Latest News About California wildfires 2024

California saw over eight thousand fire events covering roughly 1.08 million acres with 1,837 structures destroyed and one fatality. Only since 2021 did acres burn exceed this year's yet overall acreage lagged behind peak years, and the wildfire count was slightly above the five-year average. Key incidents hit Riverside, LA County, and nearby areas driving evacuations, road closures, and property damage. Public safety power shutoffs and air quality concerns were reported in several regions. Overall, it was a high-activity year for California, marked by significant burn area yet below peak totals of earlier years, and lasting effects on communities and infrastructure.