Deadliest Wildfires in California History

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

Table of Contents

    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.

    Top 10 Deadliest Wildfires in California History

    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

    Fire #10: Palisades Fire

    Date: January 2025
    Location: Los Angeles County
    Acres Burned: 23,448
    Structures: 6,834
    Death(s): 11
    Cause: Under Investigation

    Fire #9: Loop Fire

    Date: November 1966
    Location: Los Angeles County
    Acres Burned: 2,028
    Structures: 0
    Death(s): 12
    Cause: Undetermined

    Fire #8: Rattlesnake Fire

    Date: July 1953
    Location: Glenn County
    Acres Burned: 1,340
    Structures: 0
    Death(s): 15
    Cause: Undetermined

    Fire #7: Cedar Fire

    Date: October 2003
    Location: San Diego County
    Acres Burned: 273,246
    Structures: 2,820
    Death(s): 15
    Cause: Human Related

    Fire #6: North Complex Fire

    Date: August 2020
    Location: Butte, Plumas and Tuba Counties
    Acres Burned: 31,935
    Structures: 2,352
    Death(s): 15
    Cause: Lightning

    Fire #5: Eaton Fire

    Date: January 2025
    Location: Los Angeles County
    Acres Burned: 14,021
    Structures: 9,418
    Death(s): 17
    Cause: Under Investigation

    Fire #4: Tubbs Fire

    Date: October 2017
    Location: Napa and Sonoma Counties
    Acres Burned: 36,807
    Structures: 5,636
    Death(s): 22
    Cause: Electrical

    Fire #3: Tunnel Fire

    Date: October 1991
    Location: Alameda County
    Acres Burned: 1,600
    Structures: 2,900
    Death(s): 25
    Cause: Rekindle

    Fire #2: Griffith Park Fire

    Date: October 1933
    Location: Los Angeles County
    Acres Burned: 47
    Structures: 0
    Death(s): 29
    Cause: Undetermined

    Fire #1: Camp Fire

    Date: November 2018
    Location: Butte County
    Acres Burned: 153,336
    Structures: 18,804
    Death(s): 85
    Cause: Powerlines

    Greater Los Angeles Wildfires

    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 Wildfire Resources

    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

    Sources

    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.

    Deadliest Wildfires in California History

    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.

    Tips for Managing Insurance and Recovery after a Wildfire

    Navigate the challenges of wildfire recovery with practical tips on managing insurance and restoring your home, provided with expert guidance from the WFCA.

    Most Destructive Wildfires in California History

    Explore the details of the top 10 most destructive wildfires in California’s history and how they compare to the Palisades Fire with this list from the WFCA.

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