For many families, this time of year brings back hard memories. When the Santa Ana winds return, so does the worry. Here is what happened this week and what it may mean for you.
Fires in California This Week
Norte Fire (San Clemente / San Juan Capistrano). The fire started on Oct. 16 near Portico Del Norte in San Clemente and spread into San Juan Capistrano. It has burned about 570 acres. Orange County Fire Authority updates on CAL FIRE’s incident page report that six homes were damaged or destroyed. As of Oct. 19 the fire was 80% contained and the cause is under investigation. Evacuation orders were lifted on Oct. 17, but the burn scar stays closed. (CAL FIRE)
Henderson Fire (Camp Pendleton). This fire began Oct. 15. It closed Interstate 5 in both directions for a time and burned 3,260 acres. It was fully contained on Oct. 19. One structure was destroyed, and the cause is under investigation. (CAL FIRE)
Bryson Fire (Malibu) and Peak Fire (Azusa). Evacuation orders for the 146-acre Bryson Fire were lifted, and officials reported no structures lost. Firefighters stopped the Peak Fire’s forward progress. During the wind event, Southern California Edison shut off power to nearly 50,000 customers at the peak. Power has since been restored. (ABC7)
Cooley Fire (Mendocino County). This fire started Oct. 16 west of Cloverdale. The Press Democrat reports it began as a private prescribed burn that crossed its planned boundaries; CAL FIRE lists the cause as under investigation. As of Oct. 19 it had burned 1,365 acres and was 45% contained. Smoke drifted over Sonoma and Napa counties. (CAL FIRE; Press Democrat)
Around the Country
On Oct. 18 the National Interagency Fire Center listed the nation at Preparedness Level 1, its lowest level, with 37 active incidents. In Oregon, the Grasshopper Fire on the Mt. Hood National Forest was 98% contained at nearly 94,000 acres, and 33 structures have been lost. In Washington, the Sisi Fire near Stehekin was 34% contained, and residences were threatened. (NIFC)
Litigation Update: Eaton Fire
Southern California Edison has asked Judge Laura Seigle to delay the first Eaton Fire bellwether trial, currently set for Jan. 25, 2027. At an Oct. 9 hearing, Edison’s lawyers said the case involves an unprecedented theory of how the fire started, and the judge put off her decision. At a hearing on Oct. 19, plaintiffs’ lawyers urged her to deny the delay, saying thousands of fire victims are still without homes. (Daily Journal, Oct. 12; Daily Journal, Oct. 20)
Legislation and Insurance
- FAIR Plan rates went up. Starting Oct. 15, FAIR Plan dwelling rates rose an average of 29.1% for new and renewing policies. Your own change depends on where you live and your wildfire risk. (CBS San Francisco; KQED)
- New survivor protections were signed. SB 876, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, takes effect in phases starting Jan. 1, 2027. It doubles penalties for unfair claims practices during declared emergencies. It requires insurers to send a status update within 15 days whenever they assign a new adjuster. It also requires insurers to offer extended replacement cost and additional living expense coverage. The governor also signed AB 1795, which sets standards for smoke-damage claims, and AB 1680, which strengthens oversight of the FAIR Plan. (CA Department of Insurance; CDI on SB 876)
- Federal. More than 40 organizations are urging Congress to add the Fix Our Forests Act to the 2027 defense bill. The act passed the House in January 2025 and is still waiting for a Senate vote. (Stars and Stripes)
Practical Tips
- If your home was damaged, take photos and video before you clean up, and keep every receipt for temporary housing and other expenses.
- Write down every adjuster change. When SB 876 takes effect, insurers must send status updates when a new adjuster is assigned.
- Check your renewal notice. If you have a FAIR Plan policy, compare the new premium and coverage with last year’s, and ask a licensed broker about your options.
- Protect your lungs from smoke. Limit time outdoors, set your air conditioner to recirculate, and avoid vacuuming, frying food, or burning candles indoors. (Press Democrat)
If you have questions about a wildfire loss, an insurance claim, or the Eaton Fire, Sieglock Law is here to listen. We’re glad to talk with you whenever you’re ready.
This post is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Sources
- CAL FIRE, Norte Fire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/10/16/norte-fire
- CAL FIRE, Henderson Fire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/10/15/henderson-fire
- CAL FIRE, Cooley Fire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/10/16/cooley-fire
- ABC7 Los Angeles, Santa Ana fires live updates: https://abc7.com/live-updates/southern-california-fire-watch-red-flag-high-wind-warnings-effect/19941220/
- The Press Democrat, Cooley Fire smoke (Oct. 19): https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/10/19/cooley-fire-containment-grows-as-weather-conditions-keep-smoke-above-sonoma-county/
- NIFC Incident Management Situation Report (Oct. 18): https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/day1.pdf
- Daily Journal (Oct. 12): https://www.dailyjournal.com/article/395192-edison-cites-unprecedented-fire-ignition-theory-in-bid-to-delay-trial
- Daily Journal (Oct. 20): https://www.dailyjournal.com/article/395416-edison-seeks-to-delay-eaton-fire-trial-as-victims-demand-reckoning
- CBS San Francisco, FAIR Plan rates: https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/california-fair-plan-insurance-rates-jump-wildfires/
- KQED, FAIR Plan rates: https://www.kqed.org/news/12094860/california-fair-plan-announces-29-1-rate-hike-for-homeowners-this-fall
- CA Department of Insurance, consumer protection package: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2026/release035-2026.cfm
- CA Department of Insurance, SB 876: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2026/release034-2026.cfm
- Stars and Stripes, Fix Our Forests Act (Oct. 16): https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2026-10-16/fix-our-forests-act-ndaa-push-23171025.html
