California residents are being urged to remain alert to wildfire risk as the state moves toward fall, with ongoing fire activity and dry conditions continuing to threaten communities.
The Timber Fire continues to burn through rugged terrain near Big Sur in Monterey County. CAL FIRE has reported more than 12,000 acres burned, with evacuation orders and warnings affecting parts of the area. Officials have also warned that critically dry fuels, warm temperatures, and low humidity can continue to drive fire activity.
The Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, has offered another reminder of how quickly wildfire conditions can deteriorate, burning more than 15,000 acres, destroying at least 32 homes, and prompting evacuations affecting tens of thousands of residents.
“Wildfire season doesn’t end simply because the calendar says summer is almost over, and families should not let their guard down as we move into fall,” said Brittnie Panetta, Attorney at Matthews & Associates. “The Timber Fire and the devastation we’ve seen from the Hawk Fire are reminders that fires can move incredibly quickly when heat, dry vegetation, wind, and low humidity come together. The best time to prepare is before an evacuation order is issued—not when you’re already watching smoke approach your neighborhood.”
CAL FIRE’s 2026 incident data underlines the scale of this year’s wildfire activity, with the agency reporting thousands of fires and hundreds of thousands of acres burned statewide. Several major incidents, including the Bug Fire, Biscar Fire, Timber Fire, and MP18 Fire, have contributed significant acreage.
The agency’s seasonal outlook has also warned that fire potential may remain elevated into September, driven by dry conditions, heat waves, dry winds, and increasingly receptive vegetation.
Panetta recommends that residents identify at least two evacuation routes from their homes and decide in advance where they will go if a primary route becomes inaccessible.
Families should also discuss where they will meet if separated, how they will communicate if cell service is disrupted, who will assist children, older relatives, or pets, and which medications, documents, and emergency supplies must leave with them.
“When an evacuation order comes, you may not have time to make a plan, search for documents, or figure out what you’re taking with you,” Panetta said. “That work needs to happen now. A few hours of preparation can eliminate an enormous amount of confusion during an emergency.”
Panetta said one of the biggest mistakes residents can make is waiting until a fire appears close enough to feel immediately threatening before taking action.
Wildfire preparation should include people, pets, vehicles, and important possessions. Panetta recommends keeping emergency supplies readily accessible, including medications, identification, important financial and legal documents, chargers, food, water, and pet supplies.
Homeowners and renters should also create a current inventory of valuable belongings using photographs, video, and receipts when available.
“People often think about documenting their belongings after a fire, but by then it can be incredibly difficult to remember everything that was lost,” Panetta said. “A simple video walkthrough of your home can create an important record that you can keep somewhere safe.”
Panetta also encouraged homeowners and renters to review their insurance policies before a disaster occurs, including coverage limits, deductibles, additional living expense coverage, and requirements for documenting losses.
Property damage is often the most visible consequence of a wildfire, but Panetta said serious injuries and fatalities can also raise complex legal questions.
Depending on how a fire started and the circumstances surrounding an injury, potential legal claims may involve negligent property owners, businesses, contractors, utilities, or other parties. Determining who may be legally responsible requires examining the specific facts and evidence surrounding the incident.
“After a wildfire, families are dealing with extraordinary stress, and the legal questions can be just as complicated as the physical damage,” Panetta said. “If someone is seriously injured or a loved one is killed, it’s important to preserve evidence and understand what happened before assuming there is no legal recourse.”
Panetta said California residents should view the transition from summer into fall as a continued preparation period, not the end of wildfire season.
“The lesson from this summer is simple: don’t become complacent,” Panetta said. “Know your evacuation routes. Have your emergency supplies ready. Document your property. Understand your insurance. And most importantly, take evacuation warnings seriously. You cannot control when a wildfire starts or how quickly it spreads, but you can control how prepared you are when it happens.”
