California wildfires: Juniper, wolf, lake blaze across state

California is once again battling the flames, with over a dozen wildfires igniting across the state since Saturday, June 28, 2025. The most significant of these, the Wolf and Juniper fires in Riverside County and the Lake fire in San Bernardino County, are forcing evacuations and straining firefighting resources as the Golden State enters what authorities warn will be a hot and dry summer and fall.

The fiery events of the past 72 hours, which have seen rapid growth in several blazes, are being seen by officials as a stark prelude to the months ahead. An unusually dry winter and spring have left vegetation parched and ripe for ignition, creating a “tinderbox” landscape that is fueling these early-season fires.

Here’s a closer look at the significant fires currently burning across California, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire):

Wolf Fire, Riverside County

The Wolf Fire, which erupted Sunday afternoon, has rapidly expanded to over 2,400 acres. This fast-moving blaze has triggered evacuation orders and road closures near Banning. As of Tuesday morning, firefighters had achieved 35% containment, with over 900 personnel battling the inferno. Tragically, three firefighters have sustained injuries. The fire originated near Old Idyllwild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail and is currently threatening more than 4,200 structures. Evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of Banning and Cabazon south of the 10 Freeway.

Juniper Fire, Riverside County

The Juniper Fire ignited Monday around 11:30 a.m. in a mountainous, unincorporated area of Perris. While early evacuation orders were issued for communities like Camelot Hills and Good Hope, these have since been downgraded. Crews have managed to halt the flames’ progress, achieving 30% containment on the 688-acre fire. Approximately 2,500 people remain under an evacuation warning.

Lake Fire, San Bernardino County

Burning near Silverwood Lake, the Lake Fire began on Saturday afternoon. Fire crews have made significant progress, reaching 40% containment on the 483-acre blaze by Monday evening. An evacuation warning is still in effect for hillside zones north of Silverwood Lake and south of Lugo, and the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area remains closed to the public.

Other Notable Incidents:

• Sims Fire (Lassen County): At 223 acres, this fire is 70% contained.
• Mindy Fire (Riverside County): This 109-acre brush fire is 80% contained, and evacuation orders have been lifted.
• Mandalay Fire (Riverside County): This 83-acre fire is now 100% contained.
• Smiley Fire (San Bernardino County): This 83-acre fire is also 100% contained.

Several smaller fires, all under 30 acres, including the Kenyon, Quarry, Perch, Marysville, Llano, and Cable fires, are also being monitored but have not shown significant growth.

A Worrisome Outlook

The early onset and intensity of these fires are prompting serious concerns among authorities. California experienced a challenging start to the year with significant wildfires in January 2025, which burned tens of thousands of acres and caused widespread destruction. The prolonged dry conditions over the winter and spring have exacerbated the risk, turning what was once green vegetation into highly flammable fuel.

Governor Gavin Newsom has previously urged the federal government to increase its efforts in managing forest land, highlighting that a significant portion of California’s forests are under federal control. The focus remains on aggressive firefighting and public awareness as the state braces for what could be a particularly active and destructive fire season.