California wild fires: Should I cancel my holiday?

Holidaymakers due to travel to California have been reassured that much of the state remains unaffected as the death roll of the region’s deadliest ever wildfires rose to 42.

Visit California, the state’s tourist board, said visitors planning a trip should contact their hotels and “local visitors bureau” for updates on the fires that have devastated parts of the Eastern Seaboard. More than 300,000 people have been forced to evacuate in recent days, with at least 228 people missing, while President Trump has declared a “major disaster”.

But Visit California said that “a vast majority of the Golden State is currently unaffected by fires”, adding: “California is a large state and wildfires in one location typically have no impact outside a limited area.”

Where are the fires?

Up and down the state, but some of the worst hit areas include Butte, affected by the Camp Fire, as well as Los Angeles and Ventura counties, hit by the Woolsey Fire.

Some of the most complete destruction has been reported in the northern town of Paradise, and Malibu to the south. Information from Cal Fire showed that there are as many as 17 fires. A large swathe of land, from San Diego to Los Angeles has been ascribed a “red flag warning” by the Governor’s Office.

Further mapping from Air Fire showed dozens of areas where smoke from wildfires has made the air “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy”. The latter means that “everyone may experience more serious health effects”.

Hundreds of road closures and evacuation orders are in place in many of the affected areas.

According to figures from Cal Fire, though there have been fewer individual fires this year (through to November 4) compared to last - 5,638 to 5,806 - they have covered nearly twice as much ground, burning 621,743 acres compared to 316,654 acres. The area affected is nearly three times the five-year average.

How has Los Angeles been affected?

The city and neighbouring region, Ventura, have been badly hit by the fires, with the destruction of various celebrity homes in Malibu. The Los Angeles tourist board has issued guidance that “there is no structural or logistical impact to the City of Los Angeles that would affect visitors”.

But there have been closures in Malibu, because of the Woolsey Fire. “The City of Malibu’s attractions and hotels including Malibu Beach Inn, Four Seasons Westlake and Nobu Ryokan are closed,” the tourism authority said.

The Woolsey Fire started last week and has destroyed around 85,000 acres of land. It is only about 30 per cent contained as of Tuesday.

A mandatory evacuation order remains in place for the city.

A red flag warning is also in place for the region, with dry and windy weather increasing the chance of more fires.

What should I do if I’m caught up in the fires?

The Foreign Office (FCO) said anyone in the area should remain vigilant, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders.

“There are other smaller wildfires currently active throughout California. Wildfires can spread swiftly,” the FCO said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued guidance of how to protect yourself.

“Dry conditions in much of the United States increase the potential for wildfires in or near wilderness areas,” it said. “Stay alert for wildfire warnings and take action to protect yourself and your family from wildfire smoke.

“When wildfires burn in your area, they produce smoke that may reach your community. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. This smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.”

According to the government’s Air Now readings, almost the entire west coast has “moderate” air quality, rising in parts to unhealthy for sensitive groups and broadly unhealthy.

Can I cancel my holiday?

Yes, but you are unlikely to receive a refund. However, if you have booked a protected package holiday that has been dramatically altered by the fires, then your tour operator will be contractually obliged to provide suitable alternative arrangements or your money back. Contact your tour operator, accommodation or insurer to discuss your options.

If you are travelling independently you have less protection but you should contact your accommodation provider if your plans are affected.