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Gibby Fire in Orange, Riverside counties closes road, covers 216 acres

Gibby Fire in Orange, Riverside counties closes road, covers 216 acres

A wildfire broke out Wednesday afternoon along the border of Orange and Riverside counties.

Plaskett Fire in Big Sur Expands to Nearly 27,000 Acres, Remains 1% Contained

Plaskett Fire in Big Sur Expands to Nearly 27,000 Acres, Remains 1% Contained

The Plaskett Fire in Big Sur, California, has rapidly expanded to nearly 27,000 acres in less than a week, becoming the largest active blaze in the state. As of Monday night, the fire had scorched 26,734 acres and was only 1% contained, marking a significant increase from the 15,479 acres reported earlier that day. The fire, which started near Forest Road 23S10, east of Los Burros Road, has shown 'continued aggressive growth,' primarily along its eastern edge, pushing deeper into Fort Hunter Ligget. This blaze has now surpassed the nearby Timber Fire, which has burned 25,190 acres. The area has not experienced a major wildfire in over 50 years, resulting in thick vegetation that fuels the inferno across steep and rugged terrain. Nearly 1,000 firefighters and support personnel, along with numerous engines, water tenders, helicopters, and bulldozers, are battling the blaze.

Los Angeles County Officials Prepare for Potentially Strong El Niño Season

Los Angeles County Officials Prepare for Potentially Strong El Niño Season

Los Angeles County leaders and emergency officials are outlining preparations for a potentially strong El Niño season, which the National Weather Service anticipates will significantly increase the odds of a wetter season for Southern California, possibly starting in mid-October. Experts indicate that ocean temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific, a key driver of El Niño, are currently the highest recorded for this time of year. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and The Nature Conservancy, noted that forecasts suggest the developing El Niño could intensify beyond previously observed strong events. El Niño occurs when weakened Pacific trade winds cause warm water to shift eastward towards the coasts of Peru and Ecuador, altering global storm tracks and weather patterns. The event is expected to peak between October and December, most likely in November, with its greatest effects on California anticipated from December through March or later.

Rep. Lou Correa Engages with Family-Owned Businesses on Economic Policies and Legislation

Rep. Lou Correa Engages with Family-Owned Businesses on Economic Policies and Legislation

Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), co-chair of the Congressional Family Business Caucus, recently met with family-owned business leaders in his California district. The discussions focused on key policies and potential legislation anticipated in the fall and into 2027, including wealth taxes, healthcare, and Social Security. Correa emphasized the vital role of family businesses as the 'engine that keeps this country moving forward,' highlighting their importance in economic growth, job creation, and community responsibility. The event, organized by Family Enterprise USA Action (FEUSA Action), included attendees from various family-owned businesses such as Hydraflow, WARCO, and Currency Counting Consultants. Correa has represented California’s 46th congressional district, a majority Hispanic area in Orange County, since 2017. The bipartisan Congressional Family Business Caucus is scheduled to hold its final meeting on September 23rd, focusing on strategies for family businesses to address wealth taxes.

Deep Creek Fire Northeast of Lowell Expands to 60 Acres, Full Suppression Efforts Underway

Deep Creek Fire Northeast of Lowell Expands to 60 Acres, Full Suppression Efforts Underway

The Deep Creek Fire, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Lowell in the Fall Creek area of the Willamette National Forest, has grown to an estimated 60 acres. Firefighters are engaged in full suppression efforts, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire is burning in challenging terrain, characterized by standing and downed snags on steep slopes, which is contributing to active fire behavior. Air attack and helicopters are expected to assist ground crews by cooling the advancing fire front once cloud cover lifts. Unstable and windy conditions are anticipated ahead of a cold front, which is forecast to bring widespread precipitation on Wednesday. Ground crews are employing direct suppression tactics where feasible and are also establishing indirect control lines.

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)

Plaskett Fire Becomes California's Third-Largest Wildfire

Plaskett Fire Becomes California's Third-Largest Wildfire

The Plaskett fire in Big Sur, California, has rapidly expanded, overtaking the Timber fire in size and becoming the state's third-largest wildfire by acreage. As of Tuesday evening, the Plaskett fire had burned 29,000 acres, with only 1% containment. The Timber fire, which started earlier in August, has burned 25,200 acres and is 22% contained. Together, the two wildfires have scorched over 50,000 acres, leading to evacuations and closures of Highway 1 and popular landmarks. Steep terrain and dense vegetation are driving the aggressive spread of the Plaskett fire, while favourable weather conditions are aiding firefighting efforts.

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.

California Wildfire Sparks Evacuations After Highway Crash

California Wildfire Sparks Evacuations After Highway Crash

A wildfire, named the Colorado Fire, erupted in Mariposa County, California, following a fiery crash between a cement truck and a tour bus on Highway 140. Initially reported at 171 acres with zero containment, the fire rapidly expanded to 250 acres by Tuesday afternoon, according to fire officials. The blaze is threatening approximately 45 structures and is burning near the Merced River, spreading upslope in steep terrain. Ground crews are facing challenges due to the rugged landscape, while aircraft are actively combating the flames from above. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for Rancheria Creek Road, Briceburg (including all campgrounds), and the Octagon area. An evacuation warning is in effect for Colorado Road from Highway 140 to Rancheria Creek.

Ladera Ranch Childhood Cancer Mystery Deepens with Emergence of 20-Year-Old Warning Notes on Abandoned Oil Well

Ladera Ranch Childhood Cancer Mystery Deepens with Emergence of 20-Year-Old Warning Notes on Abandoned Oil Well

A mystery surrounding a cluster of rare childhood cancers in Ladera Ranch, Orange County, California, has deepened with the discovery of 20-year-old handwritten warning notes on documents related to an abandoned oil well. The notes, found on Department of Conservation permits for sealing a historical oil well beneath what is now Ladera Ranch, explicitly state, "This well is not to be built over without further considerations." These memos, appearing twice in pencil markings on the 2002 documents, were signed off by state oil and gas supervisors. The emergence of these notes has renewed fears among residents about potential environmental causes for at least six cases of Ewing sarcoma diagnosed in the community between 2013 and 2024. While health officials are investigating various possibilities, including pesticides and a landfill, the abandoned oil well now adds a significant new dimension to the inquiry. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed outreach from U.S. Attorney Easali, Congressma...

Timber Fire in Monterey County Burns Over 25,000 Acres, 22% Contained

Timber Fire in Monterey County Burns Over 25,000 Acres, 22% Contained

The Timber Fire in Monterey County, California, has burned 25,190 acres as of 9:17 a.m. on September 1, 2026, according to Cal Fire. This marks a slight increase from the 24,970 acres reported the previous day. Firefighters have made progress in containing the blaze, with containment now at 22%. The fire, which began on August 8 southeast of Loma Vista, has prompted mandatory evacuation orders and shelter-in-place advisories for nearby residents. Cooler temperatures and increased humidity are aiding firefighting efforts, with over 2,000 personnel assigned to the operation.

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).