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.

Published:January 14, 2025
Edited:
January 27, 2025

Table of Contents

    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.

    The January 2025 Greater Los Angeles Wildfires, which have devastated Los Angeles County, serve as a powerful reminder of California’s intense wildfire history and the unpredictable nature of these disasters. This article examines how the Palisades Fire compares to the most destructive wildfires in California’s history.

    Top 10 Most Destructive Wildfires

    California’s notorious hot, dry, and windy weather pattern have consistently elevated the state’s wildfire risk. Historically, most wildfires have occurred between May and October. However, as recent events demonstrate, wildfires can ignite at any time of year, depending on factors such as rainfall variability and rising temperatures.1 This also serves as evidence that the concept of wildfire season is becoming increasingly irrelevant as the seasons have been expanding.

    According to CAL FIRE, here are California’s top 10 most destructive wildfires.2

    Fire #10: Glass FireRemoved January 2025

    Fire #9: Carr FireRemoved January 2025

    Fire #10: Woolsey Fire

    Structures: 1,643
    Date: November 2018
    Location: Ventura County
    Acres Burned: 96,949
    Deaths: 3
    Cause: Electrical

    Fire #9: Witch Fire

    Structures: 1,650
    Date: October 2007
    Location: San Diego County
    Acres Burned: 197,990
    Deaths: 2
    Cause: Powerlines

    Fire #8: Valley Fire

    Structures: 1,955
    Date: September 2015
    Location: Lake, Napa and Sonoma Counties
    Acres Burned: 76,067
    Deaths: 4
    Cause: Electrical

    Fire #7: North Complex Fire

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

    Fire #6: Cedar Fire

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

    Fire #5: Tunnel Fire

    Structures: 2,900
    Date: October 1991
    Location: Alameda County
    Acres Burned: 1,600
    Deaths: 25
    Cause: Rekindle

    Fire #4: Tubbs Fire

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

    Update – #3: Palisades Fire6

    Structures: 6,837
    Date: January 2025
    Location: Los Angeles County
    Acres Burned: 23,448
    Deaths: 11
    Cause: Under Investigation

    Update – #2 Eaton Fire7

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

    Fire #1: Camp Fire

    Structures: 18,804
    Date: November 2018
    Location: Butte County
    Acres Burned: 153,336
    Deaths: 85
    Cause: Powerlines

    Most Destructive Wildfires in California History

    January 2025 Greater Los Angeles Wildfires

    As of January 10, 2025, there are four significant wildfires in Southern California: the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, the Hurst Fire, and the Kenneth Fire. These fires have collectively burned thousands of acres; however, the Palisades Fire stands out as the most destructive. The Palisades Fire ignited on January 7, 2025, southeast of Palisades Drive in Los Angeles County.

    As of January 13, 2025, the cause of the fires are still under investigation and an estimated 1,280 structures have been destroyed by the Palisades Fire alone.5 Even with this early estimate, the Palisades Fire is among the top 20 most destructive wildfires in California’s history.3

    Over 20,000 acres have burned in the Palisades Fire, but it doesn’t threaten to reach the top 20 largest wildfires in California, with the list ranging from over a million acres down to 177,866. Even considering the fires collectively, it only brings the estimated acres burned to 28,896 as of January 10th.4 The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fires are especially impactful because it has occurred in a densely populated area, unlike most historical wildfires, which burn through rural areas.

    Update as of January 27, 2025: The Eaton Fire has claimed 17 lives, destroyed 9,418 structures, and burned 14,021 acres,7 while the Palisades Fire has claimed 11 lives, destroyed 6,837 structures, and burned 23,448 acres.6

    California Wildfire Resources

    As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to California, it’s crucial for residents, emergency responders, and communities to stay informed and prepared. Below is a list of essential resources for wildfire prevention, safety, and recovery, offering valuable information and assistance during fire season and beyond. Stay updated and ready by utilizing these tools and contacts to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

    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

    Sources

    1.  WFCA, “California Fire Season: In-Depth Guide.” Accessed January 9, 2025.
    2. CAL FIRE, “Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires.” Accessed January 9, 2025.
    3. KRON 4, “How does the Palisades Fire compare to the most destructive wildfires in California history?” Accessed January 10, 2025.
    4. VC Star, “The Los Angeles fire are devastating. Do they compare to the worst in California history?” Accessed January 10, 2025.
    5. CAL FIRE, “Incident Update Palisades Fire 1/26/2025.” Accessed January 27, 2025.
    6. CAL FIRE, “Incident Update Eaton Fire 1/27/2025.” Accessed January 27, 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.

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    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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