The Sandy Fire, discovered at around 10:50 local time (LT) on May 18, 2026, has burned more than 526 ha (1 300 acres) across Simi Valley in Ventura County, California, forcing mandatory evacuations for more than 10 000 homes and triggering warnings for thousands more as firefighters battle rapid fire spread driven by dry and windy conditions.
A record-breaking wildfire burning on California’s Santa Rosa Island has scorched more than 5 900 ha (14 600 acres) and continues to threaten rare Torrey pine trees, endangered plant species, and historic structures.
A lightning-sparked wildfire known as Garnet Fire entered the McKinley Grove of giant ancient sequoias in California’s Sierra National Forest on September 8, 2025. Firefighters reported ember ignition in upper branches but no complete canopy burn. Containment stands at about 15% after burning 22 000 ha (55 000 acres) since igniting on August 24.
A fast-moving wildfire erupted in Lakeside, San Diego County, California at around 15:00 LT on September 8, 2025, burning 2.1 ha (5.3 acres), destroying six mobile homes, and injuring two people before firefighters contained it overnight.
The 6-5 Fire, part of the TCU September Lightning Complex, has burned more than 2 400 ha (6 000 acres) in Tuolumne County, California, since igniting on September 2, 2025, destroying at least five homes in the historic settlement of Chinese Camp and forcing evacuations. Containment remains at zero percent.
New research published on August 6, 2025, in JAMA estimates that 440 excess deaths occurred in Los Angeles County, California, from January 5–February 1, 2025, due to the Palisades and Eaton wildfires, compared with 30 direct deaths officially reported.
Gifford Fire has burned over 26 200 ha (65 000 acres) in Los Padres National Forest, California, forcing evacuations in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties since igniting on August 1, 2025. The fire is 3% contained, with more than 1 000 personnel assigned.
Three firefighters were injured by a falling tree while battling the Butler Fire on July 18, 2025. The fire is part of the Orleans Complex, which has now grown to over 5 802 ha (14 342 acres) and stands at 2 % containment on July 19.
The Madre Fire in California’s San Luis Obispo County ignited around 13:00 LT on July 2, 2025, and burned through 14 370 ha (35 531 acres) by early July 3. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for multiple zones as strong winds and high temperatures continue to fuel rapid fire growth. This is the largest wildfire in California in 2025 to date.
A lightning-sparked Horse Fire, located west of Lakehead, California, has burned about 160 ha (400 acres) near Schell Mountain, south of Clear Creek Campground, as of July 3, 2025. Fire crews have made progress on containment, and the fire has not crossed Rattlesnake Creek.
