Key points
- Camp Fire resulted in the deaths of 85 people
- Tubbs Fire burned approximately 36,807 acres
- Palisades continues its ravages
- Cedar Fire destroyed 28,20 properties
ISLAMABAD: Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that rapidly spread across vegetation, forests, and grasslands. They are often caused by dry conditions, high temperatures as well as strong winds.
They can start as a result of natural reasons, like lightning strikes, or human activities, including campfires, discarded cigarettes, and powerline failures, according to National Geographic Society.
These fires can pose serious threats to life, property, wildlife, and ecosystems, causing real damage to communities and infrastructure as seen in the current LA fires.
The Los Angeles wildfires have become some of the most destructive in California’s history. They are largely caused by dry conditions, strong Santa Ana winds, and excessive heat.
Camp Fire 2018: The deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California’s history. It erupted in Butte County in November 2018.
It destroyed the town of Paradise, with 85 fatalities and the destruction of around 19,000 buildings.
According to CBS News, the fire scorched over 153,336 acres, causing an estimated $16.5 billion in damages.
Tubbs Fire 2017: In October 2017, this fire ravaged Napa and Sonoma counties, and also impacted the city of Santa Rosa.
It destroyed around 5,636 structures along with 22 deaths. The fire consumed approximately 36,807 acres.
Palisades Fire 2025: Currently, burning in Los Angeles County, the Palisades Fire has already burned over 5,000 structures and claimed at least 16 lives.
As of January 12, 2025, it has engulfed 23,713 acres and is only 13% contained, with strong Santa Ana winds complicating containment efforts.
Cedar Fire 2003: The Cedar Fire in San Diego County was one of the largest wildfires in the history of California.
It approximately burned 273,246 acres destroying around 2,820 properties and resulting in 15 deaths.
North Complex Fire 2020: This fire in California annihilated 2,455 properties and led to 16 deaths.
It is approximately burned over 318,935 acres.
Intensity of fires
The frequency and intensity of these wildfires can be attributed to factors such as prolonged droughts, high temperatures, and strong winds.
The economic impact is huge even for America, with the Palisades Fire alone estimated to cause between $135 billion to $150 billion in damages.
It can potentially be the costliest wildfire in US history.
According to CBS News, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection included the Eaton and Palisades fires in the state’s list of most destructive wildfires.