- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), which responds to wildfires throughout the state, has entered a mutual aid agreement with the Pala Band of Mission Indians, empowering the tribe’s ability to respond to fires locally and state-wide.
The mutual aid agreement marks the state’s first state-tribe partnership in fire responsiveness.
Make A Monthly Donation Here
Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, Robert Smith, called the mutual aid agreement “a new standard for the vital government-to-government partnerships that ensure the safety of our communities.”
“This is a monumental achievement for our Fire Department, our Tribe and the entire community and we hope it leads the way for Tribes across the state to gain recognition for the safety and response services they provide,” Chairman Smith said in a statement.
The Pala Fire Department’s new agreement will allow them to expand their services, according to Fire Chief Ravago, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and the mutual aid agreement with the state will allow us to expand our mission even further,” he said. “As wildfire risks increase, we remain vigilant and ready to serve our community and beyond.”
As part of the agreement, the CalOES assigned a fire engine equipped for wildland terrain to the Pala Fire Department. The tribe’s existing fire department located on their reservation, about 30 miles northeast of San Diego, was already equipped with a fleet of two additional wildland terrain engines, and another engine designed for structural fires.
The agreement stems from the passage of California Senate Bill 816, the result of decades of work by Tribal Fire Agencies to become officially recognized as partners in providing vital emergency response services to the citizens of California.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Merry Christmas from Native News Online
Pechanga Donates Toys & Funds to ABC7 Spark of Love, Marine Corps Toys for Tots & MilVet
Gun Lake Casino & Lakeshore Marine Corp Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign Gives over 1,000 Toys for Children in Need
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
