If you’re smelling smoke in the Inland Empire or seeing that hazy, orange glow creeping over the ridges, your first instinct is usually to grab your phone and type is Chino Hills on fire into the search bar. It’s a habit for anyone living in Southern California. Honestly, with the Santa Ana winds kicking up and the brush drying out, that "fire season" anxiety never really goes away.
As of right now, Sunday, January 18, 2026, Chino Hills is not currently facing a major active wildfire within the city limits or Chino Hills State Park.
That doesn't mean the air is clear.
While the hills themselves are safe at this exact moment, there is a lot of activity in the surrounding areas that might be making you nervous. Firefighters have been incredibly busy across the region this week. If you see smoke, it's likely drifting from small vegetation fires in neighboring Riverside County or the tail end of recent activity in the Los Angeles County foothills.
Understanding the Current Risk in Chino Hills
Living here means accepting that the landscape is basically a tinderbox for half the year. Even in January—which used to be "safe" from fires—we're seeing bone-dry conditions. The National Weather Service often issues Red Flag Warnings this time of year because of those localized wind events.
Right now, the fire risk level for Chino Hills is technically rated as High due to low humidity and dry vegetation.
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Earlier this week, there were several small spot fires reported near the 71 and 91 freeway interchange. Those were knocked down quickly by CAL FIRE and the Chino Valley Fire District. These smaller "brush tickers" are usually what trigger the "is Chino Hills on fire" searches because they send up a visible plume that looks way more terrifying than it actually is.
Why the Smoke Looks So Close
Sometimes the wind plays tricks on us. Smoke from a fire in Banning or Corona can funnel through the Santa Ana Canyon and settle right into the Chino Valley. This makes it feel like the fire is right over the next ridge when it's actually fifteen miles away.
It's kinda frustrating. You walk outside, smell that distinct campfire scent, and immediately start wondering if you need to pack the "go-bag."
The History of Fires in Chino Hills State Park
We can't talk about fire here without mentioning the Chino Hills State Park. It's the crown jewel of our area, but it's also the biggest vulnerability. It has over 14,000 acres of rolling hills that turn from beautiful green to crispy gold faster than we'd like.
The park has a long history of significant burns.
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- The Freeway Fire (2008): This is the one everyone remembers. It scorched 90% of the park and jumped the freeway.
- The Blue Ridge Fire (2020): This one pushed right up against the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood and Carbon Canyon.
When you ask is Chino Hills on fire, you're often subconsciously thinking of these events. The state park keeps a very close eye on trail conditions and will often close the park entirely during high-wind events to prevent a stray spark from a bike pedal or a discarded cigarette from starting a catastrophe.
How to Check for Real-Time Fire Updates
Don't rely on rumors from Facebook groups or Nextdoor. People on those apps love to panic. Honestly, if you want to know what's actually happening, you need to go to the source.
The most reliable way to track a fire is the CAL FIRE Incidents Map. They update it as soon as a fire hits 10 acres. If you see something smaller than that, it might not show up there yet. In that case, the Watch Duty app is a literal lifesaver. It’s run by volunteers and retired firefighters who listen to scanners and post updates faster than the local news.
Another great trick? Look at the local fire department's X (formerly Twitter) feed. The Chino Valley Fire District (@cvifire) is usually pretty quick about posting when they’ve responded to a "smoke investigation."
Is it Safe to Hike Right Now?
Since there isn't an active fire, the park is open. However, "open" doesn't always mean "ideal."
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If the air quality is bad because of fires elsewhere in SoCal, you’re basically doing a heavy cardio workout in a chimney. It’s not great for your lungs. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) before you head out to Telegraph Canyon or Discovery Center. If it’s over 100, maybe hit the gym instead.
What You Should Do Today
Even if there's no fire today, you've gotta be ready. That's just the reality of living in the hills.
First, make sure you're signed up for AlertOC or the San Bernardino County equivalent, SBREACH. These are the systems that will actually call your phone if you need to evacuate. It's way better than waiting for a knock on the door.
Next, take a look at your yard. If you have "ornamental" grasses that are now just dead, dry sticks touching your siding, get rid of them. Creating that 100-foot defensible space isn't just a suggestion; it’s what keeps your house standing while the fire department defends the neighborhood.
Finally, keep your car's gas tank at least half full. If a fire starts on the 71 or the 142 (Carbon Canyon), traffic is going to be a nightmare. You don't want to be the person stuck on the side of the road with an empty tank while an evacuation is happening.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the Watch Duty app and set your location to Chino Hills.
- Check your defensible space—clear any dead leaves from your gutters this weekend.
- Sign up for Emergency Alerts via the Chino Hills city website.
- Keep an N95 mask in your car in case the air quality takes a dive from a distant fire.
Staying informed is the best way to keep the "fire season" jitters at bay. We're safe for today, so enjoy the views, but keep your eyes on the horizon.