These are the largest fires burning in California this week

Northern California has so far borne the brunt of the 2021 fire season. One of the largest fires in the state’s history, the Dixie fire, has charred more than 860,000 acres. Meanwhile, the Caldor fire has given the Lake Tahoe area a serious scare.

Winds, heat and dried-out vegetation are contributing to dangerous fire conditions throughout the state. All of California’s national forests are closed over the Labor Day weekend and beyond.

Keep up to date on all the fires in the state with the Los Angeles Times’ California wildfires map — which shows fire origins, perimeters, hot spots, evacuation zones and the spread of air pollution. The Times also has reporters covering fires throughout the state. Californians should prepare their homes and families for wildfire and know what to do if ordered to evacuate. Here’s what containment numbers mean in relation to wildfires. And, for the curious, here’s how fires get their names.

These are the five largest fires by acreage currently burning in California (as of Friday).

Dixie fire

This is the largest fire burning in California. It began northeast of Chico, was 55% contained by Friday and had been burning for 55 days. The map below updates regularly.

Caldor fire

Crews are making progress against the Caldor fire, which was threatening South Lake Tahoe and nearby communities and is now affecting the quality of Lake Tahoe’s famously blue water. The fire began nearly three weeks ago and has burned about 213,000 acres. The fire was 29% contained Friday, up from 14% on Monday. The map below updates regularly.

Monument fire

Between Redding, in the state’s interior, and Eureka, on the coast, is the Monument fire, which has charred more than 177,000 acres in 35 days. As of Friday, the fire was 33% contained. The map below updates regularly.

Haypress fire

Northwest of Redding is the Haypress fire. It has burned nearly 90,000 acres in 33 days. The map below updates regularly.

French fire

The French fire sprang up near Lake Isabella, northeast of Bakersfield, 16 days ago and has burned more than 25,000 acres. It was 43% contained Friday, up from 26% Monday.