2026 US wildfire season and federal response
One page that accretes the verified record as the story develops. Every fact keeps its date and its sources.
US disaster survivors still await at least $10bn in federal aid
In a 2023 nationwide survey by FEMA, 54% of people said they or their family members had experienced the effects of a disaster.
Congresswoman Judy Chu said in a prepared statement that President Trump has not delivered long-term federal disaster recovery funding to Los Angeles communities.
Since 1993, more than $111bn has been appropriated and allocated for CDBG-DR.
Fast-moving California wildfire burns six homes, injures two firefighters
The National Weather Service said Santa Ana winds would linger through Saturday.
The Norte fire started in San Clemente and wind drove it into San Juan Capistrano.
Wind gusts ranged from 50-70mph during the Norte fire.
Wildfire prompts thousands of evacuation orders in Orange County
Thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate due to the wildfires.
Firefighters are battling fast-moving wildfires in California's southern Orange County.
Strong Santa Ana winds are fanning the flames of the wildfires.
California wildfires destroy homes, leave thousands without power
Wind gusts of up to 50-70 miles (80-110 kilometers) per hour were recorded in the mountains.
The Orange County Fire Authority said the Norte fire had scorched about 465 acres (188 hectares).
The Orange County Fire Authority said at least four homes had been impacted in San Juan Capistrano.
Southern California brush fires destroy homes and prompt evacuations
The Bryson fire broke out on the outskirts of Malibu on Thursday and burned about 147 acres with 17 percent containment as of Friday according to Cal Fire.
The Norte fire started in San Clemente on Friday and moved to San Juan Capistrano.
Utilities proactively shut off power to more than 150,000 customers across California.
“By securing this federal assistance, we are ensuring our local and state partners have the critical resources they need,”
Brush fires and evacuations in Los Angeles and Orange counties
Two evacuation zones for the Bryson Fire were downgraded to advisories.
The cause of the Bryson Fire remains under investigation.
Planned power outages are being canceled and utilities are working to restore power.
Multiple wildfires ignite in hot, windy California, evacuations issued
Climate scientist Daniel Swain said the likelihood of a wet winter in southern California is now very high.
Multiple blazes in 2025 consumed more than 16,000 structures in Los Angeles county.
Nearly 62,000 customers in 26 counties in northern California had no electricity.
Extreme heat warnings issued for southern California
A persistent area of high pressure will remain in place over southern California this week.
The October temperature record for the Burbank region was set in 1987.
Burbank recorded a temperature of 39C on Saturday.
Bouquet wildfire burns in California national forest
The Bouquet wildfire had spread to 1,000 acres by Saturday evening.
The cause of the Bouquet wildfire was not immediately reported.
Firefighters battled the Bouquet wildfire from the ground and air.
October heat wave bakes California, breaking temperature records
At least 37 million people are under heat alerts on Sunday as a multi-day October heat wave continues across nearly all of California.
An excessive heat warning was issued across Southern California, including for Los Angeles, Riverside and Temecula, where highs are expected to be in the triple digits on Sunday.
On Saturday, at least eight Southern California cities broke daily high-temperature marks, including Anaheim and San Diego at 105 degrees and Santa Ana at 107 degrees.
Helicopter crash kills two pilots battling wildfire in Yosemite
About 580 personnel were battling the Dome Fire, which had burned roughly 4.7 square miles and was about 15% contained.
A procession carrying the two deceased helicopter pilots was seen traveling through Merced on Monday, Sept. 21.
The deceased pilots were identified as Ryan Cutter and Greg King.
Helicopter fighting Yosemite fire crashes, killing two
The Dome Fire is burning in wilderness northeast of Wawona.
The helicopter was owned by contractor FlyPrecision.
The remains of the pilots have been recovered.
“Fire behavior will remain moderate, with spotting behavior being a big challenge in the full suppression efforts of this fire.”
Officials suspect arsonists behind inferno in vacation paradise
Seven ground teams and three aircraft were deployed as part of the firefighting operation.
Positano Mayor Gabriella Guida confirmed that the fire ravaged the woods of Tordigliano on the border between the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula.
Strong winds initially prevented helicopters from taking part in the response, but firefighting aircraft joined the operation by morning.
Firefighters say US government is failing them amid intense wildfire season
By mid-August there had already been 12 entrapments, the highest number in 20 years.
The Department of the Interior and the USFS did not respond to requests for comment from the Guardian.
Dr Timothy Ingalsbee is the executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics and Ecology (Fusee), a non-profit he cofounded.
“that teams have worked more fires than is safe, using temporary supervisory structures because fully qualified personnel are not available”
New video of man launching fireworks that sparked deadly wildfire
Authorities say new video shows a suspect launching fireworks from a moving truck.
The 18-year-old suspect faces multiple charges, including first-degree manslaughter.
Police say a man launching fireworks sparked a deadly wildfire.