2023 Fire Year
The 2023 fire season in California, marked by proactive management and favorable weather conditions, saw a substantial decrease in both the number of wildfires and the total acreage burned, compared to the 5-year average. The total acreage burned was remarkably lower, with approximately 325,000 acres affected, significantly less than the 5-year average of over 2,300,000 acres.
Notable fires included the Emerald Fire in Mendocino County, which despite its rapid spread, was contained effectively without major structural damages or casualties. The efforts of CAL FIRE, coupled with improved resource management and community preparedness, played a key role in mitigating the impact of wildfires throughout the state. Additionally, the widespread adoption of preventive measures, such as controlled burns and vegetation management, contributed to the overall reduction in fire severity and scale. This year serves as a testament to the effectiveness of strategic planning and collaborative efforts in wildfire management.