constructing fireline, requires crews to navigate uneven and remote terrain. That’s where Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams come in. REMS teams are specialized firefighter medical and rescue teams trained to provide emergency medical care and assist with the extraction of injured firefighters from remote or hazardous terrain. These specialized teams are deployed when firefighters are working in areas where an injury could make evacuation especially difficult. While firefighters always prioritize safe operations and established safety practices, REMS teams are there to provide supplemental medical and rescue support if something unexpected happens. #Wildfire# #FirefighterSafety# #WildlandFirefighting# #BigSur#