# California wildfire risk and management > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-wildfire-risk-and-management > Updated: 2026-08-24T19:35:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. California is facing heightened wildfire risks driven by dry lightning storms and significant property exposure. Data indicates that over 1.28 million properties in the state face moderate or greater danger, with Los Angeles identified as the most exposed metropolitan area. Experts note that while burned acreage has been relatively low in 2026, the peak of the fire season may still be approaching. In response to these risks and gaps in federal management, California has increased its use of state resources for fuel reduction, such as creating critical fuel breaks near the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Nationally, the U.S. has reached Preparedness Level 5 as fast-moving fires burn millions of acres across the West. The current administration has restructured response efforts through the new U.S. Wildland Fire Service and is pursuing a policy of ‘full suppression’ for all new blazes, though critics suggest this approach may contribute to the buildup of dry fuels in forests. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: California lawmakers resist Newsom’s wildfire liability reforms California faces a high-stakes wildfire season as lawmakers resist Governor Newsom’s utility liability reforms while the state expands emergency preparedness and explores virtual power plant energy solutions. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-expands-wildfire-management-as-federal-resources-face-pressure ### 2026-08-16: California faces high wildfire risk from dry lightning and property exposure California faces significant wildfire threats from upcoming dry lightning storms and extreme economic exposure, with over 1.28 million properties at risk and $850 billion in potential reconstruction costs. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-faces-high-wildfire-risk-from-dry-lightning-and-property-exposure --- Cite as: California wildfire risk and management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-wildfire-risk-and-management