California Fires
To view the latest information about current fires burning in California , and learn about what government information and assistance is available, please visit USA.gov's California Fires web page .
Wildfires consume an average of 5 million acres of land every year in the United States. Once a fire begins, it can spread at a rate of up to 14 miles per hour, consuming everything in its path. Wildfires can occur naturally, ignited by heat from the sun or a lightning strike. However, the majority of wildfires result from arson, campfires, discarded cigarettes, improperly burnt debris, matches, fireworks, or prescribed burns .
For more information about wildfires, please visit the following links:
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Wildfire web page
- Provides information on what to do before , during and after a wildfire .
- The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Wildfires web page
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Wildfires web page
- The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Wildfires web page
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) is the nation's support center for fighting wildfires. Through the NIFC, federal and state agencies work together to coordinate and support wildland fire and disaster operations. The NIFC also provides statistical fire data, a detailed list of wildland fires by state and wildfire prevention and education information and links .
If you have survived a disaster, such as a major wildfire, you may be eligible for federal assistance . If your county has been issued a disaster declaration , you may apply for assistance with FEMA . For more information, or to apply over the phone, please call 1.800.621.FEMA (1.800.621.3362).
Additional Resources:
- The NIFC's Information on Protecting Your Home from a Wildland Fire
- Smokey Bear
- FireSafety.gov
- Fire Safety
- Winter Fire Safety Tips
- Barbecue Safety Tips
- Fireworks Safety Tips
- The FWS's Fire Management
- Fire Prevention Week - observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.