Hi, Subscriber

California Fire Map: Track Fires Near Me Today [Oct. 24]

  • 338 Shares
  • Updated

Inciweb

Large wildfires in California are a serious issue again in the state, as Red Flag conditions move back into the West Coast region. Here’s a look at the wildfires in California on October 24, including the Kincade Fire, the new Tick Fire, and the Old Fire, along with Red Flag warnings and air quality reports. A live stream for the Tick Fire is later in this article.

UPDATE: For the latest updates on California fires for Friday, October 26, please see Heavy’s story here. This story is no longer being updated. 

This article will first include interactive fire maps for all of California, including Cal Fire and other sources. You can use these maps to track reported fires in your area. The second section will include air quality reports and Red Flag warning maps. Then the third section details specific fires in the region in alphabetical order.

If you’re looking for a specific fire, scroll down to that section or search for its name. Details like evacuations can change quickly, so stay tuned to your local news sources. When available, the sections on specific fires will also mention who you can follow for the latest updates.

Interactive Maps of California Fires

A number of interactive fire maps below can help you stay updated on the latest details about California fires. Don’t rely on just one map, since details can change quickly and some maps will have fires listed that others do not.

One of the best interactive maps available right now is Inciweb’s map. You can see the full map here. There’s an embeddable Google Map that includes Inciweb fires which you can see below. Depending on your browser, you may need to zoom into the map below using the + button within the map or change settings to only show Inciweb fires:

Another helpful interactive map is provided here from Ca.gov. A screenshot is below since the map can’t be embedded, but you’ll want to go to the full map for details, where you can input your address to see the fires near your location.

Ca.gov

A new interactive fire map is below, provided by UCANR.edu. Note that this map is only updated up to twice daily, so it may not be not as current as the two interactive maps above. Because of this, you may need to click “OK” on the map below to indicate that you’re not using it for emergency planning.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services also has an interactive map of red flag warnings and new and active fires that is kept updated. The map is here. This map is updated every weekday morning, so it’s not the best for emergency planning but is still informative.

Newer fires may not be listed on the above maps until they’ve been around for a few hours.

Air Quality Map & Red Flag Warnings in California

Next are sources for tracking air quality in California near you. First, you can sign up for Air Alerts in your region here. This is specifically for southern California residents.

You can see a map of air quality reports on AQMD’s page here. You can also view the map below.

A Smoke Advisory was issued for the Santa Clarita region due to the fires.

Here’s a map of the current Red Flag Warnings in California. This is providing by MappingSupport.com. You can see the full map here.

Next are more specific details on the fires for October 24, 2019 and early morning October 25. If you are looking for a specific fire such as the Kincade Fire, search for the name so you can find it faster, or just scroll down and look at the fires, listed in alphabetical order.

List of Active Fires in California on October 24-25, 2019

Here are the active fires and updates about for October 24, 2019. Most of these are in alphabetical order.

Bautista Fire

This fire is 167 acres and 100 percent contained as of October 8, according to Inciweb. The cause is under investigation and it’s still listed as active on Inciweb’s map. It was within the South Fork Wilderness.

Briceburg Fire

This fire started on October 6. It’s now 5,507 acres and 99 percent contained as of October 22 at 7:15 a.m. The fire is in Mariposa County.

All mandatory evacuations and fire advisements have been lifted as of October 11, Ca.gov noted.

One structure was destroyed by the fire.

Ca.gov noted on October 22: “Highway 140 is open; please drive cautiously. Smoke will be visible within the fire’s boundary for potentially several weeks and is not a concern as firefighters will be actively patrolling the area. Yosemite National Park remains open. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.”

Cabrillo Fire

The Cabrillo Fire was located south of Pescadero in San Mateo County on October 24 near Highway 1 and Gazos Creek Road.

The fire is about 75 acres in size, according to Cal Fire.

Some residents said it was an old mushroom farm/rave spot.

Caples Fire (Prescribed Burn)

Inciweb

Prescribed burns are purposefully set to help decrease the possibility of unexpected, damaging fires in the future. This one is in the northern ridge region above Caples Creek north of Highway 88.

The fire is 3,434 acres and 80 percent contained as of October 23 at 1:25 p.m., according to Inciweb. It’s still within the planned prescribed burn project area. On October 10, this was converted from a prescribed burn to a wildfire to allow for additional resources to maintain full suppression.

On October 22, Inciweb noted: “Crews are making good progress as they continue to secure the handline on the southern section of the fire with tactical burning operations to remove fuel between the line and fire’s edge, mop-up of hotspots on the rest of the southern line, and work on suppression repair of the lines. This southeast section of the fire is in a roadless area in the Caples Creek drainage. The area is predominately rocky terrain with islands and stringers of vegetation and timber. As there are no changes in the fire perimeter, a new map was not created for today. ”

Cow Fire

Inciweb

This fire is 1,975 acres in size and 30 percent contained, Inciweb noted on September 10, which is the last update provided by Inciweb. It was started by lightning on July 25. The map below is the last map released by Inciweb for the fire.

Inciweb

On October 8, Ca.gov noted about the fire: “Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire to ensure it stays within control lines. Containment will steadily increase as crews further secure control lines by identifying and extinguishing sources of heat along the fire perimeter.”

The fire’s burning in the Golden Trout Wilderness on Inyo National Forest. The fire’s being successfully confined and suppressed. Inciweb released its final official update on the fire on September 7, although it’s still listed as active on Ca.gov’s website.  They wrote:

The 1,975-acre Cow Fire remains 30 percent contained. Minimal smoke may be visible from the Cow Fire until the area receives significant rainfall. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire to ensure it stays within control lines. Containment will steadily increase as crews further secure control lines by identifying and extinguishing sources of heat along the fire perimeter.

The ecosystem within the Cow Fire footprint will benefit from the low-intensity fire effects observed on the landscape. Lightning-caused wildfires have a natural role to play in Eastern Sierra forest ecosystems…

The public is encouraged to avoid the fire area. Post-fire hazardous such as fire weakened trees and burning stump holes may be present.”

September 7 was the final Inciweb update for the fire due to good suppression efforts.

Eagle Rock Fire near the Yosemite Recreation Center

A fire is reported by LAFD that’s 1.5 acres in size burning slowly between Occidental College and the Yosemite Recreation Center in Eagle Rock. It was reported near the 1800 block of Yosemite Drive just before 1 p.m. Light winds are reported right now, so the slower winds are helping firefighters to keep the blaze from growing, Patch.com reported.

The fire led to a shelter-in-place order at Eagle Rock High School, ABC 7 reported.

Fork Fire

Inciweb

This fire started on September 8 in the early evening, caused by lightning. It’s at Middle Fork Parker Creek, in South Warner Wilderness. The fire is currently 39 acres in size as of September 15, which is the last Inciweb update. The map above is the most recent map for the fire.

Inciweb noted: “The Fork Fire in the South Warner Wilderness is a full suppression fire being managed using tactics that will have a low impact and maintain wilderness character. The fire has burned 39 acres of primarily dead and downed fuels. Fire activity has been minimal as the fire slowly consumes surface fuels.”

Johnson Fire

CA.gov

This fire in Riverside County is 75 acres and now 90 percent contained as of the latest update from CA.gov. It’s on the Torres-Martinez Indian Reservation and started on October 14. Updates are available here from Riverside County, but the fire has now been turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It’s still listed as active on Ca.gov’s website.

Kincade Fire

CA.gov

The Kincade Fire (spelled Kincaid in some hashtags) is one of the larger fires at the moment. It started on October 24 around 4:26 a.m. near John Kincade Road and Burned Mountain Road, just northeast of Geyersville, according to CA.gov. It’s now 16,000 acres in size as of 7:12 p.m. on October 24.

A satellite hotspot map is below provided by MappingSupport.com. This is not a real-time map, but shows where the fire burned about three hours ago.

Evacuations: The entire community of Geyersville is now under an evacuation order, after the fire crossed Highway 128 near Moody Lane. The fire is heading west. Anyone in that community should be leaving.

The map above is an evacuation and road closure map provided by Sonoma County. See the full map here.

Evacuation orders include: 

  • Cloverdale Geysers Rd, Geysers Rd, Red Winery Rd, Alexander Mountain Rd, Pine Flat Rd, All roads east of Hwy 128 to Geyserville
  • The community of Geyersville

An evacuation center is set up at Healdsburg Community Center but it’s at capacity. A new center has been opened at Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building at 1351 Maple Ave. in Santa Rosa, Ca.

Road closures include:  Cloverdale Geysers Rd, Geyser Rd, Red Winery Rd, Alexander Mountain Rd, Pine Flat Rd, All roads east of Hwy 128 to Geyserville. The County of Sonoma later noted: “Expect all roads east of Hwy. 128 from Cloverdale to Healdsburg to be closed due to fire.” 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

KPIX reported that at least six homes were burned near Geysers Road and Red Winery Road.

To stay updated on the fire: The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is providing updates on Nixle here. You can also text your ZIP Code to 888777 for mobile alerts.

Sonoma Sheriff’s Facebook page is also providing updates, along with the County of Sonoma.

The cause of the fire isn’t known, but a PG&E report to CPUC noted a transmission tower had a broken jumper cable near the site of the fire around 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

Klamath NF Fall RX Burning

These are prescribed burns in the Klamath National Forest area to cut down on damage from unplanned fires.

Martinez 3 Fire

‌

This fire just appeared on Inciweb’s map on October 24 without any additional information.

Middle Fire

Inciweb

The Middle Fire is 1,339 acres as of October 6 and now listed as 100 percent contained according to Inciweb. It’s still listed as active on the map. It was located one mile east of Canyon Creek Trailhead and was caused by lightning. It started on September 5 and is in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. “Please be aware that the forest’s Middle Fire Closure Order remains in effect until the fire is declared out.”

Muir Fire in Marin County

This fire is off Highway 1 and Panoramic Highway in Marin County near Stinson Beach. No evacuation orders have been issued and no structures are currently threatened. The fire started in the early afternoon of October 24. Highway 1 is closed between Muir Beach and Stinson Beach.

The fire is 50 acres in size and is near Slide Ranch. It’s now 20 percent contained.

The fire hotline is 415-473-7191.

There is no fire near Point Reyes, the Point Reyes NPS reported on Twitter.

Nelson Fire

This fire started on October 24 in Butte County between Durham and Richvale. It’s 75 to 80 acres in size, CA.gov noted.

Oak Fire

Oak Fire

This fire started on October 22 near Basilone Road and Las Pulgas Road near Camp Pendleton North, Ca.gov noted. The cause is under investigation.

It’s at 140 acres and 50 percent containment as of yesterday, the latest update.

Old Fire in Castaic

A second fire started in Canyon Country, not too far from the Tick Fire. This fire is in the Castaic region.

This Post was deleted by the Post author. Learn more

Some sources say this newer fire is about three acres in size, others say it is closer to 20.

The cause of the fire is not clear.

This fire is now being managed as a branch of the Tick Fire so look for the Tick Fire section in this story for new updates. 

Old Water Fire

CA.gov

The Old Water Fire started on October 24 around 2 a.m. near Old Waterman Canyon Road and Highway 18, Ca.gov noted. The cause is under investigation. It’s now 105 acres in size and 30 percent contained as of 3:07 p.m. on October 24.

Mandatory evacuations are in place for: Residents on Arrowhead Road, David Way north of 40th street and all connecting streets including Mariposa Drive.

Once it reached 30 percent containment, voluntary evacuations were lifted around noon, ABC 7 reported.

All evacuation areas reopened at 8 p.m. to residents ONLY who have proper ID.

An evacuation center is set up at San Gorgonio High School, 2299 Pacific Street, San Bernardino CA 92404.

Road closures include Highway 18 closed between 40th street in San Bernardino and Hwy 138 in Crestline, Lake Gregory Drive at Hwy 18, according to Ca.gov.

For updates, follow San Bernardino County Fire. Also follow @SanBernardinoNF, @sbcountysheriff, and @SanBernardinoPD.

The fire information center number is 909-383-5688.

Palisades Fire

Ca.gov

The Palisades brush fire in Los Angeles is located near 500 Palisades Drive in the Pacific Palisades. It was first reported on October 21 at 10:39 a.m. It’s 45 acres in size and 55 percent contained as of LAFD’s latest update.

LAFD notes: “We are working vigorously ahead of an anticipated Santa Ana Wind event that is expected to begin Wednesday night through Friday.”

Evacuation orders were briefly in place but lifted by 8 p.m. on October 21.

LAFD notes: “Everyone in high fire danger areas should be cautious and ready to quickly evacuate, since fire danger weather conditions will continue to be dangerously dry and windy over the next several days. Learn how to prepare for and evacuate a wildfire: https://www.lafd.org/ready-set-go.”

Because of Red Flag Conditions coming to an area, keep a closer eye on fire updates, including for this one.

Ramshorn/SHF Lightning Fires 2019

The lightning fires from storms that moved into the area in September are now 100 percent contained and declared out, according to Inciweb.

Richmond Fire in Contra Costa County

Residents in this area have reported a fire in the vicinity of about three acres. There aren’t a lot of details on this fire yet.

The fire is burning in the Richmond/El Cerrito region.

Saddleridge Fire

‌

The Saddleridge Fire quickly exploded in size and caused tens of thousands to evacuate. Inciweb’s page for this fire is here. The fire is now 8,799 acres in size with 97 percent containment as of October 23 at 7:58 a.m.

It started near I-210 at the Yarnell exit on October 10 around 9 p.m. Pacific. There was one death from this fire: a civilian went into cardiac arrest and died on the way to the hospital. At least 88 structures are destroyed and 19 destroyed.

All evacuations related to Saddleridge have been lifted, LAFD reports on October 15, and evacuation centers have been closed.

The cause of the Saddle Ridge Fire remains under active investigation. Inciweb noted on October 22 that planned actions include: “Continue to strengthen and improve containment line, monitor open line in inaccessible areas, point protection, Continue to manage and support the damage inspection and suppression repair plans. Identify and release all excess resources.Involved agencies are will be operating under single IAP for the operational period.”

Ca.gov won’t be providing further updates after October 23 because of good suppression.

Stay updated on Saddleridge: 

In addition to Inciweb’s page, Ca.gov is updating details about the fire here.

If you live in the LA area, sign up for updates about evacuations and other emergency alerts here: emergency.lacity.org/notifyla.

Inciweb is updating details about the fire here.

You can also text READY to NotifyLA at 888777 for updates on the fire, according to officials in a press conference today.

San Bruno Fire

A fire has also been reported in San Bruno which may cause traffic delays on Highway 101, KRON 4 reported. This is a structure fire near the 800 block of 6th Avenue reported around 5:30 p.m. on October 24.

This is visible from I280 and 101.

Santa Barbara Fire & Smoke Reports

Fire and smoke reports have been made in Santa Barbara, but these appear to be reports of smoke arriving from the other fires listed in this story.

The smoke from the Tick Fire is visible in Santa Barbara.

If that changes, this story will be updated.

Santa Monica Fire

Smoke reports in Santa Monica appear to be from other fires in the region, including the Sepulveda Basin Fire listed below in this story.

You’re unable to view this Post because this account owner limits who can view their Posts. Learn more

Sepulveda Basin Fire

A new fire was reported in the Sepulveda Basin region around 4:30 p.m. on October 24. It is about 60 acres in size. The good news is that it now could be as much as 80 percent contained.

You’re unable to view this Post because this account owner limits who can view their Posts. Learn more

The fire could be seen throughout San Fernando Valley, and started in Van Nuys’ Sepulveda Basin region, NBC 4 reported. It’s three acres in size and is near Burbank Blvd. and Woodley Ave. moving southwest.

LAFD reported that the fire has been stopped with 80 percent containment.

Shasta-Trinity Prescribed Fires

These are prescribed fires in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest area used to mitigate damage from unplanned fires in the future.

Sherman Oaks Fire

Some reports of a fire in Sherman Oaks may also be from the Tick Fire, according to reports around 4:30 p.m.

However, we are still confirming these are all from the Tick Fire and will update this story with more details.

Sherman Prescribed Burn

Prescribed burns are purposefully set to help decrease the possibility of unexpected, damaging fires in the future. These are in the Giant Forest area of Sequoia National Park.

South Fire

Inciweb

The South Fire started in Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Tehama County, located in the southeast aspect of Tomhead Mountain, south of Platina. As of October 17, the fire was 5,332 acres in size and 75 percent contained, according to Inciweb. That was the latest update for the fire.

The fire is 15 miles south of Platina, California. The map above is the most recent map on Inciweb, but may not quite match the fire’s current size and containment.

Inciweb notes that the plans for this fire are to “Monitor fire activity and patrol existing containment and confinement lines. Complete unfinished repair to Suppression Repair Plan standards. Be prepared to take appropriate action if fire crosses established Management Action Points.”

Springs Fire

This fire is now 4,840 acres and 100 percent contained according to Inciweb on October 7, the last update. It was caused by lightning. It’s located 13 miles southeast of Lee Vining. It’s still listed as active on the map.

Sunshine Canyon Landfill Fire

LAFD noted on October 24 that around 2:30 p.m. a small brush fire (20’x20′) was reported near the Sunshine Canyon Landfill, near the 5/14 interchange west of San Fernando Road.

Thousand Oaks, Ventura County Fire

Reports of a fire in Thousands Oaks around 4:30 p.m. are actually from the Tick Fire listed below. Smoke from this fire has drifted into the Thousand Oaks region.

Tick Fire in Agua Dulce

The Tick Fire is now 3,950 acres in size. It was estimated earlier to be 5,000 acres in size, but the size was decreased after another update. The good news is that forward progress has been slowed, according to the LA County Fire Department. It’s now 5 percent contained as of 8 p.m. on October 24. The map above is provided by the City of Santa Clarita.

The danger from the fire is still very real. At 8 p.m., LA County Fire warned: “Firefighters are facing a strong Santa Ana wind this evening and into Friday. Approximately 500 firefighters are currently on-scene… As the fire fight continues, we are monitoring the winds throughout the evening as they may increase or change direction and intensify this fire and destroy more homes.”

It just started in Agua Dulce in the afternoon of October 24 and has grown quickly, with at least six structures destroyed. The map above is an official evacuation map from Santa Clarita Emergency.

It was first reported near the 31600 block of Tick Canyon Road around 1:45 p.m. on October 24. It grew to 200 acres in just 20 minutes in Canyon Country.

Mandatory Evacuations: 

More than 40,000 residents are under evacuation orders and repopulation planning is ongoing as of 8 p.m. on October 24.

Kathryn Barger of Los Angeles County listed the following evacuations for both the Tick and Old Fires.

  • South of Vasquez Canyon
  • North & East of Plum Canyon
  • North & East of Whites Canyon
  • North & East of Soledad (where Whites meets it)
  • North of 14 Freeway
  • West of Sequoia Road
  • East of Sierra Highway (all streets off Davenport)
  • Sand Canyon South of 14

LA County Fire Department listed the following evacuations:

  • All residents North of 14 FrwyE of Whites/Plum Canyon, South of Vasquez Canyon, W of Agua Dolce Also, South of 14 freeway, E of Sand Canyon, N of Placerita Canyon, and W of Robinson Ranch Golf Course.
  • Also, South of 14 freeway, E of Sand Canyon, N of Placerita Canyon, and W of Robinson Ranch Golf Course.

Voluntary evacuation:

  • Fair Oaks Ranch is under a voluntary evacuation.

The latest evacuation updates are on Santa Clarita’s Emergency website here and in the map above that is being updated.

Here are the evacuation centers:

  • College of the Canyons main campus in Valencia in the gym.
  • Newhall Community Center (this is now closed and evacuees should go to the College of the Canyons)
  • Large Animal & livestock shelter: Pierce College. (This is now closed, per LA County Fire Department.)
  • Castaic Animal Care Center (large and small animals now according to recent reports, but call to confirm)

A video of the fire from earlier in the day is below.

LAFD noted that the fire is running downhill and threatening structures.

Some have said that the smoke from the Tick Fire can be seen in Thousand Oaks.

How to get updates: The Santa Clarita Emergency Website is providing updates here. You can also get updates by texting SCEMERGENCY to 888777.

Taboose Fire

InciwebFire map from September 24, the most recent map

This fire is 10,296 acres and 75 percent contained as of October 7, the most recent update on Inciweb. It’s southwest of Big Pine and northwest of Aberdeen. It was caused by lightning. It’s still listed as active on Ca.gov’s fire map.

Inciweb noted: “The Taboose Fire has shown some interior smoke in the past several days along the western flank, where warming and drying of unburned fuels has allowed fire activity to increase. Currently, there are a few acres of active fire at high elevation, confined by rocks and burned areas. However, on the northern side of the active fire, there is an area of unburned fuels that the fire could grow into. With wind predicted on Tuesday, it is anticipated that the fire will remain active in this area…

Visitors and residents will see smoke, especially along the Hwy. 395 corridor. Please do not report the smoke. Currently, the south, east, and north flanks are secure and there is no threat to life or property.Gusty wind and low relative humidity are in the forecast for this week and fire crews will continue to monitor and patrol in areas where the fire is active.”

Val Verde Fire (Renamed Tick Branch 10)

This fire began October 24 near San Martinez Chiquito Canyon, east of San Clarita, in the Val Verde region. This was also called the Old Fire and has since been renamed and is now regarded as part of the Tick Fire, KTLA reported.

Walker Fire

This fire was first reported on September 4 and the cause isn’t known. On October 7, according to Inciweb, the fire is now 54,608 acres and 100 percent contained. It’s still listed as active on the map. It’s located east of Genesee near Indian Creek and Beckworth Genesee Road.

If you’re in Plumas County, you can sign up for emergency notices here. Or call 530-616-8625 for updates.

READ NEXT: PG&E Power Shutdown: Best Memes

Stephanie Dube Dwilson is a sports and entertainment contributor for Heavy covering Texas Longhorns football and Hallmark. She covered the presidential election results live in 2016 & 2020 for Heavy. She's an attorney with a master's in science and technology journalism, and runs a website on UFO news and FOIA reports called The Verified Report. More about Stephanie Dube Dwilson

Read More
, , ,