Wildfire in California: understanding the threat and preparing for it

California has become almost synonymous with catastrophic wildfires in recent years. Each summer and fall, images of orange skies, burning hillsides, and devastated towns underscore the state’s fire crisis. California now leads the nation in both the number of wildfires and total acres burned annually (iii.org).

For those living in the Golden State, wildfire preparedness is not optional—it’s a way of life. This article covers California-specific wildfire challenges and the state’s hard-earned lessons in preparation and prevention.

The scope of the problem

California’s climate, geography, and vegetation make it one of the most fire-prone regions in the world.

The state experiences long, hot, dry summers that leave landscapes parched. Years of drought have dried out or killed millions of trees. When late-summer Diablo or Santa Ana winds sweep through, even a single spark can turn into a fast-moving inferno.

In 2023 alone, California experienced 7,364 wildfires, more than any other U.S. state, burning over 330,000 acres (iii.org).

Five of the ten largest fires in California history occurred in 2020 (iii.org). That year’s August Complex Fire became the state’s first “gigafire,” scorching more than one million acres (iii.org).

And in terms of devastation, the 2018 Camp Fire stands out. It destroyed over 18,000 structures and claimed 85 lives—making it California’s deadliest wildfire on record (iii.org).

Climate change, decades of fire suppression, and overbuilt wildland-urban interfaces continue to heighten the risk.

California’s approach to preparedness and prevention

In response to the growing threat, California has implemented some of the nation’s most robust wildfire laws and preparedness strategies. Here’s what residents need to know:

-> Defensible space is required by law

Under California’s Public Resources Code 4291, homeowners in fire-prone zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space—or up to their property line (readyforwildfire.org).

That includes clearing dry brush, trimming trees, and removing flammable materials. Some counties now recommend an “ember-free zone” in the first 0–5 feet from structures.

Tree limbs must be trimmed at least 10 feet away from chimneys, and roofs should be cleared of pine needles (readyforwildfire.org). These practices are proven to reduce home losses and are subject to inspection in many areas.

-> Home hardening programs and building codes

California offers grants and resources to help homeowners upgrade their homes with fire-resistant materials. Consider the Wildfire Home Retrofit Program or consult with CAL FIRE for regional options.

Some insurers and local governments offer free home assessments to identify vulnerabilities like wooden fences, unscreened vents, or untreated roofs.

Chapter 7A of California’s building code outlines requirements for new construction in high fire hazard zones, including Class A roofs, non-combustible siding, and tempered glass windows. Even if not required, meeting these standards can significantly increase your home’s chances of survival.

Community fuel management and firewise neighborhoods

Local communities play a vital role in wildfire prevention. Many California towns have Fire Safe Councils or Firewise USA designations that support brush clearing, chipping services, and even goat grazing programs for fuel reduction.

One overgrown property can endanger an entire block. Work with neighbors to maintain continuous defensible space.

If you live near parks or open space, hold local officials accountable for clearing fire roads, managing vegetation, and thinning trees. Many counties now enforce vegetation ordinances to maintain common areas—check yours for details.

Evacuations and emergency alerts

Sign up for local emergency alert systems like AlertSF or VCAlert and pay attention to Wireless Emergency Alerts. Fires like the 2017 Tubbs Fire or 2018 Camp Fire moved so quickly that hesitation proved fatal.

Know your evacuation zone and have a “go bag” packed year-round. Many cities now have “Red Flag” parking bans on narrow roads to keep fire engine access clear—observe these notices.

Have a plan for different scenarios: a local brush fire may require relocating within town, while a large regional fire could mean evacuating to another county, as seen in the 2021 Caldor Fire.

Air quality preparedness

Even if flames never touch your property, wildfire smoke can affect your health.

Keep N95 masks in your emergency kits and consider investing in a HEPA air purifier for at least one room in your home. Some residents build DIY air scrubbers with box fans and furnace filters.

Track Air Quality Index (AQI) levels using apps or official websites. Anything above 150 is unhealthy—above 300 is hazardous.

During prolonged smoke events, protect vulnerable family members (elderly, children, people with asthma) and be prepared for extended periods indoors. Stock up on necessary medications like inhalers.

Insurance and recovery in California

Because of California’s fire risk, homeowners must review and update their insurance coverage regularly.

Check that your dwelling coverage reflects current construction costs. If you live in a high-risk area and struggle to get coverage, look into the California FAIR Plan and consider a wraparound policy.

Keep an updated home inventory—video walk-throughs work well—and store it in the cloud.

If disaster strikes, know how to file a claim and where to find help. After major fires, support groups and local nonprofits often provide legal, financial, and emotional assistance. State and federal aid may be available but typically only covers a portion of losses.

Recovery is often a multi-year process, but strong community networks can ease the journey.

Innovations and success stories

Despite the challenges, California is leading in wildfire innovation.

Statewide, hundreds of wildfire detection cameras now monitor mountaintops 24/7 through the AlertWildfire network. Utilities are reinforcing power lines and adding sensors that can shut off power automatically when a fault is detected.

Research institutions like UC Berkeley and Stanford are developing new fire-resistant building materials and exploring tools like firefighting drones.

Public awareness is growing too. Campaigns like “Ready, Set, Go!” remind residents to get Ready by preparing their homes, Set when fire conditions arrive, and Go immediately when ordered (dnr.wa.gov).

These programs are working. During the 2020 Silverado Fire in Orange County, early alerts and practiced evacuations helped tens of thousands of residents flee safely—firefighters reported no fatalities and minimal injuries thanks to well-coordinated action.

Living with wildfire: a California reality

For many Californians, wildfire is not a rare event—it’s part of life. That means integrating fire safety into daily routines, just like installing smoke detectors or wearing seatbelts.

Maintain your defensible space, check your roof and gutters, and keep your go-bag ready. Get involved in local preparedness efforts and advocate for smart policies around vegetation management, utility infrastructure, and climate resilience.

Mentally prepare, too. The emotional toll of repeated fire seasons is real. Know where you would go in an evacuation and who you could stay with. Store treasured items in one place for quick access, or save digital copies off-site.

Final thoughts

California’s wildfires are a formidable challenge, but one that communities can survive with readiness and resilience.

By applying the lessons of past disasters—from defensible space to better communication and home hardening—residents can protect their homes, neighborhoods, and loved ones.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay strong.
Because when the embers fly, your readiness can make all the difference.