Fires In California: The Complete Guide for Residents

California Fire Season: When It Starts, Peaks & Ends

California fire season used to have predictable bookends—typically June through October. That’s no longer the case. Today, the state sees fire risk in nearly every month, with the severity and timing varying by region.

In Southern California, hot Santa Ana winds often drive fires in late fall and early winter. Northern California, on the other hand, sees peak danger during late summer and early fall, when offshore winds align with the driest fuels.

When Fire Season Begins

While fires can occur year-round, the season begins in earnest when:

• Spring grasses have cured
• Snowpack melts off Sierra foothills
• Humidity trends downward
• First extended heat waves arrive

By May or June, most regions carry enough dry vegetation to ignite easily.

Peak Risk Periods

The most dangerous window typically runs August through November. Several factors collide during this period:

• Extreme heat
• Low humidity
• Dense, dry fuels
• Strong offshore wind events (Diablo and Santa Ana winds)

These conditions can turn a spark into a fast-moving wildfire within minutes.

When Fire Season Ends

In some years, fire risk drops significantly once sustained rains arrive—often late November or December. In other years, warm spells and wind events extend the season into January.

What This Means for Residents

Because fire risk no longer follows a tidy calendar, residents should:

• Treat fire readiness as a year-round responsibility
• Refresh go-bags and plans every season
• Monitor local alerts during any heat, wind, or drought period
• Bookmark real-time map tools 

Live Updates & Maps: Your Quick-Check Toolbox

During fast-moving incidents, having trusted sources is essential. Not all maps update at the same speed, and some platforms show different data (active perimeters, satellite heat signatures, evacuation zones).

Here are the most reliable places to check fires in California today:

CAL FIRE Statewide Map

CAL FIRE’s map displays all major incidents the agency responds to. It includes:

• Acres burned
• Containment
• Evacuation orders/warnings
• Structures threatened or damaged

It’s one of the best starting points for residents.

Watch Duty

Federal & Interagency Sources

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and InciWeb provide detailed reports for incidents on federal land, including many forest and wilderness areas.

Satellite-Based Maps

Tools like FIRMS (NASA) and Fire Information for Resource Management System offer near-real-time heat detections. These maps update frequently but can show false positives, so residents should cross-check with official sources.

County and Local Alerts

Most counties maintain emergency alert portals. During evacuations, local agencies often update evacuation maps faster than federal sources.

How to Cross-Check Information

Because no single tool is perfect:

• Compare CAL FIRE with county emergency alerts
• Use satellite maps only to confirm activity, not to assess danger
• Follow official social media accounts for time-sensitive evacuation updates

When in doubt, err on the side of safety. Fires can shift rapidly, and road closures may update by the minute.

Learn More About California Wildfire Maps

Causes & Prevention: What California Is Doing—and What You Can Do

Understanding the causes of wildfires can help residents reduce local risk and support statewide prevention efforts.

The Most Common Causes of Wildfires

California’s fires stem from a mix of human activity and natural events:

• Equipment sparks (mowers, chains, metal contact)
• Vehicle issues (dragging chains, hot engines)
• Utility infrastructure under extreme wind conditions
• Campfires or outdoor burning that escape containment
• Arson
• Lightning, especially in dry thunderstorms

Roughly 80–90% of fires are human-caused, meaning prevention is in our control.

Statewide Prevention Strategies

California agencies are aggressively expanding tools to reduce fire starts and slow spread:

• Vegetation thinning and shaded fuel breaks
• Utility hardening projects (undergrounding lines, enhanced inspections)
• Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during extreme weather
• Expanded use of prescribed burns
• Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs)

These strategies aim to create landscapes and communities that are more resistant to fire.

What Residents Can Do

Small actions compound into major risk reduction:

• Maintain defensible space around your property
• Install ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, and metal mesh screens
• Keep gutters clear of needles and oak leaves
• Store flammable materials away from the home
• Use equipment only during cool, calm morning hours
• Join local Fire Safe Councils

Personal responsibility remains one of California’s strongest fire-prevention tools.

Learn more about prevention in CA

Prescribed & Cultural Burns: Why, Where & How to Track Them

Amid record wildfire seasons, California is working to restore a tool used effectively for thousands of years: controlled burning.

Why Prescribed Burns Matter

Prescribed burns in California intentionally reduce excess vegetation, the very fuel that intensifies modern wildfires. Carefully managed under the right weather conditions, these burns:

• Reduce dangerous fuel loads
• Improve forest health
• Restore native ecosystems
• Help prevent catastrophic megafires

While they create temporary smoke, their long-term benefits are substantial.

Cultural Burning by Tribes

Indigenous tribes in California—such as the Yurok, Karuk, Miwok, and others—have long practiced cultural burning. These burns:

• Support traditional foods and basketry materials
• Reduce pests
• Maintain habitat
• Build fire-resilient landscapes

Tribal leadership is increasingly shaping statewide fire policy.

How to Track Prescribed Burns

If you see or smell smoke, it may be a planned burn. To confirm:

• Check the CAL FIRE prescribed burn schedule
• Look at county or regional land management notices
• Review federal land agency announcements (United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service)
• Monitor air quality apps for smoke advisories

Prescribed fire activity often increases in late fall, winter, and early spring when conditions allow for safe burning.

Learn more about California Controlled Burns

Air Quality & Health: Smoke, AQI & When to Shelter vs. Evacuate

Even when a wildfire is miles away, smoke can travel hundreds of miles and create hazardous health conditions. To see air quality data where you live, you can always access AirNow.gov. 

Understanding AQI Levels

California’s Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, and other pollutants. Residents should pay closest attention to PM2.5 during wildfires.

• 0–50: Good
• 51–100: Moderate
• 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
• 151–200: Unhealthy
• 201–300: Very unhealthy
• 300+: Hazardous

When to Stay Indoors vs. When to Leave

If AQI rises above 150 and your home cannot maintain clean air, it may be safer to temporarily relocate—especially for those with respiratory conditions.

You should consider leaving if:

• Indoor air quality rises despite filtration
• You smell smoke strongly inside
• A Red Flag Warning coincides with smoke intrusion
• You fall into a sensitive health category

Always prioritize evacuation if there is any wildfire threat—even if air quality is poor. Fire movement is the bigger danger.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups

Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with asthma or heart conditions are more sensitive to smoke. Extra precautions include:

• N95 masks
• HEPA air purifiers
• Sealed “clean rooms”
• Avoidance of outdoor activity

Preparation & Action: Checklists, Go-Bags & Family Plans

Preparedness turns chaos into clarity. When a wildfire threatens, minutes matter, so your checklist and go-bag should be ready long before fire season peaks.

Your California Wildfire Go-Bag Essentials

A well-built go-bag should include:

• Copies of important documents
• Medications and prescriptions
• First aid supplies
• N95 masks
• Flashlight and batteries
• External phone charger
• Fire-resistant clothing (cotton/wool)
• Water and non-perishable food
• Pet supplies
• Backup hard drive or cloud access to key files

Store your bag near the exit you’d use during evacuation.

Home Preparation Checklist

Home hardening is one of the most effective ways to reduce structure loss:

• Clear debris from gutters and roof lines
• Maintain 100 feet of defensible space
• Replace vents with ember-resistant mesh
• Seal gaps under decking
• Keep hoses connected and ready
• Trim back tree limbs near structures

Family Communication & Evacuation Plan

Consider a family emergency plan. All family members—including children—should know:

• Two evacuation routes
• A meeting point outside the hazard area
• An out-of-area emergency contact
• How to handle pets and livestock
• How to check alerts and apps

Evacuate early, not when flames are visible. Roads quickly become congested, smoky, or blocked.

Recovery Basics: Re-Entry, Cleanup & Insurance Resources

Once a wildfire passes, recovery begins—but it must be handled safely and systematically.

When It’s Safe to Return Home

Residents may return only when officials lift roadblocks or evacuation orders. Even if the fire appears distant, hazards can remain:

• Downed power lines
• Hot ash pits
• Falling trees or damaged structures

Always follow local guidance.

Cleanup & Debris Removal

Wildfire ash can contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals and asbestos. Counties often coordinate debris removal programs in partnership with state agencies. Steps include:

• Wearing protective equipment (N95, gloves, long sleeves)
• Avoiding direct contact with ash
• Documenting visible damage before cleanup
• Waiting for official hazardous waste guidance

Insurance Steps

Early documentation is critical:

• Photograph all damage before moving anything
• Make a detailed list of lost items
• Request a copy of your policy immediately
• Keep receipts for temporary housing and essentials
• File claims as early as possible

Mental Health & Community Support

Wildfires leave emotional and psychological impacts long after the flames are out. Residents should seek support through:

• Local community centers
• Red Cross services
• County behavioral health programs
• School-based counseling for children

Last-Resort Safety: Where a FORT™Fits

California’s worst firestorms have shown that even the best evacuation plans can be disrupted by sudden wind shifts, debris-blocked roads, or gridlock. In these rare but life-threatening scenarios, last-resort survival options matter.

When (and When NOT) to Use a Last-Resort Refuge

WSS emphasizes the same principle as CAL FIRE: Evacuation is always the first choice—and the safest. A FORT™is only for situations where escape routes are unexpectedly compromised. Families should never remain on the property simply because they own a FORT™. Its purpose is singular: life preservation when evacuation is impossible.

How the FORT™Works

The FORT™ is engineered to:

• Protect occupants from radiant heat
• Shield against smoke and ember intrusion
• Maintain survivable interior conditions during short-duration fire-front exposure

It is not a bunker, shelter-in-place strategy, or alternative to evacuation.

Integrating a FORT™Into a Family Safety Plan

If a family chooses to include a FORT™:

• Place it in a clear, defensible area at least 30 feet away from any structures.
• Create drills that prioritize evacuation first
• Ensure children understand that a FORT™ is only for trapped scenarios
• Review usage annually with household members

When planned responsibly, a last-resort option adds a final layer of protection without undermining evacuation-first safety standards.

FAQs About Fires in California

1. When is California’s fire season?

   Typically May–December, but risk now exists year-round depending on drought and wind.

2. Why are there so many fires in California today?

   Dry vegetation, heat waves, human activity, and wind events drive frequent fire starts.

3. What causes most California wildfires?

   Human activity—equipment sparks, vehicles, utilities, campfires, and arson.

4. Where can I check fires near me in real time?

   CAL FIRE, InciWeb, county alerts, and satellite-based heat maps.

5. How do I know if a fire is near my home?

   Monitor evacuation alerts, fire perimeters, and local emergency broadcasts.

6. Should I evacuate if the AQI is bad?

   If a wildfire threat exists, always evacuate—smoke is secondary to fire danger.

7. Are prescribed burns safe?

   Yes—professionals conduct them under strict conditions to reduce future fire intensity.

8. How does California prevent wildfires?

   Through vegetation management, utility upgrades, prescribed burning, and community programs.

9. What should be in a wildfire go-bag?

   Documents, medications, N95s, clothing, chargers, food, and pet essentials.

10. What steps do I take after a wildfire?

    Return only when cleared, document damage, contact insurance, and follow county cleanup protocols.

Key Takeaways

• Fire risk in California is effectively year-round; the highest danger is typically late summer through early winter.
• No single map is perfect — cross-check Watch Duty, CAL FIRE, county evacuation maps, and satellite tools for the best picture.
• Most fires are human-caused: defensible space and home hardening are proven prevention measures.
• Prescribed and cultural burns reduce fuel loads and support long-term landscape resilience.
• Smoke can be hazardous far from flames — monitor AQI and relocate if indoor air can’t be kept clean.
• Have a go-bag, clear evacuation routes, and a family plan so you can leave early and safely.
• Document damage promptly after a fire, follow county cleanup guidance, and contact your insurer early.
• The FORT™ is a last-resort, life-preserving option only when evacuation is impossible; evacuation remains the first choice.