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Council approves $23.6 million cooperative agreement with Cal Fire for 2025–2029
Summary
Council approved a multi‑year cooperative agreement with Cal Fire that funds local stations, staffing and shared services; staff described program benefits and projected savings.
The Paradise Town Council voted to approve a cooperative fire protection agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) that runs July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, for a maximum amount not to exceed $23,623,372.
A Cal Fire representative described the scope of services covered by the cooperative agreement, including access to state‑funded stations and equipment, aircraft and aerial suppression resources, bulldozer assets, hand crews, drones, technical rescue and hazmat teams, and coordinated dispatch through the Oroville emergency communications center (ECC). The presentation emphasized the regional surge capacity Cal Fire provides, standardized dispatch and response plans, prevention and training services, and reimbursement programs for town equipment when it is loaned or hired for state deployments.
The speaker said the cooperative arrangement provides operational benefits and economies of scale; staff presented cost savings from the previous four‑year cycle and projected savings associated with regional staffing models and ABH (assistance by hire) reimbursements. The staff report before council listed the proposed four‑year maximum contract amount ($23,623,372) and requested full funding of a previously partially funded fire captain position to bring local staffing to the planned model.
Why it matters: the contract funds local fire protection services and maintains regional integration with county and state resources. Council members asked how 911 calls are routed and confirmed that local police dispatch transfers fire/medical calls to the Oroville ECC, which coordinates closest‑resource dispatch and medevac helicopters.
Council action and vote: Council member Cullerton moved approval, seconded by Council member Lang. Aye votes were recorded from Council member Bowen, Council member Cullerton, Council member Lang, Council member Lawson and Mayor Crowder; the motion passed.
Ending: The Cal Fire representative thanked the council and said Cal Fire will continue coordination on staffing and response planning under the renewed agreement.
