The Madre Fire in California’s San Luis Obispo County ignited around 13:00 LT on July 2, 2025, and burned through 14 370 ha (35 531 acres) by early July 3. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for multiple zones as strong winds and high temperatures continue to fuel rapid fire growth. This is the largest wildfire in California in 2025 to date.
A lightning-sparked Horse Fire, located west of Lakehead, California, has burned about 160 ha (400 acres) near Schell Mountain, south of Clear Creek Campground, as of July 3, 2025. Fire crews have made progress on containment, and the fire has not crossed Rattlesnake Creek.
Wolf Fire has burned more than 470 ha (1 160 acres) of brush in Riverside County, California since igniting on June 29, 2025. The fire remains 0% contained, prompting mandatory evacuations and the deployment of over 300 personnel.
The Jaw Fire and Democrat Fire in California’s Kern County have scorched approximately 1 657 ha (4 095 acres) of land as of May 21, 2025. Jaw Fire, the larger of the two, rapidly expanded on May 20, burning over 1 295 ha (3 200 acres) since its ignition on May 19. Meanwhile, the Democrat Fire has consumed about 362 ha (895 acres) since it started on May 18.
Toxic waste from burned lithium batteries, asbestos, and synthetic materials poses a significant risk in California’s wildfire-affected areas. Cleanup efforts are being delayed as hazardous substances require specialized removal before residents can safely return.
Multiple wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds erupted across northern San Diego County on January 20 and 21, 2025, forcing evacuations, damaging structures, and burning more than 74 ha (182 acres).
Southern California’s wildfire risk is reaching critical levels on Monday, January 20, 2025, with forecasters cautioning that dry vegetation and powerful winds could create the perfect conditions for fast-spreading, unpredictable fires. Potential impacts from this event include downed trees and power outages, very rapid and erratic fire spread, dangerous driving conditions and travel delays, especially for high-profile vehicles, and hazardous sea conditions with potential breaking waves for Avalon Harbor. If you live in affected region and haven’t prepared already, now is the time to act.
Extremely critical fire weather conditions persist in southern California due to strong Santa Ana winds, posing a significant threat of rapid fire growth through Wednesday. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect for Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with localized gusts reaching 115 km/h (70 mph).
Two massive wildfires in Los Angeles County have scorched more than 14 973 ha (37 000 acres), leaving at least 24 people dead, destroying over 12 000 structures, and threatening tens of thousands more, as of late Sunday, January 12, 2025.
The Palisades Fire, now the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history, has burned through over 8 094 ha (20 000 acres), destroyed more than 5 300 structures, and left Pacific Palisades in ruins since it ignited on January 7, 2024. With only 6% containment, the fire has ravaged entire neighborhoods, including some of the nation’s most affluent areas.
