Living with the New Wave of Wildfire: Risks, Science, and Home Hardening

By the Numbers

• 4.5 million acres burned in the West last year
• 30 seconds for a house fire to double in size
• 900°F – wildfire temperature
• 94% of California wildfires caused by people

More than half of California’s 20 largest fires have occurred since 2000. Fire seasons start earlier, last longer, and burn more severely—driven by climate warming and bark‑beetle infestations. Meanwhile, more people live in the Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI), where dramatic views come with extreme fire danger.

But there’s progress: military aircraft and NASA satellites track fires in real time. California now imposes strict design and material requirements for new homes in Fire Hazard Severity Zones—and those homes survive big fires. Firewise consultant David Bacon reports losing only one house in 15 years, and that was due to an open garage door during evacuation.

More: What you need in your home fire kit.