The ranks of California's firefighting leadership saw a fresh addition as David Wood stepped into the role of Unit Chief for the CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit. According to a social media post by CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit, the change comes as Chief Wood gears up to take the reins on December 19, 2025, once Chief Mike Blankenheim steps down into retirement.
Beginning his journey in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter, Wood's experience spans over three decades, climbing through the ranks after joining CAL FIRE as a Firefighter I in the Amador-El Dorado Unit in 1996. While he prepares to assume the leadership role, Wood currently serves in a transitional capacity under the mentorship of Chief Blankenheim. This shift in leadership arrives at a time after the seasoned Chief Blankenheim directed the Unit for years.
Wood's tenure at CAL FIRE is marked by an array of operational roles that have shaped his expertise. Alongside his current appointment as the Deputy Incident Commander with CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1, he has played significant roles on the Sacramento Regional Type 3 Team. His involvement with CAL FIRE extends to active participation in various training cadres, equipping him to manage anything from initial attacks to complex, large-scale incidents.
His commitment to service permeates beyond the professional scope, being praised for nurturing a culture of learning and preparedness as reflected in the announcement. With a personal life rooted in El Dorado County along with his family, Wood's affinity for the outdoors aligns closely with his professional mandate—safeguarding the very wilderness he and his family relish. The community is invited to extend congratulations to Chief Wood and his family, who enjoy swimming and camping, embracing the natural environment they cherish and commit to protecting.
