Cal Fire Expands Training Capacity with New Atwater Facility Amid Rising Fire Risks

Cal Fire has expanded its training capacity with the opening of a new firefighter training facility situated in Merced County. The Atwater Training Center, strategically located on a former Air Force base, began its operations by welcoming an initial cohort of 40 students. This development is part of Cal Fire's ongoing efforts to enhance its firefighting workforce and capabilities. By 2025, across its four centers, Cal Fire aims to train approximately 1,600 firefighters, with Atwater alone capable of accommodating up to 300 students yearly for entry-level and company officer roles.

Nicole Gissell, an Assistant Chief at Cal Fire, emphasized the immediate readiness expected of graduates from the academy. Training at Atwater spans a comprehensive 10-week program. This curriculum includes not only firefighting basics and equipment handling but also key leadership skills essential for in-field command, integrated with practical exercises involving live fires and training in realistic environments like fire towers and off-road courses.

Cal Fire's recent expansion reflects its commitment to addressing increased fire risks, supported by substantial state resources. Since 2017, the agency, backed by the state Legislature and Governor, has nearly doubled its authorized fire protection positions. This period has also seen Cal Fire's budget swell from $2 billion to $4.2 billion, with the vast majority allocated to fire protection activities. As of July 2025, Cal Fire's workforce, inclusive of seasonal firefighters, totals 12,223—exceeding the peak staffing numbers from 2024, with further growth anticipated during peak fire periods.

The capacity expansion aligns with a national context where federal agencies, notably the U.S. Forest Service, face significant workforce shortages. Over 4,500 federal firefighting positions remain vacant, representing about 27% of their total roles. This discrepancy underscores the contrasting levels of investment and preparedness initiatives at state versus federal levels.

The opening of the Atwater Training Center marks the latest phase in Cal Fire's strategic expansion of its training capabilities. Starting with its initial Ione facility in 1967, additional centers in Riverside followed in 2017 and Redding in 2023. The Atwater facility is aligned to contribute significantly towards Cal Fire’s mission, housing two of the department's seven instructor teams. As Cal Fire continues to upscale its training and preparedness operations, it stands as a model of proactive state-led firefighting readiness amid ongoing national staffing challenges.