California California Wildfires

Two people lead a group as they walk ahead them while they tour the damages left by a wildfire in a downtown business district of Pacific Palisades. Gray clouds of smoke can be seen behind them.

California Wildfires

Why Newsom invited Trump to visit LA fire zones amid worries he’ll block disaster aid

Gov. Gavin Newsom's invitation to the president-elect says Californians deserve to see them work together to address the devastation of the Los Angeles fires. Donald Trump has threatened to block disaster relief to California, and he soon will have the power to at least slow-walk aid.

By

Alexei Koseff

and

Yue Stella Yu

• January 10, 2025

A view of a hillside with powerlines connecting to towers on the top of the hill. Smoke from the nearby Eaton Fire fills the air as a helicopter flies near the power lines.

Justice

Hundreds of California prison firefighters join battle against Los Angeles wildfires

State prisoners have long been a part of California's firefighting force. Hundreds of them now are deployed in Los Angeles County.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• January 10, 2025

A firefighter in safety gear holds a firehose up and directs the water towards a car. The scene is apocalyptic, with fire smoke, flames and burning vehicles and structures in the background.

California Wildfires

LA fires underscore how much California has to lose if Trump withholds disaster aid

The federal government typically covers 75% of rebuilding costs after a major disaster. President-elect Trump has threatened to withhold firefighting money from California.

By

Ryan Sabalow

and

Alexei Koseff

• January 9, 2025

Two firefighters dressed in safety gear point a firehose towards a burning house. Water flows out of the hose and onto flames on a burning balcony. Smoke and flames are visible in the background.

California Wildfires

Fact check: Why is Trump blaming the LA fires on Newsom’s water policies?

President-elect Donald Trump faulted California water policies for the devastating wildfires that are burning in Los Angeles County. The fires started because of fierce winds and extremely dry conditions.

By

Alastair Bland

• January 8, 2025

A firefighter can be seen running and using a hose to help contain a fire in front of him that is devouring nearby buildings and structures.

Explainers

California infernos in January? Here’s why wildfire season keeps getting longer and more devastating

As climate change warms the planet, wildfires have become so unpredictable and extreme that new words were invented: firenado, gigafire, fire siege — even fire pandemic. California has 78 more annual “fire days” — when conditions are ripe for fires to spark — than 50 years ago. When is California’s wildfire season? With recurring droughts, […]

By

Julie Cart

• January 8, 2025

People wearing yellow and orange safety vest and white hard hats work on a trench to lay underground electric cables.

Environment

Californians pay billions for power companies’ wildfire prevention efforts. Are they cost-effective?

After utility equipment sparked tragic wildfires, PG&E, SCE and SDG&E received state approval to collect $27 billion from ratepayers. As California electric bills soar, questions have emerged about oversight and costs.

By

Alejandro Lazo

• December 3, 2024

Two firefighters stand overlooking a nearby a small fire on a mountain.

California Wildfires

Inland Empire wildfire threats cast light on home insurance crisis

In addition to wildfires, the residents and property owners in the Inland Empire face another crisis, the departure of companies willing to insure homes against catastrophes.

By

Deborah Brennan

• September 12, 2024

Chris Castleman, a Cal Fire firefighter, rolls up a fire hose on a fire truck at the Park Fire command post in Chico on Aug. 2, 2024, shortly after returning from fighting the nearby flames. Photo by Florence Middleton, CalMatters

California Wildfires

California battles onslaught of wildfires with help from mutual aid: ‘More resources than rest of US combined’

So many intense wildfires all at once require an intricate chess game for maneuvering firefighters and equipment around the U.S.

By

Julie Cart

• August 7, 2024

A property damaged by wildfire is seen in the aftermath of the Park Fire in the Cohasset community of Butte County on July 28, 2024. Photo by Eugene Garcia, AP Photo

California Wildfires

Toilet paper and flat tires — the strange ways that people ignite California wildfires

People trigger thousands of wildfires in California every year with unfortunate choices and sometimes reckless behavior. The 2024 Airport Fire, caused by an Orange County crew trying ro prevent wildfires, was one. The Park Fire, ignited by a man pushing a burning car, was another.

By

Julie Cart

• July 31, 2024

Firefighters work as Park Fire burns near Chico on July 25, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves, REUTERS

California Wildfires

Map: How big is the Park Fire? Use this tool to overlay it atop where you live

The Park Fire just pushed California’s wildfire season into overdrive. It has grown rapidly since it started near Chico on July 24. Within two days, the blaze had consumed some 178,000 acres, then it doubled the next day. By Sunday, the fire had devoured more acres than all of this year’s other fires to date […]

By

Jeremia Kimelman

and

John Osborn D'Agostino

• July 29, 2024