President's Message

By Robert Vasquez

The upcoming CALSAFE event in October is just around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited about what’s in store. As a fire safety professional, I’ve always found CALSAFE to be one of the best opportunities to stay ahead of the latest trends, regulations, and innovations in our industry. This year’s event, held in Southern California, promises to be packed with informative sessions, expert presentations, and invaluable networking opportunities. It’s always a great chance to connect with fellow professionals and exchange ideas that can directly impact how we approach fire and life safety.

I’m especially excited about this year’s CALSAFE event because it marks a huge milestone—our 30th anniversary! For three decades, CALSAFE has been the cornerstone of California’s fire safety community, bringing together professionals like all of us to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and ensure we’re all working towards the highest standards of safety. Being a part of this legacy is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m looking forward to celebrating how far we’ve come as an industry. This year’s conference is bound to be extra special, and I can’t wait to see how we’ll continue to evolve and push fire and life safety forward.

One aspect I’m really looking forward to is the participation of the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Having the OSFM there is a big deal because they’re the ones shaping the regulations that we follow day in and day out. Hearing from them directly about any upcoming changes to fire codes, certification processes, and enforcement guidelines will be incredibly useful. It’s crucial for me to stay ahead of these updates to ensure that my work complies with the latest standards and that I can be proactive in adapting to any new requirements.

Another session I’m eager to attend is the discussion on Lithium-Ion Batteries. As these batteries become more prevalent across various industries, so do the fire risks they present. Learning about the latest best practices for safely handling, storing, and disposing of lithium-ion batteries is something I consider essential, especially with how flammable and dangerous they can be when damaged. The chance to hear from experts on fire suppression techniques and real-world case studies will give me practical insights I can bring back to my team and my work.

I’m also looking forward to the presentation by CAL-OSHA. Staying compliant with California’s strict workplace safety laws is always a priority, and CAL-OSHA’s updates will be invaluable in ensuring we’re doing everything we can to maintain a safe environment. From their insights on occupational safety hazards in our industry to guidance on handling inspections, I’m confident I’ll leave with the tools and knowledge needed to keep my team safe and compliant.

I look forward to seeing everyone there and cannot wait to say hello! See you all in Valencia.

Tags