The summer of 2024 has brought heightened wildfire activity in California, with more fires and acres burned than in recent years. By mid-summer, over 3,500 wildfires have flared up across the state, consuming more than 207,000 acres and affecting 128 structures. This is a notable rise compared to 2023 when only about 10,000 acres had burned by the same time. 

The 2024 fire season, which is still ongoing, has been particularly intense due to accumulating vegetation from previous wet winters, providing plenty of fuel, combined with the return of hot, dry conditions. Notable fires include the Park Fire, which burned over 429,000 acres, marking it as one of the largest in the state’s history. The use of advanced technology, such as drones and real-time wildfire mapping systems, has been vital in managing these fires, along with California’s substantial aerial firefighting fleet. 

The state continues to deal with an insurance crisis, and homeowners are reluctant to accept that they are partially responsible for ensuring the safety of their homes and property. Our public safety divisions are diligently changing those metrics and creating NFPA Firewise sites and Fire Safe Councils. We’re also promoting the implementation of becoming “fire-adapted communities.” 

All in all, 2024 is proving to be one of California’s most active and challenging wildfire seasons in recent years, with officials continuing to stress the importance of preparedness and prevention as peak wildfire season continues into the fall.