SACRAMENTO, California —
Joining other fire service-related mascots such as Smoky Bear and Sparky the Dog, Cal Fire has revealed their mascot, Captain Cal, to the public.
Battalion Chief and Spokesperson for Cal Fire Amy Head helped create Captain Cal. Head said the department wanted to create a mascot of its own.
Captain Cal is a mountain lion that wears a yellow Cal Fire uniform, a red firefighter’s helmet and carries an ax. Head said it took five years to create Captain Cal.
A former Disney artist, Toby Wilson, created the concept art for Captain Cal for free, according to Head.
Cal Fire allowed Disney artists who were working on “Planes: Fire and Rescue” to take a look at the equipment and planes that are used to combat fires. Cal Fire also provided feedback on the film's dialogue.
Wilson was the art director for “Planes: Fire and Rescue."
A mural of a wolf carrying a tool that can be found inside of Glen Ellen Cal Fire Department inspired Head as she was brainstorming the character’s appearance.
While Cal Fire previously used Smoky Bear, Head said the goal was to come up with a character that represents what Cal Fire does other than fight wildfires, such as fire prevention.
“Early childhood education is important so it’s going to be a fun, family way to relay messages to everyone in California,” Head said.
Head said the department is going to use Captain Cal on their social media platforms and create printed educational material. Cal Fire is developing a kids activity book featuring the mascot.
"I am excited to see what the future has for [Captain Cal] and what we have to offer the public," Head said.
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