Brian Ferguson

#California's snowpack is at 10–20%, a new record low. That number matters more than most people realize. When the snowpack is low, that moisture disappears faster. Vegetation dries out weeks earlier than normal, and the drier the grass and brush, the easier it ignites, and the faster fire moves through it. #Fire activity in California does not follow a predictable schedule, and conditions this year are a reminder that preparation cannot wait.

“Of all the prevailing media narratives around Gavin Newsom, the one that is most conspicuous by its absence is how under its two-term governor California became the top performing economy not just among its 49 siblings but also any developed nation.” bloomberg.com/opinion/articl…

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS ✈️ This week at the Sonoma Air Attack Base, firefighters are completing our annual Airtanker Base Operations and Safety (ABOS) refresher. On Tuesday, crews trained loading operations on @CAL_FIRE Airtanker 120, a C-130 Hercules capable of delivering up to 4,000 gallons of retardant. Training continues Wednesday with loading operations on our Grumman S-2T airtankers. Beginning April 13, the base will be staffed with one S-2T airtanker and one air tactical aircraft, with a second airtanker returning later at a later date - strengthening our aerial firefighting capabilities when it matters most.

Yesterday’s #SpringsFire in Riverside County burned more than 4,100 acres resulting in evacuation orders and warnings, a reminder even in April #wildfire is a threat.

This recent quick stop of a Central California wildfire is a reminder that peak fire activity is just around the corner. Now is the time to prepare by learning your evacuation zone, preparing your 'go bag,' and planning your two ways to leave your neighborhood. You can also increase your home's chances of surviving wildfire by creating and maintaining defensible space and hardening your home. 🔗 abc30.com/post/fresno-co… #ReadyForWildfire #CALFIRE #FireYear #FireActivity

An estimated M4.6 earthquake near Boulder Creek shook up the greater San Francisco area in the wee hours of Thursday morning. Did you feel it? If you're in the area and did not feel it, that's data too. earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/ev…

#AutismAcceptanceMonth❤️🩵💛♾️ The #LACoFD #SirensOfSilence program provides FFs training on how best to communicate w/people on the autism spectrum & also allows people on the spectrum to interact w/first responders in sensory-sensitive spaces. 🔗 fire.lacounty.gov/sirens-of-sile…

With only a few days left in March, this will undoubtedly be the warmest March on record for our area. To put in perspective just how impressive the heat was this month - it would be the 2nd warmest April on record, & 3rd warmest May! Cooler temps are on the way this week. #CAwx

DID YOU KNOW: More than 300 wildfire safety projects have been approved in 300 days — thanks to @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom’s decisive action, wildfire safety projects are being approved in as little as 30 days, saving years or more of review.

A warming trend begins this week and continues into next week, with the @nws reporting above-normal temperatures across parts of California. Stay informed by checking the latest forecast on weather.gov and remain aware of changing weather conditions.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan — our hearts are with his family, friends, and brothers & sisters in arms as they grieve the loss of a father, friend, and teammate.

🚨 Americans in the Middle East who need consular assistance can call the U.S. Department of State 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444.

California is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran and the surrounding region. Our homeland security and emergency management teams are working with federal partners to prepare for any impacts here at home.

Through the State Partnership Program, the Cal Guard continues to deepen its partnership with Ukraine. 🇺🇸🤝🇺🇦 California National Guard Soldiers joined Illinois and Pennsylvania partners in Poland for Exercise Brave Band 2026—reinforcing and strengthening cooperation in support of global security. Read more: army.mil/article/290721… @USNationalGuard @CAgovernor @USEmbassyKyiv @UKRinSF @UAHouseCA

Heavy rainfall is forecast for many regions of California, with areas of snow and strong, gusty winds. Now is a good time to sign up for emergency alerts at ready.ca.gov. For more visit STORM SEASON SAFETY BLOG at news.caloes.ca.gov/stormseason/.

Avalanche mitigation near Castle Peak. A helicopter is using a suspended firefighting-style water bucket as a mechanical trigger, knocking down unstable cornices to intentionally release snow under controlled conditions. Cornices are one of the most common natural avalanche triggers. If they collapse without warning, they can send large slabs down the slope. Bringing them down on purpose allows crews to control the timing, stabilize the terrain, and create a safer path for recovery teams. No explosives, just highly precise long-line flying in a very small safety window. This work is about reducing risk on the mountain so search and recovery teams can reach the women who were lost and bring them home. 📍 Soda Springs, California 🎥 Video courtesy: Nevada County Sheriff’s Office #CastlePeak #AvalancheMitigation #NevadaCountySheriff #SearchAndRescue #HighSierra

During a storm there are no easy. shortcuts or magic driving routes to avoid traffic. Take it slow. Be patient. Stay off the road if you can. And for goodness sakes, be kind to fellow travelers and mind the warnings from @CHP_HQ and @CaltransHQ

This isn’t inconvenient weather. This is unsafe travel. If you don’t absolutely need to be out, don’t be. Donner doesn’t care about your schedule. We’ll reopen when it’s safe, not before. (02/17/26 at 12:05pm)

CALIFORNIA STORMS: A sneaky severe weather threat is brewing for California, as rounds of storms bring in heavy rain this week. Damaging wind gusts, flash flooding and even a few tornadoes are possible. foxweather.com/weather-news/s…

Watching the Super Bowl? LOOK UP to see your Cal Guard’s Fresno-based F-15 fighter jets during the flyover 💨 🇺🇸🏈💪🏼