Understanding San Andreas' Fire Season
Great Ocean Highway, Raton CanyonEntering peak Wildfire season, it's always useful to have an understanding of San Andreas' Fire Season and its ever-changing dynamics over history. The season has changed over the years with the climate of the State warming up to record temperatures year after year with 2023 being the hottest on record for the United States in NOAA's 174-year history. However, 2023 surprisingly was the coolest for San Andreas, breaking a three-year streak of hottest temperatures with the last recorded in 2022.
When is San Andreas' Fire Season?
As always, wildfires are possible in San Andreas throughout the year, all year round. But, the peak for Northern San Andreas begins typically in June or July as temperatures begin to see a rise and will run through to October or mid-November. However, the Southern San Andreas peak begins a little earlier in the calendar beginning in late spring around May or June and runs till October.
The common misconception is that the most dangerous time for wildfires in San Andreas as a State is during July and August. While there may be fewer fires in September and October, the fires that do occur are far more destructive and burn through many more acres. This explosive effect is due to a combination of factors like dry vegetation from hot summer weather, and intense dry winds that blow through the state during fall.
When does the San Andreas Fire Season End?
The fire season in San Andreas tends to end once the state receives heavy rainfall. However, the impacts of climate change mean that fall precipitation is often delayed, which can keep fires burning throughout the winter months until snowfall.
Risk Factors for San Andreas Wildfire
As mentioned above, there are risk factors that exasperate the risk and impact of wildfire. Broken into environmental and human intervention factors, some that can be negated by educational content that brings to light the proper use of camping equipment and safe recreational activity.
Drought
Fire thrives in hot and dry climates, especially wildfire. Drought elevates the risk of fire significantly as it leaves brush such as grass, shrubbery and leaves with little moisture which makes them very flammable naturally occurring material. Likewise, drought in States such as San Andreas pose a serious risk to wildfire suppression efforts with a recent report by the US Drought Monitor finding more than 97% of the state has been in severe or extreme drought in recent years.
Wind
Wind paired with hot, dry weather pose a major fire hazard. An example, the winds in Southern San Andreas (Known as the Diablo winds in Northern San Andreas) are strong, downslope and dry winds that blow from the mountains toward the coast and cause wildfires to ignite and rapidly spread. These winds can reach up to 40 miles per hour and in some cases can reach up to hurricane-like strength increasing the speed in which a fire can spread and causing extreme destruction in a short amount of time.
Human Activity
Statistics over the years show that more than 90% of Wildfires are caused by humans. Common causes for wildfire ignition include unattended campfires, fallen power lines, discarded cigarettes, vehicle crashes or the use of equipment that creates sparks, like metal grinders.
How is the San Andreas Wildfire Season Changing?
Climate change is having a serious impact on the prevalence of wildfires in San Andreas. The climate changes are creating warmer, drier seasons, which are the ideal conditions for fires to burn. Not only does this increase the frequency of fires, but also increases the severity and amount of damage done.
Additionally, decreased rainfall means that vegetation remains dryer and more flammable into the late fall and winter months, increasing the likelihood of extreme, late-season wildfires.
SANFIRE Investigate a fire at Grapeseed, ruled accidental (June 2022)
Recent San Andreas Wildfire Incidents
Grapeseed Union Street
The first of few brushland fires of 2023 in Grapeseed, SAN FIRE and the Los Santos Fire Department responded to a brush fire on local farmland which was caused by a faulty generator. March 15th would be the first of many callouts to the farmlands near Grapeseed for brush related fires to do with faulty equipment.
Gordo Campsite fire
A small brushland fire broke out on the 11th of April at the Gordo campgrounds due to an unattended barbecue grill, this was the first brushland fire of the year where Wildfire tactics were utilized by the Los Santos Fire Department such as digging trenches. In response to this incident, SAN FIRE began pushing more educational content surrounding camping - especially with the Chilliad and Arthur's trail hikes and joint content with the Los Santos Fire Department.
Paleto Lumberyard fire
On the 1st of June SAN FIRE responded in conjunction with the Los Santos Fire Department to a lumber fire at the Paleto Lumberyard, while luckily this did not involve any brushland this had the potential to be a major incident if it was not for the Los Santos Fire Department's swift response. The work of intentional fire-setting the fire impacted the local wildlife which made working conditions difficult for firefighters. But, it was a prime example of how fire can impact on wildlife behavioral habits - including the spotting of a rare mountain lion. After an investigation by SAN FIRE Paleto lumberyard arsonist Sean Baxter was arrested on the 19th June.
Palomino Freeway fire
Shortly before July 4th, Independence Day the Fireworks Usage and Safety (FUSE) Act came in through the San Andreas State Government, regulating the use and sale of Fireworks. SAN FIRE began educational content about the proper and safe useage of fireworks. On the 8th of June, a fire broke out by the side of the Palomino Freeway relating to improper use and disposal of fireworks.
Mirror Park fire
An incident on the 4th of September saw an area of brushland on fire near by local homes of Utopia Gardens. Such an incident shows how wildfire can occur any time and anywhere and the threat towards individual homes and property is real. Deputy Fire Marshals attended to homes asking people to be ready to evacuate if needed. However, due to the swift work of the Los Santos Fire Department and unexpected rainfall, the incident ended without casualties or loss of property.
Paleto Cove Island fire
During a agency wide Firewatch on the 30th of September, a unit spotted smoke originating from an island just off Paleto Cove. Resulting in a joint response from San Fire, Los Santos Fire Department and San Andreas State Parks. This incident showed that wildfires can happen any time and anywhere. More-so, not all Wildfires are easily tackled as Paleto Cove's incident involved a marine and aerial firefighting approach. However, the incident was concluded without injury or casualty. But, highlighted the need to be prepared in emergency.
El Burro Heights Oil Field
During the Evening of 22/NOV/2023 which was started likely by gasoline as a canister was recovered on scene. A zippo was recovered on scene as well, likely making it intentional. Motive was not found and unclear, however the fire quickly spread over to a fuel tank alongside pipes leading to it. They were slightly damaged from the fire itself. No substantial evidence of who caused the fire was found.
Sysiphus Amiphitheater fire
On the evening of 6/FEB/2024, the Los Santos Fire Department notified SANFIRE of an ongoing brush fire incident near the amphitheater. Deputy Fire Marshals arrived to the remnants of a campfire highlighting the need for caution when engaging in human activities such as campfires etc during the dryer months of the year, with the changing climate, wildfires can happen any time.
Barbareno Road fire
On 28/FEB/2024 at an address on Barbareno Road in Chumash. Brush caught on fire in front of the house, luckily not spreading over the house as it was extinguished before it could. The brush likely being dry, making it easily ignitable - Showing the need for constant maintenance of plants situated around the home. Nobody was convicted or found guilty of setting the bush on fire.
Beaver Brush
On the evening of 1/MAY/24, a camper at beaver brush reported their tent had set alight while camping nearby the State Park's station. After a few dry days of no rainfall, the brush provided the perfect conditions. Unfortunately, this fire highlights even brushland fires can be fatal, with one reported fatality.
Beaver Brush - Baytree Canyon Road
On the evening of 31/MAY/24, a civilian reported a brush fire again at the State Parks' station in Beaver Brush. While conditions were perfect for a wildfire. The cause was reported as downed powerlines on Bay Tree Canyon road. But, highlighted the importance of maintenance of nearby infrastructure, especially of those at risk of being able to spark a fire.
Arthurs Pass Hiking Trail
On the afternoon of 2/JUN/24, a civilian reported an area of brushland on fire where a group had been camping. Conditions were again perfect where the State had not seen rain a short while. Wildland crews from the Los Santos Fire Department were able to contain the incident by fire lines and offensive fire attack. The cause was found to be an improperly set up campfire within a small camp area, highlighting the importance of thought while setting up campfires, especially in hotter and dryer conditions.
Sisyphus Theatre - Baytree Canyon Road
A day later on the 3/JUN/24, the importance of similar to Beaver Brush station on the 31st of May when a brush fire was ignited opposite the Sisyphus Theatre as a powerline fell on dry brush land. It again highlighted the importance in maintenance of local infrastructure to avoid possible sources of ignition.
Paleto Lumberyard fire, ruled an incident of arson (August 2023)
Historical San Andreas Wildfire Trends
Continuing to examine the history of San Andreas wildfires, a key trend that emerges is the lengthening of the season. With fires happening throughout the winter months, a year-round fire season is swiftly becoming the norm.
A drier and hotter climate isn’t just increasing the frequency of wildfires in San Andreas, it makes them harder to fight due to their increased size and intensity. Eight of the state’s ten largest fires on record—and twelve of the top twenty—have happened within the past five years. In 2020 alone, five of Sandreas’ top 20 biggest wildfires occurred.
Further stats from the SAN FIRE incident archive show that in 2020, wildfires damaged or destroyed 4.3 million acres of land, over 11,000 structures, and cost the lives of 33 people.
Recent incidents, the Kortz Fire (2022) Southern San Andreas has been noted for their sheer size. Particularly, the Kortz Fire is one of Sandreas’ largest recorded wildfires.
Lastly, 13 of San Andreas’ 20 most destructive wildfires have occurred in the past five years; collectively destroying homes, businesses, and pieces of infrastructure. Learn about the causes of wildfire, and how you can help to harden your home against wildfire
