John Abatzoglou

The Dove Fire near Yosemite forced evacuations and road closures, highlighting California's sudden fire activity despite a generally quiet summer. A heat wave is expected to increase fire risk, supported by research linking heatwaves to 45% of Western wildfires since 2001. Cal Fire reports below-average fire statistics so far this year, but officials warn against complacency.

California's fire season has been below average so far, but a looming heat wave could increase fire risk. The Dove Fire near Yosemite highlighted dry conditions primed for burning, while a study links heat waves to increased wildfire activity in Western regions.