More than 1,500 fires were reported by the start of May in California, where firefighters are bracing for a hot and dry summer following another winter of below-average rainfall.
CAL FIRE reported 1,575 wildfires through May that burned 3,531 acres. At the same time last year, the agency reported 938 fires that burned 1,166 acres.
California’s five-year average for the same period is 766 fires and 2,870 acres.
Conditions are likely to intensify this summer due in large part to dry conditions throughout the state. The weekly drought report issued at the end of April shows 97.5% of California is in some stage of drought. The southwest corner of the state is in a pre-drought condition that the Monitor calls abnormally dry.
The map below shows where California's wildfires are burning (updated daily). Use the layover tool to the right to toggle between displays, including fire perimeters.
- The red fire symbols classify the fire by acres. The symbol increases in size as the fire increases in coverage.
- The polygons show current perimeters.
- The map legend also shows Hazardous Wildfire Conditions: Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch.
