Preparing for wildfires in the Bay Area
Wildfires in the Bay Area are inevitable, but the amount of damage can often be controlled. Cal Fire experts say most of the live-saving measures are done ahead of time, especially by residents. So where should residents, especially those in high-risk areas, start in terms of wildfire preparations? When time is a luxury, residents are…
Map of Active Fires
Map of Air Quality
ALERT Wildfire Cameras
ALERT Wildfire is a network of over 700 cameras that are set to survey areas in California and beyond to monitor for smoke and wildfires in fire-prone regions. Check out the network of cameras, which update with photos snapped every ten seconds.
North Bay Cameras
South & East Bay Cameras
Central Coast Cameras
Power Outages
Be prepared for power outages around the Bay Area by making use of PG&E’s alerts, preparation guides, and maps that can help you understand the risk of power outages in your area.
Fire Season News
Wildfires have been devastating for Bay Area communities in the last few years with tremendous loss of life, property and forests. Scientists, fire officials and local leaders worry that climate change and dry conditions are setting us up for another dangerous season. We track the trends and provide news you can use here.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Fire Hazard Severity Zones, or FHSZ, are a way to map significant fire hazards according to risk factors including fuels, terrain, and weather. This CAL Fire visual displays FHSZ in California, and by clicking the binoculars icon to use the “Zoom to Address” feature, you can check out the fire risk in your area.
Photo Gallery: Controlled burns
Fuel load management work, including controlled burns, is conducted by CalFire in conjunction with California Department of Water Resources at Loafer Creek State Recreation Area in Oroville, Calif., on March 2, 2022. The work is part of the fuel load management program which reduces fire risk, protects public safety, and enhances forest and watershed health. (Kelly M. Grow/California Department of Water Resources via Bay City News) 
Gus Boston, battalion chief with CalFire, onsite for fuel load management work, including controlled burns, and working in conjunction with California Department of Water Resources at Loafer Creek State Recreation Area in Oroville, Calif., on March 2, 2022. The work is part of the fuel load management program which reduces fire risk, protects public safety, and enhances forest and watershed health. (Kelly M. Grow/California Department of Water Resources via Bay City News) 
Fuel load management work, including controlled burns, is conducted by CalFire in conjunction with California Department of Water Resources at Loafer Creek State Recreation Area in Oroville, Calif., on March 2, 2022. The work is part of the fuel load management program which reduces fire risk, protects public safety, and enhances forest and watershed health. (Kelly M. Grow/California Department of Water Resources via Bay City News) 
With memories of the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fires still fresh on their minds, San Mateo County leaders are working to reduce fuels and encourage residents to prepare themselves for the upcoming wildfire season. Prescribed burns like this one in Edgewood Park in Redwood City help reduce the risk of wildfire later in the year. (Photo courtesy of County of San Mateo) 
Maintenance crews remove stands of eucalyptus trees in Junipero Serra Park in San Bruno. County parks director Nicholas Calderon said many areas of overly dense forest need treatment after years of being left alone. (Photo courtesy of County of San Mateo) 
Crews remove underbrush and small eucalyptus trees along Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, just east of two Daly City elementary schools. (Photo courtesy of County of San Mateo)