Tony Arce

Tony Arce began his firefighting career in 1990 as a volunteer with the Higgins Fire District at just 16 years old. After high school, he was hired by CAL FIRE, where he was stationed primarily at headquarters in Auburn, California—one of the busiest wildland stations in Northern California at the time. After seven years with CAL FIRE, he transitioned to North Tree Fire, a company led by retired U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE chiefs, where he received invaluable mentorship and career development. His role at North Tree Fire provided him with the opportunity to operate on fires and incidents nationally while also gaining experience burning unexploded ordnance on military ranges to restore landscapes to safe conditions.

During his tenure at North Tree Fire, Tony oversaw operations throughout the western United States. His responsibilities included serving as a Task Force/Strike Team Leader, Division Supervisor, Initial Attack Incident Commander, Equipment/Dozer Boss, Structure Protection Task Force Leader, Engine Boss, Crew Boss, and Type 1 Ignition Specialist

In 2004, Tony transitioned to a confidential government organization in Southern California, where he became a HazMat Specialist while continuing to teach wildland fire courses for government agencies and junior colleges. During this time, he played a key role in unionizing the fire department under the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), advocating for improved working conditions and firefighter health.

Tony later returned to Northern California to be closer to his family and North Tree Fire headquarters, where he continued working part-time. He accepted a position with a confidential government organization, where he has held various leadership roles and currently serves as a Firefighter Engineer. As Union President, he and his board successfully advocated for a Cancer Presumption Bill at the state level.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management from Purdue University Global. As Founder & CEO of Western Confluence Group, he oversees the company’s fire operations, strategic growth, and client relations. His leadership ensures that WCG provides expert consultation, training, and operational support for clients in high-risk environments, including wildfire response, prescribed fire planning, and emergency preparedness.

Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, skiing with his wife and Bernese Mountain Dogs, and coaching high school football.