California Wildfire Map & Tracker
Track active wildfires across California in real time. WildFire-Ready maps active fires, perimeters, evacuation alerts, smoke and air quality, and fire bans, drawn from National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), National Weather Service, InciWeb, NASA FIRMS, and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, updated continuously.
What causes wildfires in California
Most California wildfires are human caused, from equipment, vehicles, debris burning, and power lines, though lightning sparks large fires in the mountains and remote north. The state's steep terrain, dense chaparral, and dried summer grasses carry fire quickly once it starts. The biggest, most destructive runs are usually driven by offshore wind events: the Santa Ana winds in Southern California and the Diablo winds in the north, which push fire downslope toward communities at high speed.
California fire season
California faces wildfire risk nearly year round, with the most destructive fires often driven by dry vegetation and strong seasonal winds in late summer and fall. Both wildland and wildland-urban interface fires are a persistent threat across the state.
California can see fire activity in any month, but the core season generally runs from late spring through fall. Peak danger tends to arrive in the late summer and autumn, when fuels are driest and the Santa Ana and Diablo wind events are most likely. Wet winters can push the worst weeks later into the year.
How to read the California map
Flame markers show active fires reported by official agencies, and tapping one opens its status and details. Fire perimeters show the mapped footprint where available, and evacuation zones appear as they are issued by local emergency management. Turn on the smoke and air-quality layers to see where conditions are degrading, and check fire restrictions before any outdoor burning.
We keep the California map current so you can check what is burning, watch a fire near you, and see evacuation alerts and air quality in one place. Coverage is part of WildFire-Ready across Western Canada and 18 western US states, serving more than 130 million people, with the deepest coverage in British Columbia and Alberta.
Data sources for California
Everything we show for California traces back to the agency that publishes it:
- National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
- National Weather Service
- InciWeb
- NASA FIRMS
- California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
You can verify the state's fire picture directly at the official agency: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/.
California wildfire FAQ
Are there wildfires in California right now?
WildFire-Ready shows active wildfires across California in real time, drawn from official agencies. Open the live map to see currently active fires, their status, and where they are burning. Counts change throughout the day, so check the map for the latest picture and confirm critical details with the responsible agency.
Where can I see California evacuation orders?
Evacuation orders and alerts for California appear on the WildFire-Ready map and in the app as they are issued by the responsible emergency-management agencies. Always follow official evacuation orders, and call 911 in an emergency. WildFire-Ready is a companion to 911, not a replacement.
Is the air quality safe in California?
Wildfire smoke can move air quality from good to hazardous quickly. WildFire-Ready surfaces air-quality readings on the map so you can check conditions near you. During smoke events, follow guidance from your local health authority.
Is there a fire ban in California?
Fire bans and restrictions for California are shown on the WildFire-Ready map when they are in effect. Restrictions can change with conditions, so verify the current rules with the official agency, National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), before lighting any fire.
When is wildfire season in California?
California's main wildfire season generally runs from late spring through fall, with peak danger in late summer and autumn when fuels are driest and offshore wind events are most likely. Fires can occur year round, so we keep the map live in every season.
What causes most wildfires in California?
Most California wildfires are human caused, including equipment use, vehicles, debris burning, and power lines, while lightning drives many large fires in the mountains and remote areas. Santa Ana and Diablo wind events turn ordinary fires into fast, destructive runs.
How do I sign up for California evacuation alerts?
Official evacuation alerts come from your county or local emergency-management agency, often through systems like county reverse-notification sign-ups and Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone. We show evacuation orders and alerts on the map as agencies issue them, but always register with your local alerting system and follow official orders.
Where does WildFire-Ready get California fire data?
We draw California fire information from official sources including CAL FIRE and federal agencies, plus NASA FIRMS satellite detections and air-quality data. You can verify the statewide picture directly at the official agency linked on this page.