The California State Firefighters' Association began in 1922, when a small group of firefighters met in Fresno to discuss the state of the fire service in California. After some discussion, it was decided that the very best way to serve the public and firefighters was to form an organization to work towards enacting laws to protect the public from fire and to improve working conditions for firefighters. As a result of that first conference, the California State Firefighters' Association, Inc. was born. From this initial gathering, a membership of more than 24,000 has grown. Members include paid, volunteer, military and industrial firefighters, members of the California Department of Forestry, United States Forest Disaster Office, Office of Emergency Services (Fire and Rescue Division), State Fire Marshal's Office, State Fire Service and Training Program and California state-employed firefighters. Time has proven that a consolidated effort of California's fire service through CSFA has helped all its branches. From this initial gathering, a membership of more than 24,000 has grown. Members include paid, volunteer, military and industrial firefighters, members of the California Department of Forestry, United States Forest Disaster Office, Office of Emergency Services (Fire and Rescue Division), State Fire Marshal's Office, State Fire Service and Training Program and California state-employed firefighters.