California’s wildfires intense this year.

This season, California’s wildfires are intense this year. Firefighters have been battling many huge wildfires across the state, with the first large wildfire of the year being addressed with notable progress.

Many major fires have erupted in various counties. As one example, the Thompson Fire in Butte County has burned more than 3750 acres and is currently approximately 80% contained. In Kern County, the Olive Fire has consumed just about 1,300 acres and is now 60% contained, and the Orchard Fire has burned approximately 830 acres with close to 95% containment.

The early start to the wildfire season is attributed to a combination of factors, including a dry winter and increased vegetation growth. Despite above-average snowpack and spring rainfall, the quick transition to dry conditions has heightened fire risks. This year, over 65,000 acres have burned in California by mid-June, a significant increase compared to the previous five-year average of 14,450 acres for the same period.

Firefighters are making great progress, but the combination of high temperatures, very dry conditions, and abundant debris of fuel continues to pose challenges.