Multiple wildfires continue to burn across California, with several still at zero containment and threatening communities. Many of these fires ignited on Sept. 2, sparked by dry lightning during monsoon season.
High temperatures, dry winds, and low humidity have fueled fire activity since August, and while peak wildfire season usually occurs in August, the risk this year could extend into fall as above-normal temperatures are expected to linger across the state.
Smoke from the fires has caused air quality to plummet in some areas, reaching “hazardous” levels on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Here’s the latest on California’s wildfire activity and air quality.
Crews race to shield McKinley Grove as Garnet Fire surges
Firefighters in California’s Sierra National Forest are mounting an aggressive defense to protect the ancient giant sequoias of McKinley Grove as the Garnet Fire continues its explosive growth. Now burning more than 53,000 acres, the blaze has become the third-largest wildfire in the state this year, fueled by dry conditions and dense vegetation in the Sierra Nevada foothills
Crews have carved shaded fuel breaks along McKinley Grove Road, using controlled fire to clear excess vegetation and create defensible space. According to the U.S. Forest Service, these breaks are part of a broader strategy to suppress the fire’s southern edge and prevent it from crossing into the grove itself.
The area is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the region, and officials have made their protection a top priority.
California wildfire map
Air quality map in California
Major active wildfires in California
Gifford Fire
Garnet Fire
Salt 14-2 Fire
TCU September Lightning Complex
Dillon Fire
6-5 Fire
Blue Fire
Log Fire
6-2 Fire
See all incidents.
What is a red flag warning?
A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions supports extreme fire danger, according to the National Weather Service. Each NWS office creates local criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings.
What should you do during a red flag warning and wildfire prevention tips
Forecasters warn residents under a red flag to take extra precautions to prevent wildfires. Follow these steps to reduce the risk of fire on your property and in your community:
Monitor local alerts
Prepare your home and property
Have an emergency kit ready
Avoid activities that could start a fire
Fire safety if burning is allowed
Electrical safety
Health precautions
California weather watches and warnings
Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text
Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How many wildfires are active in California? ‘Hazardous’ air quality lingers over state
Reporting by Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
