An American flag waves on a flagpole in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire. Firefighters are performing mop-up activities in the burn area, though the fire continues to burn, in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 9, 2025. Photo by Ted Soqui for CalMatters No single failure explains the devastation of the Palisades and Eaton fires that burned through Los Angeles County in January 2025, a new report c...
Oct 9, 2026
Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta, left, during a training session for crews to learn how to use remote hydrants at Clearlake Oaks on Aug. 27, 2026. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters As the Lucas Fire tore through Mendocino and Lake Counties, two portable fire hydrants sprouted from Lake County’s Keeling Park, pumping water directly from Clear Lake. It was the first test of a homegrow...
Oct 2, 2026
