You’d think January would mean snow-capped peaks and rain boots in California. Usually, it does. But right now, if you step outside in Los Angeles or the Inland Empire, it feels more like a weird, misplaced July.
Everyone is asking where are fires in ca now because the Santa Ana winds are howling again. I get it. We’re all a little traumatized after what happened last year. Seeing the mercury hit 85 degrees in Pasadena in the middle of January is enough to make anyone look at the hills with a bit of a side-eye.
The good news? It’s actually quiet. Like, surprisingly quiet.
The Current Fire Map: What’s Actually Burning?
As of January 13, 2026, the official CAL FIRE incident map is looking incredibly clean. If you pull it up right now, you aren’t going to see those massive, terrifying red perimeters that defined the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
CAL FIRE is currently reporting only about 12 active wildfires statewide. That sounds like a lot until you look at the acreage. Total area burned for 2026 so far? Literally one acre.
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Basically, we’re seeing "nuisance fires." These are the small roadside grass fires or kitchen-related blazes that stay under an acre because our ground is actually still pretty damp from the late December storms.
Why the "Winter Heat Wave" Isn't Sparking Disasters (Yet)
It’s honestly a bit of a weather paradox. We have this massive high-pressure system sitting over the Great Basin, which is shoving dry air toward the coast. Meteorologists like Brian Lewis from the National Weather Service have been tracking record-breaking heat this week. We’re talking 10 to 15 degrees above average.
So, why aren't the hills exploding?
- Fuel Moisture: The heavy rains we got about three weeks ago soaked the deep timber and the soil. Even though the top layer of grass is drying out in this 80-degree sun, the "heavy fuels" (the big bushes and trees) are still holding onto a lot of water.
- The "Green-Up": If you look at the hillsides in Ventura or Santa Barbara, they’re starting to turn that neon green. New growth is harder to burn than the dead, grey "standing fuel" from last summer.
- Low Wind Duration: While it's gusty, we haven't had the sustained 70mph winds that usually turn a small spark into a 50,000-acre nightmare.
That said, Southern California is still under an "above-normal" fire potential for the rest of the winter. La Niña is being a jerk. It’s expected to keep things drier than usual through May 2026, which means if we don't get another big soaking soon, this "quiet" January could turn into a very "active" February.
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One Year Since the Palisades Disaster
It's impossible to talk about where are fires in ca now without mentioning the elephant in the room: the one-year anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Last January was a catastrophe. We lost over 11,000 homes. 30 people died. It was the costliest wildfire event in global history, causing $53 billion in damage. Walking through those neighborhoods today, you still see the scarred foundations and the "For Sale" signs on empty lots.
Governor Newsom just announced a massive $107 million push to build affordable housing for the survivors who are still displaced. It’s a stark reminder that even when the map is "clear," the fire season never really ended for thousands of Californians.
How to Stay Updated Without Panicking
If you're smelling smoke or seeing a haze, don't just rely on a Google search for where are fires in ca now. Information moves too fast for static articles to keep up.
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Watch the "Watch Duty" App
Seriously, if you live in a high-fire-risk zone, this app is better than any local news broadcast. It’s run by volunteers and retired fire personnel who listen to the scanners 24/7. They post updates within seconds of a dispatch.
Check the AQI
Sometimes you smell smoke and there isn't even a fire in your county. Smoke can travel hundreds of miles. Use AirNow.gov to see if the haze is just drifting from a prescribed burn or a smaller incident way up north.
Understand the "Red Flag" Warning
If you see a Red Flag Warning from the National Weather Service, it’s not a guarantee of a fire. It just means the ingredients are there: low humidity, high heat, and wind. It's the day to skip the backyard BBQ and be extra careful with power tools.
What You Should Do Today
Instead of refreshing the fire map every ten minutes during this heat wave, do the "boring" stuff that actually saves houses.
- Clear your gutters: This is the #1 way houses catch fire—embers land in dry leaves on the roof.
- Check your "Go Bag": Do you still have those N95 masks from last year? Is your backup battery charged?
- Sign up for Genasys Protect: (formerly Zonehaven). Know your evacuation zone number by heart.
The hills are quiet for now, but in California, "now" is always subject to change. Stay frosty, even if it's 85 degrees outside.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the Watch Duty app and set notifications for your specific county to get real-time alerts.
- Verify your evacuation zone on the Genasys Protect website so you aren't scrambling if an order is issued.
- Inspect your defensible space: Take 15 minutes to move any flammable patio furniture or woodpiles at least 5 feet away from your home's exterior walls.