The CAL FIRE Uniform is governed by Policy 1502 (Uniform Display Policy, last revised August 2023). Here's the everyday wearer's version.
The core rule
All uniformed employees will be dressed in the daily authorized uniform while on duty. Two exceptions: - Physical Training (PT) periods - Soft time (standby)
That's it. Outside those two windows, the authorized uniform is on.
Choose your stock number
Per a footnote in Policy 1502 (citing the Governor's Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion): employees authorized to wear the CAL FIRE uniform are allowed to select the uniform stock number that is most consistent with their identity while maintaining a uniformed and professional representation of the Department.
Read: every approved manufacturer offers the same approved item in multiple stock numbers (typically a male and female cut). You select the one that fits.
Fit and condition
Three rules that apply across every Class: 1. Begin each workday clean and neat in the properly fitting authorized uniform. 2. Use prudence in wearing repaired uniform garments. Items with visible wear or disrepair that detract from your appearance shall not be worn. 3. Daily upkeep is your responsibility. Supervisors check uniform condition daily; Unit Chiefs / Program Managers check at least annually.
What goes on what — by Class
The full insignia matrix is in the Uniform Insignia Display exhibit. Quick reference:
| Item | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniform patches (both sleeves) | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Service stars | Required | Optional | — | — | Optional |
| Flag pin | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Medal of Valor | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| EMS Pin (ALS Paramedic certified) | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Union Pin (BU membership) | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Collar Brass | Required | Required | Required | Required | Optional* |
| Department-issued badge | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Department-issued nameplate | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required* |
| Rank Insignia Badge (Class A & Campaign Hat) | Required | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Class E exceptions apply with the LE External or Tactical Vest Carrier — see Procedure 1502-5.
Patch placement
- Worn on both sleeves.
- Coats / jackets: centered 1″ below the shoulder seam.
- Uniform shirts: centered ½″ below the shoulder seam.
Pin placement
The flag pin and most optional pins go centered 1″ above the nameplate on any uniform shirt. Only one uniform insignia pin shall be worn at a time (Procedures 1502-3 and 1502-4). If a flag pin is worn together with another permitted pin, the other pin sits to the left of the flag pin.
Some pins must be worn alone (no flag pin alongside): Local Cooperative Fire Protection, Aviator Wings, FTO, Hazardous Materials, Incident Management Team, Unit/Program. Read each pin's spec.
Class A specific rules
These are unique to Class A (Procedure 1502-1): - Class A Dress cap is the only approved head-wear. - Caps worn outdoors only. Never indoors (exception: honor guard or directed ceremony). - Badge must be visible when wearing the coat — not covered by the lapel. - Pins are prohibited with the Class A uniform. - Necktie is always worn with Class A.
What's never permitted
When on duty: earrings, head ornaments, or facial ornaments are prohibited (Policy 1503), with one narrow exception — see the Class A Earrings Exception article.
Source
Policy 1502 (revised August 2023) · Procedures 1502-1 through 1502-8 · Uniform Insignia Display Exhibit (revised July 2023) · Policy 1503 (revised August 2025).
