California Governor Gavin Newsom, accompanied by wildfire officials, made an announcement on July 10 amidst the presence of Cal Fire helicopters and airplanes that approximately 3,500 wildfires have occurred in California so far this year, burning around 207,000 acres of land.
During a press conference at the McLellan hangar at Sacramento’s McClellan Airport, Newsom stated, “The amount of land burned this year is unusually high.” This phenomenon comes as no surprise, as abundant rainfall has led to lush vegetation that, combined with the current hot and dry weather, has caused dry grass in some areas to grow up to five feet tall, resulting in rapid fire spreading.
Newsom mentioned that dry thunderstorms and lightning are expected in the Sierra Mountains over the weekend, posing significant risks of wildfires.
Data from the state government and Cal Fire officials revealed that despite a decrease in the number of fires in 2024 compared to the average of 3,800 fires during the same period in 2019, the total area burned by wildfires this year far exceeds the typical 40,000 acres seen in early July.
Currently, there are 17 wildfires surpassing 10 acres burning in California. The largest one, the Lake Fire in Santa Barbara County, has scorched nearly 29,000 acres since its outbreak on July 5, with only 16% contained as of July 10.
Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler stated just before the press deadline on the 10th that 44 new wildfires had erupted in the past 24 hours. Additionally, there were 227 wildfires reported between July 4 and 5.
Tyler emphasized that 95% of wildfires are human-caused and advised California residents to exercise caution when using equipment such as lawnmowers, weed whackers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers that could potentially spark fires.
During the press conference, he remarked, “We’re not just in fire season, we’re actually in a fire year.” Tyler pointed out that exceptional high temperatures reaching triple digits in many areas, combined with strong winds, have heightened the risk of fire outbreaks.
Officials mentioned earlier on Wednesday that there have been no casualties and minimal destroyed structures. However, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that two individuals had died in a wildfire.
The tragedy occurred on July 8 in a wildfire near Covelo in northern California. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, 68-year-old Dagmar Stankova lost her life while attempting to extinguish the fire with a hose, and another unidentified individual died when a nearby building caught fire.
Governor Newsom highlighted California’s firefighting capabilities, which include possessing the world’s largest aerial fleet and utilizing advanced technologies like Black Hawk helicopters that can safely operate at night.
Newsom mentioned that although not yet operational, C-130 aircraft provided by the federal government last year are being retrofitted to aid in controlling fires by deploying flame retardants. One of them is nearing completion and expected to be operational this fire season, with plans to add five more next year, all of which are set to be in service by 2027.
In addition, hundreds of cameras have been installed atop mountains across the state equipped with artificial intelligence technology to assist personnel in monitoring and swiftly detecting wildfires.
To mitigate fire risks, the newly approved state budget includes $2.6 billion for forest management and enhancing fire resilience statewide, including clearing dead trees and shrubs.
California residents can visit ready.ca.gov to learn more about wildfire prevention information, including creating emergency plans for families and pets.