wildfires

An aerial view of the top of snow-capped trees as a thick layer of snow blankets the ground.

California Wildfires

Sparse snowpack in California fuels concern over fast-approaching fire season

With reservoirs brimming — but snowpack abysmal — experts warn of a potentially early fire season.

By

Rachel Becker

• April 1, 2026

A row of eight chimneys remain standing amongst the debris of a neighborhood destroyed by the Tubbs Fire. The city of Santa Rosa is in the background, along with burned-down trees, in the foreground, debris and a burned vehicle on the street.

Commentary

When home insurance fails, California’s families and communities feel the fallout

Homes that lose coverage can become un-mortgageable. Property values decline. Communities that stood for decades begin to be hollowed out.

By Marcella Cranford • March 17, 2026

A black charred staircase remains standing one of amongst rubble of what used to be home overlooking the ocean.

Economy

Some State Farm customers could see refunds while homeowner rate hikes stay put

State Farm reaches settlement over emergency insurance rate hikes after last year’s Los Angeles County fires.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• March 9, 2026

Front view of a light-colored house with a peaked roof, wooden double doors, and a landscaped garden. Trees and shrubs frame the foreground, and sunlight illuminates the facade under a partly cloudy sky.

Economy

California’s next insurance commissioner will have ‘brutal’ balancing act

Ricardo Lara’s successor will have a full plate. Insurance premiums are rising; fire survivors are struggling; the FAIR Plan is still growing.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• March 5, 2026

A person wearing glasses and a black jacket stands in front of a wooden podium, speaking into a microphone, during a press conference at the site of a wildfire, as tractors work behind them, moving debris. Other people surround them, all wearing construction helmets and safety vests.

Commentary

LA Mayor Karen Bass deflects blame, adds insult to injury for wildfire victims

The Los Angeles Times reports Mayor Bass has been pressuring fire officials to soften or downplay findings in reports about the city's wildfire response.

By

Dan Walters

• February 27, 2026

High school students walk through a school campus.

Climate Change

What California’s planned power outages are costing schools: darkness, disruption and debt

California schools faced repeated planned power outages in 2024-2025 as Edison cut electricity to prevent wildfires, forcing closures and costly backup power solutions.

By

Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

• February 25, 2026

A firefighter in protective gear pulls a hose toward a massive structure fire at night, directing a stream of water toward towering flames that engulf a building and fill the air with smoke and orange light.

Commentary

Who’s running for California Insurance Commissioner? Here’s a look at the field of candidates

There are 15 candidates vying to be the state's top insurance regulator, a hot seat as thousands of LA residents try tapping insurance to help them recover from wildfires.

By

Guest Commentary

• February 17, 2026

A burned-out structure with scorched walls and an arched doorway stands amidst charred vegetation. Smoke lingers in the background, and a partially intact gate with the number '203' leads to the property. A few green trees and palm trees remain standing in the hazy, orange-lit landscape.

Commentary

Candidate comment: Insurers’ blockbuster profits enrich shareholders and CEOs, not customers

Guest Commentary written by Jane Kim Jane Kim is a civil rights attorney, consumer advocate and a former San Francisco Supervisor With the first anniversary of the devastating Southern California wildfires approaching, CalMatters asked candidates for the 2026 state Insurance Commissioner race to share thoughts on what the state can do to help victims and […]

By Jane Kim • February 12, 2026

A landscaped residential walkway with gravel ground cover leads past a stone-and-stucco building toward a small patio with modern chairs, young trees, and low hills in the background under a clear sky.

Economy

Fires burn swiftly, but insurance battles linger: New bills propose consumer-friendly regulations

As fire survivors continue to navigate life after disaster, California lawmakers roll out new bills attempting to further regulate insurance companies like State Farm.

By

Levi Sumagaysay

• January 22, 2026

Burned remains of a hillside home reduced to rubble, with concrete walls, twisted metal, and ash in the foreground, while two scorched palm trees stand beside a railing overlooking a hazy valley in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Commentary

Candidate comment: Private insurers are holding California homeowners hostage

As the insurance industry threatens to leave the state unless they get less regulation and higher rates, politicians make consumers pay.

By Eduardo Vargas • January 16, 2026