Fire & Drought
Fires, droughts, natural disasters
Fire & Drought | LATEST STORIES
Los Angeles County Sues Southern California Utility Over January Fire
The fire is the second-most destructive and fifth-deadliest wildfire in California history, according to the lawsuit.
California Emergency Order Aims to Lower Fire Risk by Speeding Up Removal of Brush, Dead Trees
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order fast-tracks wildfire projects by suspending environmental requirements in vulnerable communities.
California Ranchers Urge State to End Water Restrictions as Floodwaters Swamp Northern County
Farmers and ranchers in soggy Siskiyou County said it’s time for Gov. Newsom to end a drought emergency that limits water use to protect fish.
Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Appeals Dismissal, but Faces Tough City Council Fight
She was recently fired by the mayor as LAFD chief, after alleged failures in leadership ahead of the January windstorm that led to massive, deadly fires.
Northern California’s Areas of High Wildfire Risk Expand Greatly Since 2011, New Maps Show
Napa County’s areas of ’very high' fire hazard have grown seven-fold from 2011, and Sonoma County’s are up five-fold.
California Launching Digital Platform for Public Discussion on Fire Recovery
Officials say they hope to learn from the pilot program, which is modeled after digital democracy efforts in Taiwan.
California Bill Seeks to Streamline State’s Timber Harvesting Process
The bill would allow timberland owners to go through a single review system, which could reduce delays and allow state agencies to better maintain the forests.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Announce $1 Million Donation to LA Wildfire Relief Efforts
The couple, who live in Pacific Palisades, thanked first responders and expressed sorrow to neighbors and residents who lost everything.
Los Angeles Mayor Removes Fire Chief Over Alleged Lack of Preparation for Palisades Fire
Karen Bass said that the Los Angeles Fire Department was not prepared when fires broke out in January 2025.
Scientists Investigating Depth of Ocean Damage From Los Angeles Wildfires
Fire debris and potentially toxic ash could affect wildlife and make the water unsafe for surfers and swimmers, especially after rainfall.
California Rejects State Farm’s Rate Increase Request Amid LA Fire Claims
The insurer said the rate increase is needed to prevent further depletion of capital that may affect its credit rating and harm mortgage customers.
California’s Home Insurance Plan Needs $1 Billion to Settle Los Angeles Wildfire Claims: Commissioner
Funds would help the state plan stay solvent for the upcoming summer wildfire season, according to the California insurance commissioner.
SoCal Man Pleads Guilty After Crashing Drone Into Super Scooper During Fire
The drone operator agrees to pay restitution and perform community service, and he also faces up to one year in federal prison.
Federal Agencies to Begin Fire Debris Cleanup on Private Properties
FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin removing fire debris starting Tuesday.
California Insurance Chief Wants Rules Eased to Speed Homeowner Claims in Burn Zones
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is asking companies to waive requirements that policyholders list 100 percent of personal property.
How the LA Wildfires Will Impact Insurance: An Interview with Former California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles are raising serious questions about the future of home insurance in California.
