Office of Emergency Services: wildfire aerial response program.

Assembly Member Petrie-Norris's proposal for a comprehensive wildfire aerial response program directs the Office of Emergency Services to evaluate options for providing round-the-clock aerial firefighting capabilities across California. The legislation establishes a specialized working group, operating in consultation with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to assess implementation approaches by December 2026.

The working group must examine specific components for aerial wildfire suppression, including a fleet of firefighting aircraft equipped for night operations, reconnaissance aircraft with infrared and night vision capabilities, mobile retardant bases, and necessary support personnel. Their evaluation will address cost-sharing arrangements between state and local agencies, protocols for deploying resources, and strategies for positioning assets throughout California. The group consists of representatives from county fire departments, state forestry officials, and emergency services personnel with expertise in aviation response programs.

By December 2027, the working group must submit recommendations to legislative committees detailing whether to proceed with a pilot program, implement a full statewide initiative, or forgo implementation based on feasibility findings. Their report will include cost projections, deployment strategies, and protocols for local fire agencies to request aerial support. The legislation specifies that while these elements must be evaluated, they are not mandatory requirements for the final program design.