EMERGENCY ALERT
Historic wildfires across California, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington state are putting children at great risk. Wildfires have become a frightening new normal, in part due to the worsening climate crisis.
Through the Children's Emergency Fund, Save the Children is helping communities rebuild in the aftermath of these disasters. Your donation today supports those impacted by wildfires and in other crises impacting children in the U.S. and around the world.
On average, and under Paris Agreement pledges, a child born in 2020 faces 2 times the risk of wildfire than a person born in 1960.
California Wildfires: How to Help
Today’s children will experience more extreme climate events in their lifetimes than their parents and grandparents. Over the past few years alone, California has experienced a series of increasingly larger and deadlier wildfires.
Today, as several wildfires continue to burn not only across California but now in other states including New Mexico, Arizona and Washington state, Save the Children is assessing the needs of both our staff and the communities in which we work to support them with immediate relief.
In addition to Save the Children's Wildfire Safety Tips to Keep Children Safe, here are some things to know about the 2024 California wildfires.
Here's what you need to know about the California wildfires and how to help
What is causing the California wildfires?
Record hot and dry temperatures followed by little to no rain can contribute to dry vegetation. This can lead to wildfires in September and October.
Currently, the Thompson Fire in Northern California is one of more than a dozen that remain ablaze as a dangerous heat wave sweeps across the West.
When is the California wildfire season?
Experts state that September and October are the most vulnerable months for California wildfires. According to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, of the 20 most destructive wildfires in California history, 12 of them took place in September and October. Peak wildfire season runs from July thru October.
However, wildfires are now taking place as early as January and as late as December.
