California's Wildfire Threat Isn't Ending With Summer: Attorney Brittnie Panetta Urges Residents to Prepare for Fire Danger Throughout Fall

Timber Fire near Big Sur and devastating Hawk Fire near Reno highlight why Californians should remain vigilant as wildfire season continues into fall

SALINAS, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer may be winding down, but California residents should not assume wildfire danger is doing the same. With the Timber Fire continuing to burn near Big Sur and destructive wildfires threatening communities across the West, attorney Brittnie Panetta of Matthews & Associates is urging Californians to prepare now for what could be another dangerous stretch of wildfire season.

The warning comes as the Timber Fire in Monterey County continues to burn through the rugged terrain surrounding Big Sur. CAL FIRE reports that the fire has burned more than 12,000 acres, with evacuation orders and warnings affecting portions of the area. Officials have also warned that critically dry fuels, warm temperatures and low humidity can continue to contribute to fire activity.

Meanwhile, the Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, offers another stark reminder of how quickly wildfire conditions can deteriorate. The fire has burned more than 15,000 acres, destroyed at least 32 homes and prompted evacuations affecting tens of thousands of residents.

"Wildfire season doesn't end simply because the calendar says summer is almost over, and families should not let their guard down as we move into fall," said Panetta. "The Timber Fire and the devastation we've seen from the Hawk Fire are reminders that fires can move incredibly quickly when heat, dry vegetation, wind and low humidity come together. The best time to prepare is before an evacuation order is issued—not when you're already watching smoke approach your neighborhood."

California's 2026 Fire Season Is Already Significant

CAL FIRE's 2026 incident data shows the scale of this year's wildfire activity. The agency is currently reporting thousands of wildfires and hundreds of thousands of acres burned statewide, with several major fires—including the Bug Fire, Biscar Fire, Timber Fire and MP18 Fire—accounting for significant acreage.

CAL FIRE's seasonal outlook has also warned that fire potential could remain elevated into September, with dry conditions, heat waves, dry winds and increasingly receptive vegetation contributing to the potential for significant fires.

For California families, Panetta says that means preparation should continue even as temperatures begin to change.

Know Where You Will Go Before You Are Told to Leave

Panetta recommends that residents identify at least two evacuation routes from their homes and know where they would go if their primary route becomes inaccessible.

Families should also discuss:

• Where they will meet if separated during an evacuation
• How they will communicate if cell service is disrupted
• Which family member is responsible for children, older relatives or pets
• What essential medications and documents need to leave with them
• Where important emergency supplies are stored

"When an evacuation order comes, you may not have time to make a plan, search for documents or figure out what you're taking with you," Panetta said. "That work needs to happen now. A few hours of preparation can eliminate an enormous amount of confusion during an emergency."

Don't Wait Until You See Flames

One of the biggest mistakes residents can make is waiting for a fire to appear close enough to feel threatening before taking action.

Wildfires can change direction quickly, particularly when winds shift or terrain accelerates the fire's movement. Panetta encourages residents to take evacuation warnings seriously and follow instructions from local emergency officials.

Residents should also sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor official evacuation maps and road-closure information.

Protect More Than Your Home

Wildfire preparation should include people, pets, vehicles and important possessions.

Panetta recommends keeping emergency supplies readily accessible, including medications, identification, important financial and legal documents, chargers, food, water and pet supplies.

Homeowners and renters should also create a current inventory of valuable belongings using photographs, video and receipts when available.

"People often think about documenting their belongings after a fire, but by then it can be incredibly difficult to remember everything that was lost," Panetta said. "A simple video walkthrough of your home can create an important record that you can keep somewhere safe."

Understand Your Insurance Before a Loss Happens

Panetta also encourages California residents to review their homeowners or renters insurance policies before disaster strikes.

Residents should understand their coverage limits, deductibles, additional living expense coverage and requirements for documenting losses. Important policy documents should be stored somewhere accessible even if the home itself becomes inaccessible.

After a wildfire, residents should preserve photographs, videos, receipts, repair estimates, medical records and communications with insurance companies and other parties.

Wildfire Injuries Can Raise Complicated Legal Questions

While property damage is often the most visible consequence of a wildfire, Panetta says residents should also understand that wildfire events can result in serious personal injuries and fatalities.

Depending on how a fire started and the circumstances surrounding an injury, potential legal claims may involve negligent property owners, businesses, contractors, utilities or other parties. Determining who may be legally responsible requires examining the specific facts and evidence surrounding the incident.

"After a wildfire, families are dealing with extraordinary stress, and the legal questions can be just as complicated as the physical damage," Panetta said. "If someone is seriously injured or a loved one is killed, it's important to preserve evidence and understand what happened before assuming there is no legal recourse."

Fall Is the Time to Stay Ready

Panetta says California residents should view the transition from summer into fall as a continued preparation period, not the end of wildfire season.

"The lesson from this summer is simple: don't become complacent," Panetta said. "Know your evacuation routes. Have your emergency supplies ready. Document your property. Understand your insurance. And most importantly, take evacuation warnings seriously. You cannot control when a wildfire starts or how quickly it spreads, but you can control how prepared you are when it happens."

About Matthews & Associates

Matthews & Associates is a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing individuals harmed by defective products, toxic exposures, environmental contamination, pharmaceutical injuries, sexual assault, abuse, and other forms of corporate negligence and misconduct.

To contact Matthews & Associates for legal representation, visit the firm's website at: https://www.dmlawfirm.com/

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SOURCE Matthews & Associates