TERMS OF SERVICE

CALIFORNIA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL

Effective Date: May 26, 2026

Welcome to the California Prescribed Fire Council (“CPFC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By accessing or using our website, membership services, training programs, event registration systems, or related services, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms of Service.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our services.

1. ORGANIZATION PURPOSE

The California Prescribed Fire Council supports prescribed fire education, workforce development, community capacity building, training coordination, and professional development throughout California.

Our programs may include:

• Membership services
• NWCG-aligned training opportunities
• Position Task Book (PTB) support
• Incident Qualification Card (“Red Card”) support services
• Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) resources
• Scholarship and workforce development programs
• Community outreach and educational materials

2. ELIGIBILITY

By using our services, you represent that:

• You are at least 18 years of age or have appropriate parental/organizational consent.
• Information you provide is accurate and current.
• You will use the website and services lawfully and responsibly.

3. MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Membership benefits, pricing, and program offerings may change at any time without prior notice.

Membership does not guarantee:

• NWCG qualification
• Agency certification
• Incident assignment eligibility
• Employment
• Course availability
• Red Card issuance
• Task Book initiation or completion

Memberships are generally non-transferable and non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

4. TRAINING & QUALIFICATION SERVICES

The California Prescribed Fire Council may assist with:

• Training coordination
• Training record review
• Position Task Book initiation support
• Qualification guidance
• Incident Qualification Card processing support

Final qualification authority remains subject to applicable standards, policies, instructor evaluations, and agency or organizational approval requirements.

The Council reserves the right to deny, suspend, or revoke participation in qualification-related services if:

• Records are incomplete or inaccurate
• Fraudulent documentation is submitted
• Safety or conduct concerns arise
• Standards are not met

5. SAFETY DISCLAIMER

Wildland fire and prescribed fire activities are inherently dangerous.

Participation in training, field exercises, burns, chainsaw operations, firing operations, or related activities may involve:

• Physical injury
• Exposure to smoke and hazardous conditions
• Equipment hazards
• Vehicle travel risks
• Environmental dangers
• Serious injury or death

Participants assume all risks associated with participation.

Users are responsible for:

• Maintaining appropriate qualifications
• Using proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Following all safety standards and instructions
• Operating within their training and experience level

6. NO PROFESSIONAL OR LEGAL GUARANTEE

Information provided by the California Prescribed Fire Council is for educational and informational purposes only.

The Council does not guarantee:

• Regulatory approval
• Insurance coverage
• Burn permit approval
• Legal compliance outcomes
• Fire behavior outcomes
• Qualification approval by third parties

Users are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, tribal, and local laws and regulations.

7. USER CONDUCT

Users agree not to:

• Submit false or misleading records
• Misrepresent qualifications or certifications
• Use the website for unlawful purposes
• Interfere with website operations or security
• Harass staff, instructors, volunteers, or members
• Upload malicious software or harmful content

The Council may suspend or terminate access for violations of these Terms.

8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Unless otherwise stated, website content, logos, graphics, course materials, training documents, and organizational branding are the property of the California Prescribed Fire Council or their respective owners.

Users may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially use materials without written permission.

NWCG materials and agency publications remain the property of their respective organizations.

9. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES & LINKS

Our website may reference or link to:

• Government agencies
• Training providers
• Prescribed Burn Associations
• Partner organizations
• Third-party software platforms

The California Prescribed Fire Council is not responsible for third-party content, services, or website practices.

10. PAYMENT TERMS

Course fees, memberships, merchandise, or event registrations must be paid according to posted terms.

The Council reserves the right to:

• Modify pricing
• Cancel events or courses
• Refuse service
• Issue refunds at its discretion

Certain trainings may have separate cancellation or refund policies.

11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the California Prescribed Fire Council, its officers, instructors, volunteers, partners, and affiliates shall not be liable for:

• Indirect or consequential damages
• Loss of data
• Loss of income or business
• Personal injury
• Property damage
• Qualification or employment decisions
• Fire suppression or prescribed fire outcomes

Participation in Council activities is voluntary and at the participant’s own risk.

12. INDEMNIFICATION

Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless the California Prescribed Fire Council and its affiliates from claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from:

• User conduct
• Violation of these Terms
• Misuse of services
• Participation in training or operational activities

13. PRIVACY

Use of our services is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

Users acknowledge that training and qualification information submitted to the Council may be reviewed for administrative, qualification, and program management purposes.

14. MODIFICATIONS TO TERMS

The California Prescribed Fire Council reserves the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time.

Continued use of the website or services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

15. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

California Prescribed Fire Council

Website: California Prescribed Fire Council
Contact Page: Contact Us

By using this website or participating in California Prescribed Fire Council programs, services, trainings, or events, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.