SACRAMENTO – Cal Fire officials are warning residents of a recent donation scam involving the department.

Earlier this week a resident of Santa Clara County received a call from a person requesting a monetary donation to pay for training for Cal Fire firefighters.

As a state agency, Cal Fire does not solicit donations. The training of Cal Fire's firefighters is funded through the department’s budget.

If someone receives a phone call soliciting funds for Cal Fire, please do not give them any money.

However, get as much information from them as possible and then report the call to Cal Fire law enforcement officers at 408-778-0930.

Every effort is being made to stop the individual or individuals responsible for making false claims and for attempting to take money from the public.

Remember this is not a valid fundraiser, it is a fraud, Cal Fire said.

“Residents need to know that Cal Fire never solicits funds in order to provide services to the communities we serve,” said Josh White, Cal Fire deputy chief of law enforcement. “We hope that by getting the word out early no one will give their money to these criminals and that if residents do get a call from a scammer, they will be prepared to gather pertinent information so we can put a stop to this.”