CAL FIRE Presents: Five Points with the Chief

Every successful organization is built on strong partnerships.   In this episode, CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler joins Deputy Director Monte Manson to explore how partnerships make CAL FIRE stronger. From local, federal, tribal, private, and even international partners, learn how CAL FIRE is putting collaboration into practice, bringing new ideas and perspectives to the table, and prep...

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew reflect on a few 2025 achievements - from joinCALFIRE.com to the new Fire Innovation Unit to the adoption of maternity uniforms. We remember Fire Apparatus Engineering Danny Cook and the importance of Employee Support Services and the role of the honor guard during times of celebration and sorrow. Plus, we look ahead to the 20...

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew discuss the wide variety of career opportunities within CAL FIRE, and how the department’s new website, JOINCALFIRE.COM, makes the search and applicationprocess easier for applicants. Full episode Transcript: https://calfire.box.com/s/m92pkoz8a3qx1nv8auq1z80lqxdxevrn

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew provide important updates on several key topics impacting CAL FIRE: - Implementation of the 66-Hour Work Week. - Progress and expansion of our Aviation Program. - Incident Management Team activations and year-round operations. - Updates on the State Budget and its effects on CAL FIRE. - A summary of recent Executive Orders rel...

In this episode, Chief Joe Tyler and Deputy Director Monte Manson are joined by Human Resources Manager December Brinsfield to break down everything you need to know about Open Enrollment. With more than 12,000 CAL FIRE employees receiving benefits, there's a lot to consider when it comes to making the right choices for you and your family. We’ll cover key dates, deadlines, and how to submit y...

In this episode, CAL FIRE’s Director and Fire Chief, Joe Tyler, and Deputy Director Monte Manson discuss CAL FIRE’s soon-to-be-released 2024 Strategic Plan — a comprehensive guide that will shape the future of our department. But what does this plan mean for you as a CAL FIRE employee? Why should it matter to you, whether you’re a first-year Firefighter or the Director of the Department? Join us a...

While CAL FIRE is renowned as a world-class fire department, our mission extends far beyond firefighting. In this episode, we dive into the work of CAL FIRE Senior Environmental Scientist Stacy Stanish. Join Chief Joe Tyler and Monte Manson as they chat with Stacy about her role in the Forest Practice Program, the unique challenges and opportunities faced by CAL FIRE's growing number of environmen...

Women's History Month may be over, but our recognition of the countless contributions made by women throughout CAL FIRE continues. In this episode, Windy C. Bouldin, Deputy Director of the CAL FIRE Office of Program Accountability, sits down with Chief Tyler and Monte Manson. With decades of service to CAL FIRE, Windy shares her wealth of experience and insights as a leader within the administ...

Joining Chief Tyler and Deputy Director Monte Manson is Fire Captain Paramedic Shavawn Johnson from the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit. Captain Johnson offers a glimpse into her journey which began after a serendipitous encounter with a female firefighter set her on the path to a career of service and sacrifice. In this candid conversation, Captain Johnson not only highlights some of the challenges faced...

In recognition of Women's History Month, Chief Tyler and Monte Manson talk with CAL FIRE Deputy Director Serena Ortega. Delving into her 15-year tenure with CAL FIRE, they discuss her deeply-embedded drive to advocate for and support others, and her exceptional leadership in the ongoing development of CAL FIRE's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts. You won't want to miss...

In this special bonus episode, Chiefs Tyler and Sjolund take a deep dive into the remarkable history of CAL FIRE's Aviation Program. Learn about the pivotal moments that laid the foundation for what would become a world-renowned program. Discover the evolution of CAL FIRE's aviation capabilities, tracing the trajectory of technological advancements and strategic innovations that have prope...

We take a deep dive into CAL FIRE's globally acclaimed aviation program. With the largest civil fleet of aerial firefighting equipment on the planet, this program has been a beacon of hope in times of wildfire crises. Chief Tyler and Chief Sjolund reveal how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of aerial firefighting. From training simulators to a well-established drone program we&#39...

Chief Tyler takes us on a journey into the inner workings of the department as we embark on the development of the 2024 Strategic Plan. Chief Tyler emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring that employees' voices are not only heard but actively integrated at all levels of the organization.   Throughout the episode, Chief Tyler reflects on the accomplishments and milestones achieved throug...

In this engaging and insightful podcast episode, hosted by Monte Manson, the Deputy Director of the Professional Standard Program, listeners are granted an exclusive glimpse into the world of CAL FIRE. Monte Manson sits down with CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief, Joe Tyler, to explore the motivations behind the department's podcast, reflect on Chief Tyler's impactful first year and a half...