Explore the details of the top 10 deadliest wildfires in California state history, from the Camp Fire to the Eaton Fire, with this list from the WFCA.
Published:January 28, 2025
Edited:January 28, 2025
Explore the details of the top 10 deadliest wildfires in California state history, from the Camp Fire to the Eaton Fire, with this list from the WFCA.
California has been plagued by some of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history, with devastating blazes leaving behind scars on the land and communities. Over the years, wildfires such as the Camp Fire in 2018, which claimed 85 lives, and the Tubbs Fire in 2017, which caused widespread destruction across Northern California, have highlighted the state’s vulnerability to these catastrophic events. Fueled by dry conditions, high winds, and dense vegetation, these fires have grown in intensity and frequency, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. The impact of these fires has reshaped California’s landscape, challenging firefighters and communities alike to adapt to an increasingly dangerous fire season.
The January 2025 wildfires in Greater Los Angeles, including the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, have made history since their ignition on January 7, 2025. Driven by powerful winds, they rank among the deadliest and most destructive in California’s history.
Here are California’s top 10 deadliest wildfires, according to CAL FIRE.1
Date: January 2025
Location: Los Angeles County
Acres Burned: 23,448
Structures: 6,834
Death(s): 11
Cause: Under Investigation
Date: November 1966
Location: Los Angeles County
Acres Burned: 2,028
Structures: 0
Death(s): 12
Cause: Undetermined
Date: July 1953
Location: Glenn County
Acres Burned: 1,340
Structures: 0
Death(s): 15
Cause: Undetermined
Date: October 2003
Location: San Diego County
Acres Burned: 273,246
Structures: 2,820
Death(s): 15
Cause: Human Related
Date: August 2020
Location: Butte, Plumas and Tuba Counties
Acres Burned: 31,935
Structures: 2,352
Death(s): 15
Cause: Lightning
Date: January 2025
Location: Los Angeles County
Acres Burned: 14,021
Structures: 9,418
Death(s): 17
Cause: Under Investigation
Date: October 2017
Location: Napa and Sonoma Counties
Acres Burned: 36,807
Structures: 5,636
Death(s): 22
Cause: Electrical
Date: October 1991
Location: Alameda County
Acres Burned: 1,600
Structures: 2,900
Death(s): 25
Cause: Rekindle
Date: October 1933
Location: Los Angeles County
Acres Burned: 47
Structures: 0
Death(s): 29
Cause: Undetermined
Date: November 2018
Location: Butte County
Acres Burned: 153,336
Structures: 18,804
Death(s): 85
Cause: Powerlines
In January 2025, the Greater Los Angeles area grappled with devastating wildfires that scorched thousands of acres and displaced over 100,000 people. These fires, fueled by months of brutal drought and dry conditions, left behind burn scars in several regions, including Pacific Palisades, Sylmar, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Castaic Lake, and Malibu. Among the fires, the Eaton Fire, which began in Eaton Canyon, proved to be one of the deadliest.2
California has a wide range of resources dedicated to managing and responding to wildfires, providing essential support to both communities and responders. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is the primary agency overseeing wildfire prevention, firefighting operations, and recovery efforts. It collaborates with local fire departments, the U.S. Forest Service, and federal agencies to coordinate response efforts during large fires.
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) facilitates state and local disaster response coordination. Non-profit groups, such as the California Fire Foundation, offer financial aid to victims and first responders. For those impacted by wildfires, resources like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and mental health support services assist with recovery, helping individuals rebuild their lives after the devastation.
2025 Los Angeles Fires | State of California
Wildfire & Disaster Relief | California Fire Foundation
Wildfire Recovery Resources | CDFA
California Statewide Wildfire Recovery Resources | Cal OES
California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds | FEMA
What to Do After A Wildfire | WFCA
Tips for Managing Insurance and Recovery After a Wildfire | WFCA
Rebuild Together, Los Angeles Wildfires | Loti
1. CAL FIRE, “Top 20 Deadliest California Wildfires.” Accessed January 27, 2025.
2. New York Times, “California Wildfires: Scorched region gets its first significant rain in months.” Accessed January 24, 2025.
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Explore the details of the top 10 deadliest wildfires in California state history, from the Camp Fire to the Eaton Fire, with this list from the WFCA.