Board approves three‑year cooperative fire agreement with Cal Fire including staff adjustments

The Napa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a three‑year cooperative fire protection agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) covering July 1, 2025–June 30, 2028.

Fire Administrator J.R. Rogers told the board the contract continues a long partnership dating to 1932 and carries a not‑to‑exceed value of $64,676,440 across three years; Napa County’s share for year one was described as approximately $14.86 million. The agreement funds personnel who provide full‑service fire protection across the county’s seven staffed stations and 14 volunteer stations and includes cost sharing with the Town of Yountville and the California Veterans Home.

Rogers said the contract incorporates four staffing changes: consolidating two administrative positions into a single analyst; creating a fire equipment manager position to oversee the county’s rolling stock; promotion options for a financial analyst to streamline workflow; and adding a staff support analyst (SSA) for fire investigations, which would enable access to Cal Fire’s Fire Prevention Bureau for additional investigative capacity. Rogers said anticipated savings from changes in Cal Fire’s seasonal staffing model will help offset the net cost.

Supervisors praised the longstanding partnership and the operational benefits of improved equipment oversight and investigative support. The board approved the agreement by motion; the vote was unanimous.

Ending: The board approved the agreement and staff said the contract helps ensure continuity of service, positions the department to manage equipment, and addresses investigative staffing gaps. The county and Cal Fire officials said they aim to continue evolving the partnership to meet wildfire and emergency needs.