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Panorama Fire near Banning grows to 23 acres, closes Highway 243

Panorama Fire near Banning grows to 23 acres, closes Highway 243

A crash sparked a wildfire near Banning on Monday, closing a highway.
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Los Angeles County Files Lawsuit Against State Farm Over 2025 Wildfire Claims

Los Angeles County Files Lawsuit Against State Farm Over 2025 Wildfire Claims

Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against State Farm, the state's largest insurance provider, alleging unfair business practices following the January 2025 wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. The 100-page complaint details widespread mishandling of claims by policyholders, which has reportedly prevented many homeowners from returning to and rebuilding their neighborhoods. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger stated that wildfire survivors have faced significant delays in processing claims and payments, repeated adjustments to claims, underpayments, inconsistent handling of living expenses, and serious issues with smoke damage claims. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, specifically accuses State Farm of violating California's unfair competition and false advertising laws. County Counsel Dawyn Harrison indicated that the legal action seeks injunctive relief to halt these practices, restitution for policyholders, civil penalties, and abatement for ongoing health hazards linked to inad...
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Fire spreads to multiple vehicles, building in Desert Hot Springs

Fire spreads to multiple vehicles, building in Desert Hot Springs

Three fire departments were fighting a blaze that had spread to multiple vehicles and a structure on Monday.
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Oil prices rise and stocks fall after US hits Iranian sites in the Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices rise and stocks fall after US hits Iranian sites in the Strait of Hormuz

The price of oil is rising and U.S. stocks are falling after American forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first military action in a month
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Wildfire in California's Big Sur Region Doubles in Size, Forcing Evacuations

Wildfire in California's Big Sur Region Doubles in Size, Forcing Evacuations

A wildfire, named the Plaskett fire, in California's Big Sur region has doubled in size overnight, leading to evacuations of nearby residents. As of Friday, the fire had consumed over 5,900 acres (2,400 hectares) in Monterey County and remained uncontained, according to Cal Fire. The cause of the fire, which ignited on Tuesday, is currently under investigation. Fire authorities are utilizing helicopters and air tankers for targeted water drops to suppress the flames. However, the challenging terrain of the remote area, characterized by steep slopes and limited road access, is impeding the efforts of ground crews to reach and contain the fire. This incident occurs as firefighters in the region have been battling another blaze, the Timber fire, for several weeks, which has burned over 24,000 acres and is only 21% contained.
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Plaskett and Timber Fires Scorch 33,000 Acres in Monterey County

Plaskett and Timber Fires Scorch 33,000 Acres in Monterey County

Two wildfires, the Plaskett and Timber fires, are burning in Monterey County, California, having collectively scorched over 33,000 acres as of Sunday. The Plaskett Fire, which started near Fort Hunter Liggett, has grown to 8,241 acres with only 1% containment. The Timber Fire, which began earlier in August, has reached 24,839 acres and is 21% contained. Both fires are being fought by over 2,800 firefighters, but the rugged terrain and dry conditions are making containment efforts challenging. Evacuation orders have displaced more than 600 residents, and Highway 1 remains closed in affected areas.
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Plaskett Fire Threatens Big Sur with Potential for Long-Duration Wildfire

Plaskett Fire Threatens Big Sur with Potential for Long-Duration Wildfire

The Plaskett Fire, located on the South Coast of Big Sur, California, has grown to approximately 25,000 acres as of August 31, 2026. The fire has spread into the Silver Peak Wilderness, an area characterized by steep, broken terrain and limited road access, making firefighting efforts challenging. A marine layer temporarily subdued fire activity, but the fire remains active in areas with heavy brush and dry conditions. Fire managers are considering containment strategies that could encompass up to 110,000 acres if the fire continues to spread southward. The fire's behavior has been influenced by recent weather patterns, including strong winds and a lack of significant rainfall. Source time: 6:00 PM PDT, August 31, 2026.
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Plaskett Fire Threatens Homes in Big Sur, California

Plaskett Fire Threatens Homes in Big Sur, California

Firefighters are battling the Plaskett Fire in Monterey County, California, which has rapidly grown to over 8,200 acres as of Saturday evening. The fire, which started near Gorda, remains 0% contained and is threatening homes along Plaskett Ridge Road and Los Burros Road. Crews are working to protect structures by clearing brush, laying hoses, and using controlled burns. Highway 1 has been closed for 54 miles, and evacuation orders are in place for several areas. Hot, dry weather and shifting winds are complicating containment efforts.
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L.A. County Highlights Wildfire Preparedness Week to Boost Community Action

L.A. County Highlights Wildfire Preparedness Week to Boost Community Action

CAL FIRE and the County of Los Angeles Fire Department are emphasizing the importance of wildfire preparedness during this year’s Wildfire Preparedness Week. The event aims to encourage Californians to take proactive measures to protect their families, homes, and neighborhoods from the increasing threat of wildfires. Key strategies include creating defensible space around properties, hardening structures against fire, staying informed about wildfire risks, and preparing evacuation plans in advance. CAL FIRE Director Joe Tyler and L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone highlighted the importance of community collaboration and year-round readiness to mitigate wildfire risks. Residents are encouraged to utilize the Ready for Wildfire web-based app, which offers tools such as customized checklists, local alerts, and evacuation planning resources. (Source time: not specified)
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California Wildfire Recovery: Fire-Hardening Measures Provide Relief

California Wildfire Recovery: Fire-Hardening Measures Provide Relief

More than a year after the devastating wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, communities in Southern California are showing signs of recovery. Residents have implemented fire-hardening measures, such as improved building materials and landscaping, to reduce future risks. The Eaton fire in January 2025 led to mandatory evacuations and widespread destruction, leaving neighborhoods in ruins. Efforts to rebuild include adopting fire-resistant designs and technologies. The Watch Duty app played a critical role in alerting residents during the disaster, emphasizing the importance of preparedness. (Source: Carrier Management, Source time: 2026-08-30T00:00:00)
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Moderate Air Quality in Butte County Due to Wildfire Smoke

Moderate Air Quality in Butte County Due to Wildfire Smoke

Air quality in Butte County, California, is being affected by smoke from the Plaskett Fire in Monterey County. The fire, which has burned 15,478 acres and is only 1% contained, has caused PM2.5 levels to rise to moderate levels in the foothills. The 24-hour air quality forecast for Monday, August 31, 2026, indicates that air quality will range from 'Good' to 'Moderate' across Chico, Paradise, and South Butte County. Ozone is the primary pollutant in most areas, while PM2.5 is the main concern in South Butte County, where ozone data is not collected. Residents are advised to monitor real-time air quality conditions as they can change rapidly depending on location and time of day (Source: Butte County Air Quality Management District, August 31, 2026).
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Red Flag Warning Issued for Northern Washoe County and Northeast California

Red Flag Warning Issued for Northern Washoe County and Northeast California

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for northern Washoe County, Nevada, and parts of northeast California, including Surprise Valley and eastern Lassen County. This warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday due to a combination of gusty winds and low humidity, which are creating critical fire weather conditions. Southwest winds are expected to range from 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph and up to 50 mph along ridgetops. Afternoon relative humidity levels are forecasted to drop to between 12% and 17%, with critical conditions lasting three to six hours. The region has experienced little to no rainfall recently, leaving vegetation dry and highly flammable.