Henri Brachais is the Fire Chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Butte Unit, Biggs Fire Department, City of Gridley Fire and the Butte County Fire Department.  He oversees the administration and control of 12 county, 10 state, and 2 city fire stations as well as numerous other specialty facilities such as the Chico Air Attack Base.

Chief Brachais lives in Paradise with his wife, Patty. They have four grown children and seven grandchildren. With over thirty years in the fire service, Henri has a strong background in fire department operations and administration. He is also an accomplished arson investigator, having a number of arrests and convictions of serial arsonists to his credit during his tenure.

Under his command, CDF Fire/Butte County Fire Rescue has continued to expand, responding to over 15,000 calls for service a year throughout the urban and rural areas of Butte county.  His leadership skills are tapped statewide as he serves on several committees that are shaping the future of CDF Fire.

When not at work, Henri can be found working in his woodshop where he creates custom furniture for his family, camping, or fishing for salmon on the Sacramento River.