Seasonal Outlook
Northern California: Expected to experience a steady warming and drying trend through early summer, with fuel receptiveness increasing as seasonal curing progresses. Snowmelt and continued spring green-up will help moderate fire spread potential in the near term, but curing herbaceous fuels across lower elevations during April and May will support increased fire activity. Significant fire potential is expected to remain near normal in April before increasing to above normal from May through July, with lightning in July remaining a key forecast wildcard.
Southern California: Forecasted to remain warmer and drier than normal through the period, supported by below-normal precipitation, above-normal temperatures, and a shallower-than-normal marine layer limiting inland moisture recovery. The region will continue its normal seasonal progression from spring conditions into June coastal marine influence and then into the hot, dry summer pattern. Monsoonal moisture is expected to develop in mid to late July, slightly later than normal, with near-normal shower and thunderstorm activity anticipated once established.
Drought: Abnormally dry conditions are established across the Northern and Eastern Sierra and near the Colorado River, with drought development increasingly likely across portions of Northern California over the next four months. While Central and Southern California currently remain free of drought designation, persistent dryness across much of the Southwest will continue to support increasing fuel vulnerability.
Rebuilding After Wildfire
Whether you’re preparing your home before a wildfire or rebuilding afterward, understanding the steps you should take to harden your home against wildfire is critical. Increase your home’s resilience by following our home hardening guidelines.
Explore options for new building materials or affordable retrofitting options that enhance your home’s defense against wildfires in California.
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.
