Wildfires are a hazard to human life and property, and they can also damage ecosystems. They cause air pollution and deterioration of water quality, and can affect transportation, communications, power and gas services.

A number of wildfires have been burning across the country, and you can keep track of them with this interactive map. You can also get proactive alerts through the Frontline Wildfire Defense App.
California

If you live in California, you may want to keep an eye on the current wildfires burning. A free version of the Frontline App can help you track fire activity across the state and get alerts about wildfires that are threatening your home or property.

A map of all currently active large fires in the state is displayed below, showing the location and status of these fires. The map displays the latest fire reports from the National Interagency Fire Center and is updated hourly.

The Wildfire Interagency Geospatial Services Group uses satellite data to identify and display areas of recent fire activity. This information is based on the NASA FIRMS satellite-based fire detection system, which makes observations several times per day.

Some of these fires are affecting air quality and should be avoided, especially by people who have asthma or other respiratory problems. If you’re concerned about your health, check the current air quality and smoke plume maps from the AirNow website.

For more detailed information on fires in California, be sure to visit your local county and city government websites. These sites will also often have other resources, such as PDF maps, evacuation information, and road closures.

You can also use InciWeb, a web-based all-risk incident management system, to receive the most up-to-date information on incidents. This site will display official announcements, including evacuations, road closures, news releases, maps, photographs, and basic information and current situation about the incident.

Fire perimeters are also shown on this map, based on geographic data from the National Interagency Fire Center. These perimeters are a rough guide to the size of a fire and are not available for all incidents.

Hotspots are shown as bright red dots on this map and are a result of thermal infrared or solar radiation being detected by the weather satellites, which can be the precursor to a fire. These hotspots are updated between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., and other times as time permits.

The current weather outlook calls for below normal temperatures and heavy precipitation over most of California through mid-week, with low snow levels throughout much of the state. This is expected to bring a high risk of fires, especially in the Sierra and Transverse Ranges and in southern California.
Oregon

Current wildfires burning in Oregon have made headlines, putting the state’s air quality at risk. This smoke can affect people in nearby urban areas as well, posing serious health risks.

For the most part, fire departments and other agencies are working to keep the public informed of what they’re doing as quickly as possible. The most effective ways to get information include social media, news releases, maps and official announcements from agencies.

A web-based incident information system called Inciweb is the best place to go for news on large wildfires. It features a map and other useful information like incident status, weather alerts, etc. It also provides links to other sites with more information on the same subject.

The CAL FIRE mobile app also has some cool features, including the ability to view the largest fire in a given area and track the progress of a specific wildfire. In addition, the app is designed to be easy to use, so you can get the information you need when you need it most.

Another feature is the CAL FIRE interactive map, which allows you to search by city, county or ZIP code for fires currently burning in your area. This is the best way to find out what’s going on in your community and what you should do if you need to evacuate.

To learn more about Oregon’s wildfires, visit the state’s official website or check out the aforementioned mobile app. You can also download the Frontline Wildfire Defense App for free, which lets you see the most current fire activity on a customized Oregon wildfire map that displays the location of your home and other important safety data in real time.

This site also has a number of other interesting features that you may not have known existed, including fire statistics, a map that shows your exact location when it’s lit up, and a list of the top 10 most dangerous wildfires in the country.
Nevada

There are currently some serious fires burning across the state. The Tamarack fire 15 miles southeast of South Lake Tahoe is the most significant, and is consuming 67,764 acres and counting. Law enforcement authorities have reopened Highway 395 on the east side of the fire and Highway 88 in the west. While the Tamarack fire isn’t on anyone’s home front, it has forced evacuations in several communities, including the town of Elko and the village of Fernley. For up to the minute fire news and information, check the CAL FIRE web site for your area. The site also includes links to other statewide fire information sources. The most important fire safety tip is to stay indoors if at all possible. If you have to leave your home, do it quickly and efficiently and follow all directions from fire officials.
Washington

Unseasonably warm, dry weather has swept across Washington and Oregon, fueling wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres. In some areas, these fires have spread quickly. Smoke from these fires can be visible over large areas of the state, including Olympic National Park.

There are currently 16 active blazes in the state, six of which are in Oregon. Some of the more notable fires include the Bolt Creek Fire, which has consumed more than 14,700 acres and is 43% contained; and the Loch Katrine Fire, which is burning on private land and in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest 30 miles east of Seattle, and is 2% contained at the time of writing.

For additional information on these and other fires, visit Inciweb or the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. You can also follow the #WaWILDFIRE hashtag on Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest fire information. wildfire

If you are concerned about the safety of your home or business, consider evacuation. Evacuation alerts and warnings are issued by local emergency management offices, which may be sheriff departments or fire districts.

Once you’ve been notified of an evacuation, pack up all your personal items and prepare to leave. As you do, be sure to monitor news media outlets for updates and follow any other instructions from public safety personnel.

If you live or work in an area where a Level 1 Evacuation is issued, it means there’s a high probability of a wildfire affecting your property. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to move out of the affected area as soon as possible. If you choose to remain, you should plan ahead and assemble all your emergency supplies in a safe place that will be easily accessible in case of an emergency.