As temperatures cool down and we approach the end of summer, it’s important to remain prepared for peak wildfire season in California. Some of the largest, deadliest and most destructive fires have occurred during the fall months in recent history.
The largest wildfire sparked during the fall months in California history was the Creek fire in September of 2020. Burning over 370,000 acres, the Creek fire destroyed over 850 structures. The deadliest wildfire ever recorded in the golden state also occurred in the fall months of 2018. Starting at 5:30 a.m. on November 8, 2018, the Camp fire took the lives of 85 Californians while burning over 150,000 acres and destroying over 18,000 structures.
It’s important to always be prepared, no matter the weather or time of year. Follow the steps below to ensure you and your household are prepared for an emergency.
Emergency Preparedness Steps:
- Sign up for emergency alerts at CalAlerts.org
- Create an emergency plan for your household, including your pets.
- Pack a go-bag with essential items, such as important documents, cash and medications.
- Be aware of the evacuation routes out of your neighborhood and plan ahead.
- Check in on friends and neighbors to ensure your whole community is prepared.
Examples of California Fall Months’ Wildfires:
| FIRE | START DATE | ACRES BURNED | STRUCTURES DESTROYED | DEATHS |
| Creek | Sept. 4, 2020 | 379,895 | 858 | 0 |
| Thomas | Dec. 4, 2017 | 281,893 | 1,060 | 2 |
| Witch | Oct. 21, 2007 | 197,990 | 1,650 | 2 |
| Tunnel-Oakland Hill | October 1991 | 1,520 | 2,900 | 25 |
| Tubbs | October 2017 | 36,000 | 5,636 | 22 |
| Cedar | October 2003 | 273,246 | 2,820 | 15 |
| Redwood Valley | October 2017 | 36,523 | 545 | 9 |
| Harris | October 2007 | 90,440 | 560 | 8 |
| Atlas | October 2017 | 51,624 | 783 | 6 |
| Camp | November 2018 | 153,336 | 18,804 | 85 |
| Woolsey | November 2018 | 96,949 | 1,643 | 3 |
| Glass | September 2020 | 67,484 | 1,520 | 0 |
| Old | October 2003 | 91,281 | 1,003 | 6 |
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: