FDAC – Fire Districts Association of California

Serving California Since 1972

Advocating for Fire Districts Across California

The Fire Districts Association of California represents independent fire agencies statewide, fighting for the funding and resources communities depend on for fire protection.

Explore Our Advocacy

Firefighters at work in hazardous conditions

Legislative Action

Fighting Fire With Funding

FDAC's latest white paper outlines the critical funding shortfall facing fire protection districts as local government fire agencies struggle to keep up with growing service demands.

Read the White Paper

Education & Training

Building Stronger Fire Districts Together

From professional development programs to the FDAC Annual Conference, we provide the education, tools, and community that fire district leaders need to succeed.

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Representing fire districts as the voice of local fire protection across California.

Advocating for adequate resources, fair funding, and effective governance since 1972.

1972

Year Established

Who We Are

California's Statewide Voice for Fire Districts

FDAC is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to representing California's independent fire districts and fire protection districts. We work at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure that fire districts have the funding, legal framework, and operational support they need to protect their communities.

Legislative Advocacy Monitoring and influencing legislation that affects fire districts throughout the state capitol.

Professional Development Training programs, workshops, and the annual conference to strengthen district leadership.

Timely Resources & Guidance Administrative handbooks, legislative status reports, and grant information when districts need it most.

Legislative Priorities

Shaping Policy for Fire Protection

FDAC actively monitors and engages on the legislation that matters most to California's fire districts, from funding reform to labor relations and climate preparedness.

Fire District Funding Reform

Advocating for equitable allocation of property tax revenue and state funding to ensure fire districts can meet growing service demands without compromising community safety.

Wildfire Preparedness

Championing legislation that strengthens California's wildfire response capacity, including grants, pre-positioning resources, and cross-agency coordination frameworks.

Governance & Administration

Supporting sound governance practices, board training, and administrative tools that help fire district leaders fulfill their fiduciary and operational responsibilities.

BAER SAFER Grants

Providing guidance and support for fire districts pursuing federal SAFER grants and Burn Area Emergency Response funding to expand staffing and equipment resources.

Labor Relations Support

Helping fire district boards navigate collective bargaining, employment law, and labor relations with practical guidance through FDAC's member resources and legal network.

Annual Legislative Updates

Publishing timely legislative status reports throughout the session, keeping member districts informed on bills that could affect operations, budgets, and authority.

Updates from FDAC

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FDAC white paper on fire district funding

Legislative February 2025

FDAC Releases White Paper on Fire District Funding Shortfalls

FDAC submitted "Fighting Fire with Funding: The Urgent Need for Adequate Fire Service Resources in California" to Governor Newsom and the Legislature, outlining the critical funding shortfall facing fire protection districts as local government fire agencies struggle to meet growing service demands.

Member News January 5, 2026

CALGRU Launches as California's Newest State Group in the Drone Responders Network

California Ground Rescue Unit becomes the latest member of the statewide drone responders network, expanding aerial support capabilities for fire districts across the region.

Conference October 2025

Registration Open for the FDAC Annual Conference

Join fire district board members, administrators, and staff for FDAC's premier annual gathering featuring educational sessions, peer networking, and legislative briefings.

Featured Publication

Fighting Fire with Funding

White Paper February 2025

This white paper documents the urgent and growing gap between the resources available to California's independent fire districts and the service demands they face. Endorsed by leading fire service and local government organizations, it was submitted directly to Governor Newsom and the Legislature.

The report calls on state leaders to address structural inequities in how fire protection is funded at the local level — before the crisis deepens further.

Download the White Paper View Full Report

350+

Member Districts

50+

Years of Advocacy

California Counties Served

100+

Annual Education Programs

Membership

Built for Fire Districts, By Fire Districts

FDAC membership connects your district with the advocacy, education, and peer network needed to lead effectively. Every membership tier provides access to FDAC's full suite of resources.

Legislative Representation

FDAC's lobbyists and policy team actively monitor the California Legislature, representing your district's interests and providing timely updates on bills affecting fire service operations and funding.

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Education & Training

Access FDAC's professional development programs, board orientation workshops, and the annual conference — providing practical training for board members, chiefs, and administrative staff.

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Peer Network & Community

Connect with fire district leaders from across California through FDAC's online community forum, regional meetings, and collaborative events — sharing knowledge, solutions, and best practices.

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Become a Member

Key Resources