
Since the Southern California wildfire crisis began, we’ve been sifting through dozens of websites and social accounts to stay on top of the latest news. There are many ways to receive information right now, but here is a breakdown of the main sources we’re checking throughout the day.
We’ve also included alternative sources that share similar information but might be preferable for viewing on mobile, receiving alerts, etc. Whether you prefer to watch the news, refresh X, or download an app, remember to set up multiple ways of receiving critical information.
❗ Please note: We’ve compiled this information to help support our community affected by these unprecedented wildfires. Details are changing quickly, and we strongly recommend checking directly with the linked sources for the most up-to-date information.
Table Of Contents
1. Cal Fire: Current fire map and evacuation information
🔗 Website: Fire.CA.gov/incidents
🔗 Socials: @CalFire on Instagram or @Cal_Fire on X
Cal Fire’s Incident page is an essential resource for tracking the current fire conditions. It includes the following information:
- A comprehensive map to show fire spread and areas under evacuation warnings and orders
- Updates on acres burned and percent containment
- Links to individual fire pages, which have lists of evacuation shelters and road closures
You can also follow Cal Fire’s socials (linked above) for more concise incident updates.
In addition to Cal Fire, here are a few other maps and resources you can bookmark for similar emergency updates:
- Watch Duty app – A nonprofit app with a map that alerts you to nearby wildfires and updates, evacuation notices, and more in real time.
- LA County emergency page – LA County’s official emergency resource page where you can register for alerts about evacuation, shelter, and more real-time information.
- 211LA – A nonprofit community resource hub for LA County with a 24-hour 2-1-1 call line, evacuation information, road closure updates, school closure updates, power outage and water alerts, curfews, and recovery information.
2. NWS Los Angeles: Current weather and fire warnings
🔗 Website: Weather.gov/lox
🔗 Social: @NWSLosAngeles on X
National Weather Service Los Angeles is providing continuous updates on local weather and fire conditions. Even if you’re not in an area with an active fire, it’s important to prepare for the possibility. The website linked above includes links to all the active alerts, but you can also follow them on X for summaries and graphics of the information, which can be less overwhelming. Use NWS to keep up with:
- Red Flag Warnings for Extreme Fire Danger, Particularly Dangerous Situations, etc
- High Wind Warnings and Advisories
- Air Quality alerts
In addition to NWS Los Angeles, here are a few more weather-related resources you can refer to:
- NWS San Diego – They are providing more local weather and fire updates for the rest of Southern California. You can follow them on X at @NWSSanDiego
- AirNow – A government-run site for air quality data where you can check air quality by zip code.
3. Caltrans Mobile QuickMap: Current road and lane closures
🔗 Website: QuickMap.dot.ca.gov
🔗 App: CalTrans Mobile QuickMap app
CalTrans’ map linked above will keep you advised of local road closures in real time. You will need to add the filters yourself via the dropdown menus at the top. The map allows you to filter for road and lane closures, traffic speed (“Fast—-slow”), message signs, and more. It also includes links for FAQs and planned lane closures. Remember to limit non-essential travel during this time.
You can also refer to these sources for more information about road closures:
- Google Maps – Google is working with local authorities to update Maps and Search with public alerts, road closures, shelter information, and even hotels offering discounted rooms. Google “Palisades Fire,” for example, and it will appear on the map with an approximation of the fire boundary and major road closures highlighted. Here’s their recent message explaining the updates.
- Caltrans district X accounts – Get real-time road information for your region on X via the following official Caltrans accounts:
- District 5 – San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara – @CaltransD5
- District 6 – Fresno/Bakersfield – @CaltransDist6
- District 7 – Los Angeles/Ventura – @CaltransDist7
Additional resources from Secret LA
There’s plenty more information out there and many ways to get it. In the below articles, we’ve compiled links to even more sources that may be useful for your current circumstances. We are constantly updating our LA Wildfires page with new and updated articles, but things are changing quickly, so remember to visit the original linked sources for the latest.
Do you need help?
- Resources for those affected by wildfires – including evacuation centers and free services
- Mental health resources – Organizations and practitioners offering psychological support
- Restaurants offering free food – A list of restaurants reportedly feeding first responders and displaced residents for free.
Do you want to help?
- How you can help during the LA wildfires – including places to donate and volunteer
- How you can help animals – including places that may be accepting fosters and donations
Do you want to get prepared?
- How to stay safe – a large compilation of resources for tracking fires, emergency links, and protecting yourself
- How to prepare for an emergency evacuation – including tips for making a go bag and understanding what each emergency order means
- How to prepare for power outages – including tips for preparing your home and appliances
- How to deal with dangerous air quality – including maps and tips for protecting yourself