Ranking of the most devastating wildfires in California’s past: Analyzing the severity of the fires in Los Angeles

Wind-driven fires in Southern California have caused significant devastation, resulting in a death toll of at least 11 individuals, the destruction of thousands of structures, and probable damage amounting to billions of dollars.

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Although the wildfires in Los Angeles may not be the largest ever seen in the state, data provided by Cal Fire indicates that they have swiftly become some of the most damaging fires in California’s history.

The 2018 Camp Fire is currently the most destructive wildfire in state history based on the number of structures destroyed.

The Camp Fire, which ravaged Butte County, obliterated over 18,000 structures, predominantly residential homes. Tragically, this fire claimed the lives of 85 people, earning it the grim title of the deadliest wildfire in California’s history.

PHOTOS: Powerful images show destruction from deadly Southern California fires

Here are the most destructive fires in California history based on number of structures damaged, according to figures provided by CalFire on Jan. 10, 2024.

1. CAMP FIRE – Butte County
Date: November 2018
Cause: Power lines
Structures destroyed: 18,804
Acres burned: 153,336
Deaths: 86

2. TUBBS FIRE – Napa and Sonomoa counties
Date: October 2017
Cause: Electrical
Structures destroyed: 5,636
Acres burned: 36,807
Deaths: 22

3. PALISADES FIRE – Los Angeles County
Date: January 2025
Cause: Under investigation
Structures destroyed: 5,316
Acres burned: 17,234
Deaths: 2

4. EATON FIRE – Los Angeles County
Date: January 2025
Cause: Under investigation
Structures destroyed: 4,000+
Acres burned: 10,600
Deaths: 3

5. TUNNEL FIRE – OAKLAND HILLS – Alameda County
Date: October 1991
Cause: Rekindle
Structures destroyed: 2,900
Acres burned: 1,600
Deaths: 25

6. CEDAR FIRE – San Diego County
Date: October 2003
Cause: Human related
Structures destroyed: 2,820
Acres burned: 273,246
Deaths: 15

7. NORTH COMPLEX – Butte, Plumas, and Yuma counties
Date: August 2020
Cause: Lightning
Structures destroyed: 2,352
Acres burned: 318,935
Deaths: 15

8. VALLEY FIRE – Lake, Napa and Sonoma County
Date: September 2015
Cause: Electrical
Structures destroyed: 1,955
Acres burned: 76,067
Deaths: 4

9. WITCH FIRE – San Diego County
Date: October 2007
Cause: Power lines
Structures destroyed: 1,650
Acres burned: 197,990
Deaths: 2

10. WOOLSEY FIRE – Ventura County
Date: November 2018
Cause: Electrical
Structures destroyed: 1,643
Acres burned: 96,949
Deaths: 3

11. CARR FIRE – Shasta and Trinity counties
Date: July 2018
Cause: Human related
Structures destroyed: 1,614
Acres burned: 229,651
Deaths: 8

12. GLASS FIRE – Sonoma County
Date: October 2017
Cause: Undetermined
Structures destroyed: 1,355
Acres burned: 54,382
Deaths: 3

13. LNU LIGHTNING COMPLEX – Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Lake, and Colusa counties
Date: August 2020
Cause: Lightning/Arson
Structures destroyed: 1,491
Acres burned: 86,509
Deaths: 6

14. CZU LIGHTNING COMPLEX – Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties
Date: August 2020
Cause: Lightning
Structures destroyed: 1,490
Acres burned: 86,509
Deaths: 1

15. NUNS FIRE – Sonoma County
Date: October 2017
Cause: Power line
Structures destroyed: 1,355
Acres burned: 54,382
Deaths: 1

16. DIXIE FIRE – Butte, Plumas, Lassen, and Tehama counties
Date: July 2021
Cause: Power line
Structures destroyed: 1,311
Acres burned: 963,309
Deaths: 1

17. THOMAS FIRE – Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
Date: December 2017
Origin: Power line
Structures destroyed: 1,063
Acres burned: 281,893
Deaths: 2

18. CALDOR FIRE – Alpine, Amador, and El Dorado counties
Date: September 2021
Cause: Under investigation
Structures destroyed: 1,003
Acres burned: 221,774
Deaths: 1

19. OLD FIRE – San Bernardino County
Date: October 2003
Cause: Human related
Structures destroyed: 1,003
Acres burned: 91,281
Deaths: 6

20. JONES FIRE – Shasta County
Date: October 1999
Cause: Undetermined
Structures destroyed: 954
Acres burned: 26,200
Deaths: 1

Take a look at the latest stories and videos on the devastating Southern California wildfires here.