SMC READY > BE INFORMED > Fire

FIRE

Wildfires are forest fires, grass fires, or any uncontrolled fire often occurring in a wildland area, but which can also consume buildings or farmland nearby. These fires may be caused by human carelessness, lightning, or arson. Heat waves, droughts, and climate change, such as El Niño, can also create risk of wildfires. Wildfires are most common during years of drought on days with strong winds.

Structure fires are fires in any building such as your home, a restaurant, office building, apartment, or retail store. These fires are often caused by human carelessness, unattended candles or cigarettes, arson, kitchen fires, or faulty electrical wiring.

Find out more about fires at Ready.gov.

Download home fires checklist and wildfires checklist from NFPA.

Hazard Maps and Information from the Association of Bay Area Governments.