Fire Monitor
California wildfire map: live fire tracking across the state
Use this page to monitor active wildfires in California, see where fire activity is clustering, and explore individual event details.
Recent wildfire alerts in California
A wildfire-focused event feed sorted by the latest updates and built for quick drill-down.
| Event | Severity |
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Fire hotspots
Regions with the most concentrated wildfire activity
About this tracker
California: The Nation's Wildfire Capital
California consistently leads the United States in wildfire activity, both in acres burned and structural losses. The state's combination of Mediterranean climate (dry summers), Santa Ana/Diablo winds, and extensive development in fire-prone areas creates a uniquely dangerous fire environment.
The 2020 fire season set records with over 4.2 million acres burned, while the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history, killing 85 people and destroying nearly 19,000 structures. More recently, the 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires in the Los Angeles area demonstrated that wildfire risk extends deep into urban areas.
California's fire risk is year-round: summer fires driven by drought and lightning in northern California overlap with fall and winter Santa Ana wind events in southern California. Track California fire activity on our wildfire map and see earthquake activity in the same regions on the California earthquake tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is California wildfire season?
California has a year-round fire season. Northern California fires peak June-September driven by drought and lightning, while Southern California fires peak October-January during Santa Ana wind events. The state's most destructive fires have occurred in November and December.
What causes California wildfires?
California fires are caused by a combination of factors: dry Mediterranean climate, strong offshore winds (Santa Ana/Diablo), drought-stressed vegetation, power line ignitions, and extensive development in fire-prone areas. Climate change is increasing fire risk by extending drought periods and intensifying wind events.
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Last updated 3/15/2026, 1:04:38 PM