Update: Fender Fire in Modoc County – March 25 status

Published Mar 26, 2026 #Defender fire

Updated: 7:33 p.m. March 25

First discovered: 6:26 p.m. March 25

Initial location: Modoc County, Calif.

Fire type: Wildfire, Type 5

Fire name: Fender

Fender Fire initially started today at 6:26 p.m. at in Modoc County, California.

It has been burning on federal land managed by the United States Forest Service. The fire is believed to be triggered by human activity, although details about the exact event that set it off are unavailable. At this time, details about the containment of the fire are unknown.

Historic data

NIFC statistics for 2024 show that 8,011 fires in California were caused by humans, resulting in 990,939 acres of wildland burned.

NIFC Fire Complexity Analysis

This wildfire is considered to be a Type 5 incident, which is the least complex. What it means:

• Resources required are local and typically vary from two to six firefighters.

• The incident is generally contained within within a few hours after resources arrive on scene.

Source: National Interagency Fire Center