CAL FIRE Launches AI-Powered Chatbot

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has released a new chatbot to help the public more quickly find information housed on the department’s website.

The tool, called Ask CAL FIRE, will help users find answers to frequently asked questions, while also guiding them to more detailed information on the website in more than 70 languages spoken in the state. This includes information like defensible space guidance, home-hardening strategies and active incidents throughout the state.

“In an era of fast-moving wildfires, fast-moving information is essential,” CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler said in a press release. “Tools like this help ensure Californians from all walks of life get the guidance they need to stay safe and informed.”

The tool is quick to advise users that it is not meant to report emergencies and that the information provided about ongoing incidents is limited to fires larger than 10 acres.

Asked to provide data on the number of wildfires since Jan. 1, 2025, Ask CAL FIRE responded that there have been a total of 1,083 fires as of May 5 and provided a link to the department’s statistics page. The tool also includes an audio response button for users who prefer to have its answers read aloud to them.

The chatbot was built in partnership with Citibot, a South Carolina-based AI integrator. Citibot has a number of other public-sector clients, including the city of Denver and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.