Having lived in California my entire life, wildfires are somewhat ubiquitous. That said, a recent article in ScienceNews discusses something that is not well know, that is, how wildfires can cause chemicals to be released into the water system.
As plastic drinking water pipes were exposed to extreme heat, scientists determined that benzine and other VOCs leached into the water. Benzene exposure can cause health problems. In fact, the scientists suggest that if a fire comes near your property that you replace plastic in your home water system.
Hopefully, CA and or the Federal Government will implement rules to address this type of potential health hazard sooner rather than later.
Environmental Science and Its Application to Health 