California droughts continue to worsen as fire season approaches

The drought conditions in California are continuing to appear grim as multiple states in the West prepare for an extended fire season due to dryer-than-normal conditions.

The drought conditions in the Golden State are continuing to appear grim as multiple states in the West prepare for an extended fire season due to dryer-than-normal conditions. A drizzle of rain that moved quickly through California's Bay Area Saturday was not nearly enough to saturate the arid land. About 77% of California is experiencing severe drought in 2021, a state that has the fourth-most property at risk for fire damage, according to this year's Homeowners Insurance and Wildfire Coverage survey by insurance agency QuoteWizard. Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency in Sonoma and Mendocino counties and directed state agencies to bolster drought resilience, as well as prepare for impacts on communities, businesses and ecosystems if dry conditions extend to a third year.