A fallen log burns in a wildfire.

A Blazing Start to California’s 2024 Fire Season

The size of wildfires so far in 2024 is worrying California fire officials and state leaders.

As of July 10, more than 207,000 acres have burned across the state, roughly the size of the city of San Diego. That’s significantly more than the five-year average of 38,000 acres, according to Cal Fire.

The number of wildfires is in line with recent trends. So far, 3,543 wildfires have broken out across the Golden State, compared to the five-year average of 3,659 fires by early July.

“We’re already experiencing a disproportionately high number of acres burned,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a news conference. “We’re seeing, unsurprisingly, predictably, because of the rains — those late rains in particular — a lot of grasses turning into brush fires.”

Heavy rains over the past two stormy winters have grown grass, brush, and other vegetation, which is beginning to dry out and become flammable.

Yes, but: the wildfire forecast is complicated. A mix of competing factors is both increasing and decreasing fire risk.

Drought, which increases fire risk, is not a significant concern for the Golden State. However, that abundant vegetation could provide plenty of fire fuel.

Still, other variables come into play, ranging from fire suppression to logging to the weather. The annual monsoon across the southwestern U.S. is one of the critical factors in fire activity across the West.

In April, AccuWeather’s Wildfire Team predicted a below-average fire season both in the number of blazes and acres burned.

What we’re watching: NOAA scientists predict that a La Niña climate pattern will develop. They say there’s a 70% chance that La Niña develops between August and October and a nearly 80% chance that it will be in place this winter.

For Southern California, La Niña is best known for warm and dry conditions throughout the winter. That could extend wildfire season.

Harden Your Home

Once a wildfire starts, there’s very little you can do. But you can address your home’s vulnerabilities to make it more resilient by hardening it.

Home hardening includes:

  • Using fire-resistant building materials.
  • Adopting safe landscaping practices.
  • Implementing preventative measures to enhance property safety.

Learn more about getting wildfire-prepared here.