PRIVACY POLICY

CALIFORNIA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL

Effective Date: May 26, 2026

The California Prescribed Fire Council is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our members, students, fire practitioners, volunteers, landowners, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website, membership services, training programs, and related platforms.

This policy applies to:

• California Prescribed Fire Council
• Membership systems
• Training registration platforms
• Online forms and communications
• Community engagement programs
• Mobile and cloud-based training record systems

INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We may collect the following information when you interact with our organization:

Personal Information

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Organization or agency affiliation
• Membership status
• Emergency contact information

Training & Qualification Records

• NWCG course completion records
• Certificates and training documents
• Position Task Book (PTB) information
• Incident Qualification Card (“Red Card”) records
• Prescribed fire experience documentation
• Instructor or evaluator qualifications

Website & Technical Information

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Website usage statistics
• Cookies and analytics data

Payment Information

Membership and course payments may be processed through secure third-party payment providers. The California Prescribed Fire Council does not store full credit card information on our servers.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use collected information to:

• Process memberships and course registrations
• Provide training and qualification services
• Maintain training and experience records
• Issue certificates, PTBs, and Incident Qualification Cards
• Communicate about events, burns, scholarships, and programs
• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Support statewide prescribed fire capacity building efforts
• Maintain compliance with applicable training standards and agreements

TRAINING RECORDS & QUALIFICATION DATA

Training and qualification records submitted to the California Prescribed Fire Council may be reviewed for:

• Membership services
• Qualification verification
• Task Book initiation
• Incident Qualification Card issuance
• Instructor qualification review
• Agency certification support

Users are responsible for ensuring submitted records are accurate and current.

INFORMATION SHARING

The California Prescribed Fire Council does not sell personal information to third parties.

Information may be shared only when necessary to:

• Verify qualifications or training records
• Coordinate training programs
• Support NWCG-aligned qualification processes
• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect public safety or organizational integrity

Limited information may be shared with:

• Authorized instructors or evaluators
• Partner training organizations
• Government agencies when legally required
• Scholarship or grant administrators
• Technology providers supporting our services

COOKIES & WEBSITE ANALYTICS

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to:

• Improve website performance
• Understand visitor traffic
• Enhance user experience
• Monitor website security

Users may disable cookies through their browser settings, though some website functions may not operate properly.

DATA SECURITY

We take reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect your information against:

• Unauthorized access
• Disclosure
• Alteration
• Loss or misuse

However, no online system can guarantee absolute security.

EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS

By registering for membership, training, newsletters, or events, you may receive:

• Program updates
• Training announcements
• Scholarship opportunities
• Prescribed fire news
• Membership communications

You may unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time.

THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our website may contain links to third-party organizations, agencies, or partners. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

Our services are not directed toward children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent.

YOUR RIGHTS

You may request to:

• Review your personal information
• Update inaccurate records
• Remove outdated information
• Opt out of communications where applicable

Requests may be submitted through our contact page.

POLICY UPDATES

The California Prescribed Fire Council may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updated versions will be posted on our website with the revised effective date.

CONTACT US

California Prescribed Fire Council

Website: California Prescribed Fire Council Website
Email: Contact the California Prescribed Fire Council

This Privacy Policy is intended to support transparency, responsible stewardship of member information, and the continued development of safe, community-based prescribed fire programs across California.