California Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for California - July 12, 2026

Overview

California is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to seasonally severe fire weather conditions driven by warm temperatures, exceptionally low humidity, and periods of gusty winds. The combination of these factors, alongside excessively dry vegetation blanketing the state, has led to highly volatile and potentially risky situations for wildfires.
The current National Preparedness Level is 5, the highest level possible, indicating that national wildland fire resources are heavily committed and the potential for significant wildland fire activity remains above normal.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in California, requiring significant state and national support to manage incident objectives. Over the last 72 hours, several new wildfires have ignited across the state. Firefighters are actively working to contain these blazes while simultaneously preparing for potential new starts.

Key Fires:

• Elephant Fire: Located in Sierra County, this fire started on July 11, 2026, and is currently the largest active new incident at 4,484 acres with 0% containment. Firefighters are actively engaging the fire, which is spreading rapidly through extremely dry vegetation and timber.
• Summit Fire: Burning in Los Angeles County, this fire started on July 10, 2026. It has burned 2,690 acres and is currently 8% contained.
• Pistachio Fire: Located in Kern County, this fire started on July 11, 2026, and burned 1,301 acres. Thanks to rapid initial attack efforts, it is now 100% contained.
• 3-1 Pit Fire: Located in Lassen County, this fire started on July 7, 2026, and is currently 1,055 acres with 65% containment.

Other emerging incidents over the last 48 hours include the Loomis Fire in Lassen County (400 acres, 0% contained), as well as newly reported initial attack fires such as the Vallecitos Fire in Alameda County, the Jacobs Fire in Fresno County, and the Mssion Fire in San Luis Obispo County.

Fuels: These fires are primarily being fed by highly receptive fuels, including cured annual grasses and "10-hour" dead fuels (vegetation 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter) that currently have critically low moisture contents of less than 6%.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to the extreme fire weather, strict burn bans and restrictions on outdoor burning are being enforced in affected areas; prescribed burning has been halted. The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is actively prepositioning resources and working alongside local fire agencies to strategically stage firefighting assets in high-risk areas. This land management and resource strategy improves response times and helps local agencies contain fires before they become large-scale incidents.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Hot, dry conditions are present across much of the state, with extremely low humidity levels persisting through the weekend.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect for portions of Northern California, including Surprise Valley and Eastern Lassen County. Residents can expect sustained westerly winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph. Afternoon humidity minimums are expected to plummet to between 7% and 15%. The National Weather Service warns that the combination of gusty winds and critically dry fuels can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to be mindful of fire traffic and potential smoke impacts. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place and to prepare a "go-bag" with essentials. Residents should clear combustible materials—such as dry leaves, pine needles, flammable doormats, and wood piles—from around their homes and gutters. During Red Flag Warnings, the public must avoid using outdoor barbecues, fire pits, power tools (gas or electric), lawnmowers, or any open flames that could spark a fire.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under challenging conditions with resources stretched thin nationally. Agencies are coordinating closely to ensure that prepositioned strike teams, aircraft, and heavy equipment are ready to deploy at a moment's notice to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov
CAL FIRE Active Incidents: www.fire.ca.gov/incidents
California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): ready.ca.gov
National Weather Service Fire Weather: www.weather.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.