Latest News About California wildfires 2024

California saw over eight thousand wildfires covering roughly 1.08 million acres leading to 1,837 structures damaged or gone and one fatality. Only since 2021 did acres burn exceed this year's but total acreage was lower than the peak, with counts just above the five-year average. Key incidents hit Riverside, LA County, and nearby areas triggering evacuations, road closures, and damaged structures. PSPS events and air quality issues affected multiple regions. Overall, it was a high-activity year for California, with substantial acreage burned but a lower total compared to some prior peaks, and ongoing impacts to communities and infrastructure.