Cal Fire's high-tech firefighting air force grows and is very much needed

Five of 10 Firehawk twin engine, state-of-the-art helicopters began service with Cal Fire last month. Unlike the older Huey choppers, recycled and converted Vietnam-era models, these are the best in the world, capable of even night operations.

Crews containing 32-acre vegetation fire in rural Marin County

Sheriff's deputies and fire crews are responding to a 32-acre wildfire Wednesday afternoon in a rural area of west Marin County near Rocky Hill, officials say. 

The American West is baking and burning: The numbers tell us why

The American West is baking, burning and drying in intertwined extreme weather. Four sets of numbers explain how bad it is now, while several others explain why it got this bad.

Chilly coast, breezy inland
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Steve Paulson says today will be chillier at the coast and breezy inland.

Plane goes down into a home in Monterey County, sparks grassfires

A small plane went down into a home in Monterey County Tuesday morning. Monterey County Regional Fire District officials told KTVU it happened in the Monterra Ranch neighborhood off Highway 68, near the Monterey Regional Airport.

Faulconer calls for 'war footing' to fight California fires

Republican candidate for governor Kevin Faulconer says California needs to approach worsening wildfires with "war footing." 

City of Santa Clara declared local emergency for drought conditions

The city of Santa Clara declared a local emergency for drought and will ratify the emergency proclamation that calls for restriction on water use.

‘Scary’: Fuel shortage could ground firefighting aircraft

Airport officials facing jet fuel shortages are concerned they’ll have to wave off planes and helicopters that drop fire retardants during what could be a ferocious wildfire season, potentially endangering surrounding communities.

Cooler temps, light morning drizzle
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Steve Paulson says today will start off with some drizzle and be coolers. Highs at the coast only in the 50s

Triple digit heat subsides, so why the flex alert?

Despite milder temperatures in the Bay Area, heat and fire continue to plague much of the Golden State, coastal states and the interior west. It's making some people wonder why on Monday we're still under a flex alert.

Heatwave prevents concrete from drying correctly on Highway 242

Extra pours with the concrete and water trucks were needed to ensure the concrete on HIghway 242 was cured correctly during the heatwave over the weekend.

California's grid operator urges customers to conserve power today

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) said transmission lines from Oregon are still threatened due to the fast-growing Bootleg Fire.

Death Valley reaches 130 degrees; US West grapples with heat wave, drought

California's Death Valley has long been known as one of the hottest places on Earth. And the temperature climbed to an incredible 130 degrees in the northern Mojave desert all three days this past weekend.

A return to cooler
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After a scorching weekend, Steve Paulson says today will be cooler. Highs in the 80s

Crews battle vegetation fire along border of Alameda County and Contra Costa County
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Video: Alameda County Fire via Twitter. "Today at 9:21 am, ACFD, LPFD, Cal Fire, East Con Fire, Contra Costa Fire, Camp Parks Fire & Regional Parks Fire responded to a vegetation fire on the border of Alameda & Contra Costa County on Vasco Road. Cal Fire took Diablo IC and all responding agencies worked cont."