California wildfires rage with 22K acres scorched, minimal containment

A series of active wildfires burning across California have torched more than 22,000 acres combined as firefighters battle dangerous conditions in at least six major blazes stretching from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County.

The largest inferno, the Santa Rosa Island Fire in Santa Barbara County, has consumed nearly 17,000 acres alone, while several other fires remain minimally contained as evacuation orders force residents from their homes.

California has long faced devastating wildfire seasons fueled by dry vegetation, high winds and prolonged drought conditions.

The latest outbreaks come just over a year after the deadly January 2025 fires in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, which destroyed homes, displaced thousands of residents and left multiple people dead as flames ripped through hillside communities.

Santa Rosa Island Fire — Santa Barbara County

The Santa Rosa Island Fire, which ignited May 15, remains the largest active wildfire in the state. The blaze has scorched 16,942 acres and is currently 26% contained.

No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued for the fire at this time.

River Fire — Kern County

The River Fire began May 18 and has burned 3,535 acres.

Firefighters have made the strongest progress on this blaze compared to the others currently burning statewide, with containment reaching 70%.

No evacuation orders or warnings are in effect.

Sandy Fire — Ventura County

The Sandy Fire erupted May 18 and has burned 1,698 acres while remaining just 15% contained as of Wednesday morning.

Officials said a major firefighting operation is underway with roughly 900 personnel deployed to battle the blaze. Heavy aircraft support is also assisting crews on the ground.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for multiple zones, including Bell Canyon, Burr and portions of Simi Valley.

Evacuation warnings have also been issued for several nearby communities as residents are urged to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

Authorities established an evacuation shelter at Rancho Santa Susana Community Park in Simi Valley, while animal shelters have been opened for pets and livestock displaced by the fire.

Several road closures remain in effect, including portions of Bell Canyon Road, Santa Susana Pass Road and Katherine Road.

A total 16 zones are under immediate evacuation orders while 15 zones have received evacuation warnings.

Bain Fire — Riverside County

The Bain Fire sparked May 19 and has already charred 1,375 acres.

Containment sits at 25% as evacuation boundaries continue to expand.

Mandatory evacuation orders remain active for three Riverside County zones, while nearly 20 additional zones are under evacuation warnings.

Tusil Fire — San Diego County

The Tusil Fire also started May 19 and has burned 1,000 acres.

Officials said overnight fire activity moderated, allowing crews to strengthen containment lines. Aircraft operations resumed Wednesday morning to assist firefighters and monitor conditions.

The blaze is currently 25% contained.

Three zones were evacuated and warnings remain in place across five San Diego County zones

Verona Fire — Riverside County

The Verona Fire ignited Tuesday and rapidly spread to 500 acres with containment at just 5%.

Five evacuation zones are under mandatory evacuation orders, while six additional zones remain under evacuation warnings as firefighters work to slow the fire’s spread.