California's Fire Season Now Extends Beyond Summer, Upending Historical Patterns

The Mountain Fire erupted in Ventura County in November 2024, months after the traditional summer peak, prompting a state of emergency on November 7. The late-season blaze burned at least 19,643 acres and follows a pattern evident in 2024: peak summer activity compressed into early months, then sustained risk persisting into historically lower-threat periods. This extension beyond classical fire season boundaries suggests fire management agencies face year-round operational pressure rather than seasonal peaks.