Top 20 Largest Wildfires in California (2025)

Wildfires have shaped California’s landscapes for centuries, but in recent decades, their size and intensity have reached historic levels. The largest wildfires in California history have destroyed entire communities, forced mass evacuations, and left scars on the environment and economy. From Northern California’s forests to Southern California’s hillsides, these blazes remind us of the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Understanding these fires provides insight into the growing threats of climate change, urban development, and environmental stress

Top 20 Largest Wildfires in California

1. August Complex Fire – 2020 (Tehama, Mendocino, Glenn, Trinity, Lake, Colusa, Humboldt, Shasta Counties)

The August Complex Fire is the largest wildfire in California history, burning more than 1,032,648 acres. Located across multiple Northern California counties, it was triggered by lightning storms that ignited numerous smaller fires, which later merged into one massive blaze. The fire destroyed over 900 structures and threatened thousands more. Its classification as a “megafire” highlights its devastating scale and impact, making it the largest wildfire ever recorded in California history.

2. Dixie Fire – 2021 (Butte, Tehama, Plumas, Lassen Counties)

The Dixie Fire is the second largest wildfire in California history, covering 963,309 acres. It spread across several Northern California counties and completely destroyed the town of Greenville. Over 1,300 structures were burned, and more than 90 people tragically lost their lives. Its deadly toll and massive footprint made it not only one of the largest wildfires in California history but also among the most destructive and devastating to local communities.

3. Mendocino Complex Fire – 2018 (Mendocino, Lake, Colusa, Glenn Counties)

The Mendocino Complex Fire burned 459,123 acres, making it the third largest wildfire in California history. Located in Northern California, it was a combination of two fires, the Ranch Fire and the River Fire, that merged into one massive inferno. Nearly 300 structures were destroyed, and thousands more were threatened. The fire’s extraordinary size and widespread damage demonstrated the growing severity of wildfires in the state, ranking it among the largest wildfires in California history.

4. SCU Lightning Complex Fire – 2020 (Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Merced, Stanislaus Counties)

The SCU Lightning Complex Fire burned 396,624 acres, making it the fourth largest wildfire in California history. Sparked by lightning strikes, the fire spread across several Bay Area and Central Valley counties. While fewer structures were destroyed compared to other large fires, its enormous size and rapid spread caused significant concern. Its vast footprint over multiple counties underscores why it stands among the top 20 largest wildfires in California history.

5. Creek Fire – 2020 (Fresno, Madera Counties)

The Creek Fire consumed 379,895 acres in the Sierra Nevada, ranking as the fifth largest wildfire in California history. Known for producing rare fire tornadoes, it grew rapidly and trapped hundreds of campers. The fire destroyed over 850 structures and left severe scars across forested landscapes. Its speed, destruction, and unprecedented fire behavior made it one of the most intense and damaging incidents, securing its place among the largest wildfires in California history.

6. LNU Lightning Complex Fire – 2020 (Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Lake Counties)

The LNU Lightning Complex Fire burned 363,220 acres, ranking sixth among the largest wildfires in California history. Sparked by lightning storms, the fire spread through Napa, Sonoma, and other nearby counties. More than 1,500 structures were destroyed, and thousands were forced to evacuate. Its devastation in the heart of wine country highlighted both economic and environmental losses. This event remains one of the largest wildfires in California history due to its extensive scale and impact.

7. Thomas Fire – 2017 (Ventura, Santa Barbara Counties)

The Thomas Fire burned 281,893 acres, earning its spot as the seventh largest wildfire in California history. Located in Southern California, it destroyed over 1,000 homes in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Fierce winds drove the flames quickly, making firefighting extremely difficult. Thousands of residents were displaced, and the fire cost billions in damages. Its destruction and scale solidify its position as one of the largest wildfires in California history and a major disaster in the region.

8. Cedar Fire – 2003 (San Diego County)

The Cedar Fire scorched 273,246 acres in San Diego County, ranking eighth among the largest wildfires in California history. It destroyed nearly 3,000 homes and tragically killed 15 people. At the time, it was considered the most destructive fire in California’s history. The Cedar Fire reshaped firefighting strategies and highlighted the danger of fast-moving flames in populated areas. Its combination of size, human tragedy, and widespread devastation makes it one of the largest wildfires in California history.

9. Rush Fire – 2012 (Lassen County)

The Rush Fire burned 271,911 acres, making it the ninth largest wildfire in California history. Located in Lassen County, it destroyed vast grasslands and forested areas. While it did not claim as many homes or lives as other fires, its sheer size and ecological impact were remarkable. This wildfire demonstrated how even rural and lightly populated areas are vulnerable to massive blazes. Its footprint ensures its place among the largest wildfires in California history.

10. Rim Fire – 2013 (Tuolumne County)

The Rim Fire burned 257,314 acres in Tuolumne County, ranking tenth among the largest wildfires in California history. Located near Yosemite National Park, it threatened water supplies and destroyed hundreds of buildings. The fire’s impact on iconic natural landscapes and ecosystems made it particularly devastating. Its combination of environmental damage and widespread destruction make it one of the most significant and largest wildfires in California history, remembered for its proximity to Yosemite’s treasured wilderness.

11. Carr Fire – 2018 (Shasta, Trinity Counties)

The Carr Fire burned 229,651 acres across Shasta and Trinity Counties, ranking eleventh among the largest wildfires in California history. It killed eight people, destroyed more than 1,600 structures, and was infamous for producing a fire whirl resembling a tornado. The Carr Fire caused lasting trauma for communities in Northern California. Its mix of human tragedy, large size, and destructive force ensure it remains one of the most notable and largest wildfires in California history.

12. Caldor Fire – 2021 (El Dorado, Amador, Alpine Counties)

The Caldor Fire consumed 221,835 acres, ranking twelfth among the largest wildfires in California history. Located in the Sierra Nevada, it forced mass evacuations in South Lake Tahoe and destroyed over 1,000 structures. The fire’s rapid growth across mountainous terrain made containment extremely challenging. Its impact on communities and tourism in Lake Tahoe highlights its devastating scale. The Caldor Fire remains a major entry in the list of the largest wildfires in California history.

13. Matilija Fire – 1932 (Ventura County)

The Matilija Fire burned 220,000 acres in Ventura County, ranking thirteenth among the largest wildfires in California history. Occurring decades before modern firefighting technology, the blaze spread unchecked for days. Although fewer homes existed in its path compared to modern fires, the size of the Matilija Fire was extraordinary for its time. Its historic importance and massive footprint make it one of the most remarkable and largest wildfires in California history.

14. Zaca Fire – 2007 (Santa Barbara County)

The Zaca Fire consumed 240,207 acres in Santa Barbara County, ranking fourteenth among the largest wildfires in California history. Burning primarily in rugged wilderness, firefighters faced significant challenges in containing it. While it destroyed fewer homes than urban fires, its massive acreage and suppression costs were staggering. The Zaca Fire demonstrated how remote wildfires could still have lasting economic and ecological impacts, ensuring its recognition among the largest wildfires in California history.

15. Basin Complex Fire – 2008 (Monterey County)

The Basin Complex Fire burned 162,818 acres in Monterey County, placing it fifteenth among the largest wildfires in California history. Located near Big Sur, the fire destroyed dozens of homes and disrupted tourism in the scenic coastal region. Its rugged terrain made firefighting extremely difficult, prolonging its duration. The Basin Complex Fire remains one of the largest wildfires in California history due to its size and its impact on one of California’s most iconic landscapes.

16. Camp Fire – 2018 (Butte County)

The Camp Fire consumed 153,336 acres in Butte County, ranking sixteenth among the largest wildfires in California history. Though smaller in acreage compared to others, it was the deadliest and most destructive, killing 85 people and destroying the entire town of Paradise. More than 18,000 structures were lost. The Camp Fire’s catastrophic human toll ensures it is one of the most significant events ever recorded among the largest wildfires in California history.

17. Woolsey Fire – 2018 (Los Angeles, Ventura Counties)

The Woolsey Fire burned 96,949 acres across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, ranking seventeenth among the largest wildfires in California history. It destroyed over 1,600 structures and forced mass evacuations in Malibu and surrounding communities. Its widespread destruction of residential and coastal areas left a lasting impact on Southern California. The Woolsey Fire’s combination of size, economic losses, and high-profile evacuations make it one of the most notorious and largest wildfires in California history.

18. Station Fire – 2009 (Los Angeles County)

The Station Fire consumed 160,557 acres in Los Angeles County, placing it eighteenth among the largest wildfires in California history. Centered in the Angeles National Forest, it destroyed dozens of homes and tragically killed two firefighters. Its proximity to a major metropolitan area highlighted the risk posed by wildfires near large populations. The Station Fire’s size and human cost secure its place among the largest wildfires in California history.

19. Nuns Fire – 2017 (Napa, Sonoma Counties)

The Nuns Fire burned 56,556 acres in Napa and Sonoma Counties, ranking nineteenth among the largest wildfires in California history. It merged with other fires during the devastating 2017 Northern California fire siege. Hundreds of homes and businesses were lost, and the local economy suffered long-term setbacks. Its impact on wine country communities and its role in one of the state’s worst fire seasons keep it among the largest wildfires in California history.

20. Glass Fire – 2020 (Napa, Sonoma Counties)

The Glass Fire consumed 67,484 acres in Napa and Sonoma Counties, ranking twentieth among the largest wildfires in California history. It destroyed over 1,500 structures, including vineyards and wineries that were central to the region’s economy. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, and recovery efforts took years. The Glass Fire’s extensive destruction of both homes and industries makes it a key example of the largest wildfires in California history.

Reasons Why They Are The Largest Wildfires in California History

• Climate change has created hotter, drier conditions that fuel massive wildfires.
• Strong winds spread flames quickly, making fires grow into record-breaking sizes.
• Many fires were ignited by rare lightning storms, sparking multiple simultaneous blazes.
• Overgrown forests and decades of fire suppression added extra fuel to the fires.
• Expanding communities in fire-prone areas increased both ignition risks and damage.
• Rugged terrain made firefighting difficult, allowing fires to burn unchecked.
• Some fires merged together, creating megafires that spread across multiple counties.
• Drought-weakened vegetation turned into explosive fuel sources for massive blazes.

Reasons Why You Should Not Experience These Largest Wildfires in California History

• They destroy homes, leaving families without shelter or possessions.
• Smoke from these fires causes severe health problems, especially respiratory issues.
• Lives are lost, making them some of the deadliest natural disasters in the state.
• They force mass evacuations, creating panic and uncertainty for thousands.
• Communities and economies suffer long-term setbacks from destruction and rebuilding costs.
• Natural habitats are devastated, harming wildlife and ecosystems for decades.
• Emotional trauma from surviving or witnessing such disasters can last a lifetime.

Conclusion

The largest wildfires in California history stand as powerful reminders of nature’s destructive force and the urgent challenges facing the state. They became the largest due to a combination of extreme weather, human factors, and environmental conditions. While they leave behind lessons in resilience and preparedness, they also highlight the importance of prevention and climate awareness. By studying their causes and consequences, Californians and the world can work toward reducing future wildfire risks and protecting vulnerable communities.