The Latest News and information about California Fires

Volunteers in Prevention, also known simply as VIP, has made outstanding progress since its inception in 1980. With an annual budget of $270,000, this innovative program uses citizens and public service groups to spread fire safety awareness in high risk California locations.  The VIP Program was initially founded with the goal of reducing man-caused fires [...]

Named "The Great Fire" by firefighters on the scene, this recent fire began on October 1st and has since scorched 2,000 acres near Julian. Firefighters from as far as Northern California have come to battle the fire, which is currently 75% contained and covering very steep terrain. Thanks to favorable weather conditions and the efforts [...]

   The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) enforces the laws that regulate logging on privately-owned lands in California. These laws are found in the Forest Practice Act which was enacted in 1973 to ensure that logging is done in a manner that will preserve and protect our fish, wildlife, forests and streams. [...]

The "Giant Fire" began on July 20th and continues to burn the Long Meadow Giant Sequoia Grove on the Western Divide Ranger District, Giant Sequoia National Monument. The cause of this fire remains under investigation. The fire is contained, but as it is too dangerous for fire fighters to enter certain areas to extinguish smoldering [...]

On July 31st, 2011 multiple lightning strikes sparked 14 fires: 8 in Madera County and 6 in Mariposa County.  The largest of the fires is Hensley Fire, which is located northeast of Madera and burning 95 acres.  All fires are located in remote areas with which has made it difficult for fire crews to access.  Currently, all [...]

Owners of vacant parcels throughout unincorporated areas surrounding Lake Elsinore and Wildomar can expect a visit from the Riverside County Fire Department beginning mid-April as fire personnel conduct annual hazard abatement inspections. Property owners who have not cleared vacant parcels of overgrown weeds, dry grasses and other flammable vegetation will be receiving a "Notice of [...]

Smoke may be seen periodically through May 15 as State Parks maintenance crews burn dead, downed and diseased plants and trees in the Washburn Campground area of Hearst San Simeon State Park, just southeast of the intersection of San Simeon Creek Road and Highway 1. The vegetation management program helps protect structures, people and the [...]

In light of last week's catastrophic earthquake in Japan, local organizations and agencies are trying to heighten awareness about disaster preparedness throughout Lake Elsinore and Wildomar. On its website, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department features a Emergency Survival Program (ESP) guide that offers a multitude of disaster preparedness tips and informational resources for earthquakes, floods, wild [...]

NAPA COUNTY, Calif. – Downed power lines were ruled the cause of two Sunday structure fires in unincorporated Napa County. Firefighters responded to the blazes early Sunday evening, according to Cal Fire Battalion Chief Pete Muñoa, who also serves as Napa County fire marshal.   Just after 6 p.m. Cal Fire units and the Napa [...]

Big Bear Lake Fire Protection District’s board is set to review presentations by two fire agencies bidding to provide service. CalFire and San Bernardino County fire departments responded to a request for proposal to provide fire service to the city of Big Bear Lake. The proposals will be heard Wednesday, March 9, 9 a.m. at [...]