Seasonal Outlook
The fire outlook for California from April through July 2025 highlights differing regional risks as the state transitions toward fire season.
In Northern California, significant precipitation in March and lingering snowpack at mid to upper elevations will continue to act as barriers to fire spread through May. However, weather patterns are expected to shift toward warmer and drier conditions from May into July, increasing the flammability of lowland areas... particularly oak-woodlands away from marine layer influence. Despite this shift, significant fire potential remains normal for now, aligning with historical patterns during spring months.
Southern California, on the other hand, continues to experience severe to exceptional drought, especially across the South Coast and Colorado Desert. While the region initially saw limited grass and fine fuel growth earlier in the season, late-season rains have since promoted herbaceous growth. These fine fuels will become increasingly flammable once cured, adding to the risk of large fires..,. especially in timber-dominated mountainous areas where precipitation has remained below average since October 2024.
The likelihood of above-normal significant fire potential is projected to increase in Southern California from late spring into summer. A transition from La Niña to neutral conditions is expected during this time, which may reduce predictability in fire weather but could strengthen coastal marine layer effects in some areas.
Overall, Northern California maintains normal fire potential through May, while Southern California (particularly the South Coast) faces a growing threat of large fires due to persistent drought and increasingly flammable fuels.
Information presented on the departments website is a representation of the existing wildfire situation, based on the information readily available to CAL FIRE. We make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, however the data is subject to review and change. This site provides general information concerning an incident. All of our information comes from the firelines and must be approved by the Incident Commander in charge of managing the incident prior to release. As battling a fire, or handling any other disaster is the priority, updates to these sites cannot be guaranteed on a set time schedule. Please use the information on these pages only as a reference. The sites are not meant to provide up-to-the-minute evacuation or fire behavior information. Please refer to the fire information phone numbers provided on this site, and website links for additional information, and monitor your local radio stations for emergency broadcasts. If you live in a wildland area always have an evacuation plan in place. Fires occur throughout the State within CAL FIRE jurisdiction on a daily basis during fire season. However, the majority of those fires are contained quickly and no information will generally be provided on these incidents at this site if the fire burns less than 10 acres. If you would like to obtain information about a CAL FIRE fire burning in your area that is not included on this web site, please contact the CAL FIRE Unit that services your county.
