Sacramento — Five years after the devastating 2020 wildfire siege that scorched over 4.2 million acres, California has emerged with one of the most advanced wildfire preparedness systems in the world.

The 2020 lightning siege began on August 15, when a rare dry storm sparked hundreds of fires across the state. Thirty-one lives were lost, more than 10,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, and California witnessed its first-ever “gigafire” — the August Complex, which burned over one million acres. The crisis unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic, stretching emergency response teams to their limits.

Since then, California has transformed its approach to wildfire management.

CAL FIRE has added over 2,500 permanent positions and extended seasonal staffing from six to nine months. The state now operates the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet, including 16 Fire Hawk helicopters capable of night missions and precision water drops. AI-powered ALERTCalifornia cameras are detecting smoke faster than 911 calls in more than 30 percent of cases.

On the ground, prevention efforts have scaled dramatically. Fifty-four fast-tracked vegetation management projects have treated nearly 12,000 acres. The Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) provides aerial surveillance and ground coordination, while the new Wildfire Threat Center offers real-time forecasting and analysis for state and local agencies.

Governor Gavin Newsom called the transformation “a global benchmark,” noting that California’s scale, innovation, and investment in wildfire readiness are unmatched.

Officials continue to urge residents to stay alert and prepare their homes and communities. As climate volatility intensifies, California’s wildfire strategy is evolving — not just to respond, but to prevent and adapt.