Unprecedented Infernos: A Chronicle of California's National Forest Wildfires Since 2015
California Wildfires: A Legacy of Loss and a Call to Restore
In recent years, California has faced unprecedented challenges from devastating wildfires that have ravaged its landscapes—including its cherished National Forests.
Since 2015, these fires have left a profound and lasting impact on the environment, wildlife, communities, and the state’s ecological health. Below is a look at some of the most significant wildfires that have shaped the current state of California’s forests.
August Complex Fire – Mendocino National Forest (2020)
The 2020 wildfire season was defined by the August Complex Fire—the largest wildfire in California’s recorded history and the first to burn over one million acres. Sparked by a series of lightning strikes in mid-August, the fire rapidly merged into a massive "megafire" that scorched vast portions of the Mendocino National Forest, spanning six counties in Northern California.
At its peak, the fire generated its own weather systems, including pyrocumulus clouds and fire-induced thunderstorms, which made firefighting efforts even more dangerous and unpredictable. Entire habitats were destroyed, watersheds were compromised, and air quality across the region plummeted for weeks.
Dixie Fire – Plumas National Forest (2021)
The Dixie Fire ignited on July 13, 2021, near Cresta Dam in Butte County and quickly became the largest single (non-complex) wildfire in California history. Fueled by extreme drought and high winds, the fire scorched over 963,000 acres across five counties—including large swaths of the Plumas National Forest.
Among the hardest-hit areas was the historic town of Greenville, which was almost completely destroyed on August 4. In total, the fire destroyed 1,329 structures, damaged dozens more, and forced the evacuation of over 9,500 residents.
Fire behavior was extreme, producing towering pyrocumulus clouds and generating its own weather. Smoke from the blaze impacted air quality across the western U.S., with effects reaching as far as Colorado and Utah. The fire was fully contained by October 25, 2021, but its scale and devastation underscored the urgent need for long-term wildfire resilience and forest recovery.
Creek Fire – Sierra National Forest (2020)
The Creek Fire erupted on September 4, 2020, near Shaver Lake in Fresno County and quickly became one of the largest single wildfires in California history. Over the course of three months, it burned more than 379,000 acres across the Sierra National Forest, prompting the evacuation of over 30,000 people.
The fire destroyed over 850 structures and generated massive pyrocumulonimbus clouds and fire-induced tornadoes—extreme weather phenomena caused by the fire’s heat. One of the most dramatic moments came when hundreds of campers were rescued by helicopter from the Mammoth Pool Reservoir area.
Despite the scale of destruction, there were no fatalities reported. The official cause remains undetermined, though a lightning strike is considered the most likely source. The fire was declared fully contained by December 24, 2020, after more than 100 days of firefighting efforts.
Caldor Fire – Eldorado National Forest (2021)
The Caldor Fire ignited on August 14, 2021, in El Dorado County and became one of the most destructive wildfires in the Sierra Nevada in recent history. Over the span of 68 days, it burned more than 221,000 acres across the Eldorado National Forest and surrounding counties, destroying over 1,000 structures and damaging many more.
The fire triggered the evacuation of over 50,000 residents, including the entire city of South Lake Tahoe—a rare and urgent measure. Notably, the Caldor Fire was only the second wildfire in recorded history to cross the Sierra Nevada mountain range from west to east. It was fully contained by October 21, 2021, but the damage to forest ecosystems and communities was immense, and long-term recovery efforts remain ongoing.
Emerald Fire – Eldorado National Forest (2016)
In October 2016, the Emerald Fire broke out near Emerald Bay along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe. Fanned by strong winds and dry conditions, the fire burned approximately 176 acres of forestland and prompted the evacuation of nearly 500 homes.
Highway 89 was temporarily closed, and firefighting crews faced difficult terrain and fast-moving flames. Fortunately, timely rainfall helped slow the fire’s advance, and it was fully contained within a few days. While no structures were lost, the fire served as a stark reminder of how even small wildfires can threaten popular recreational areas and nearby communities. Post-fire recovery efforts focused on erosion control and restoring native vegetation.
French Fire – Sequoia National Forest & Kern County (2021)
The French Fire ignited on August 18, 2021, near Wagy Flat Road west of Lake Isabella in Kern County. Over the following two months, it burned approximately 26,500 acres across the Sequoia National Forest, threatening mountain communities like Shirley Meadows, Alta Sierra, and Wofford Heights.
Driven by extreme heat, dry fuels, and shifting winds, the fire forced the evacuation of more than 2,100 residents and destroyed 18 structures, including nine homes. Over 800 firefighting personnel were deployed at the height of the response, working in rugged terrain and volatile conditions.
The fire was fully contained by October 24, 2021, and was later determined to be human-caused. Its impact on forest health and nearby communities underscores the continued wildfire threat facing California’s southern Sierra region.
Windy Fire – Sequoia National Forest & Tule River Reservation (2021)
The Windy Fire was sparked by lightning on September 9, 2021, on the Tule River Indian Reservation and quickly spread into the Sequoia National Forest, ultimately burning over 97,500 acres.
The fire threatened some of the most iconic groves in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, damaging 11 groves and killing an estimated 900 to 1,200 mature giant sequoias—some of which had stood for over a thousand years. Historic structures, including the Mule Peak Lookout and several cabins, were also lost.
Firefighters employed specialized tactics, including wrapping the bases of sequoias in heat-resistant material to prevent further loss. The blaze was fully contained by November 15, 2021, with total firefighting costs exceeding $78 million.
Lake Fire – Angeles National Forest (2020)
The Lake Fire broke out on August 12, 2020, near Lake Hughes in the Angeles National Forest. Fueled by dense chaparral, steep terrain, and dry conditions, the fire burned approximately 31,000 acres over the course of 47 days.
The blaze destroyed 12 structures, damaged several others, and forced evacuations for nearby communities as it threatened more than 4,500 properties. Fire crews battled extreme fire behavior, including fire whirls and rapid spotting, which complicated containment efforts.
The Lake Fire was fully contained by September 28, 2020, but its aftermath left behind a landscape vulnerable to erosion and in need of restoration. Recovery efforts have since focused on replanting native vegetation and stabilizing soils to prevent further environmental damage.
Sand Fire – Angeles National Forest (2016)
The Sand Fire ignited on July 22, 2016, near Sand Canyon Road in the Santa Clarita Valley, quickly spreading through dry chaparral and steep terrain. Over the course of 12 days, it burned approximately 41,400 acres, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 residents.
The fire destroyed 18 structures, including homes and the historic Sable Ranch, a well-known film location.
More than 3,000 firefighters were mobilized to battle the blaze, which was fully contained by August 3, 2016. The Sand Fire was a stark reminder of the wildfire risks facing Southern California’s wildland-urban interface, particularly during periods of extreme heat and drought.
Cranston Fire – San Bernardino National Forest (2018)
The Cranston Fire was deliberately ignited on July 25, 2018, near Mountain Center in Riverside County. Fueled by high heat and dry brush, it quickly swept through the San Bernardino National Forest, ultimately burning over 13,000 acres before it was fully contained on August 10.
The fire forced the evacuation of more than 7,000 residents, affecting mountain communities like Idyllwild, Mountain Center, and Anza. It destroyed 12 structures, closed sections of Highways 74 and 243, and caused significant disruption to power and recreational access in the area.
More than 700 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames. The fire was later confirmed to be arson, and the suspect was sentenced to over 12 years in prison. The Cranston Fire remains a powerful example of how human-caused wildfires can devastate both wildlands and nearby communities.
Valley Fire – San Bernardino National Forest (2018)
The Valley Fire broke out on July 6, 2018, near Forest Falls in the San Bernardino National Forest. Burning through steep, rugged terrain, the fire scorched approximately 1,350 acres before it was fully contained on October 22, 2018.
The blaze prompted mandatory evacuations for Forest Falls and shut down portions of Highway 38, disrupting access to nearby mountain communities. Firefighters faced intense heat, rolling rocks, and difficult conditions that complicated containment efforts.
Although no structures were lost, five individuals were injured during the firefighting operations. The Valley Fire was a clear reminder of how quickly wildfires can escalate in Southern California’s mountainous regions—especially during the height of summer.
Ranch Fire – Mendocino National Forest (2018)
The Ranch Fire ignited on July 27, 2018, near Potter Valley in Mendocino County. Sparked by a rancher driving a metal stake into dry ground, the blaze quickly grew into the largest single wildfire in California’s recorded history, burning over 410,000 acres across Mendocino, Lake, Colusa, and Glenn counties.
The fire destroyed 280 structures and forced widespread evacuations. Crews battled difficult terrain, intense heat, and dry fuel conditions over the course of several weeks.
The Ranch Fire was fully contained by September 18, 2018, though hotspots lingered within control lines for months. In the wake of the fire, large-scale reforestation and recovery efforts began in the Mendocino National Forest to restore habitat and reduce future wildfire risk.
Whaleback Fire – Lassen National Forest (2018)
The Whaleback Fire began on July 27, 2018, near Whaleback Mountain in Lassen County. Fueled by dry vegetation and steep terrain, the fire burned approximately 18,700 acres and prompted evacuations in the Spaulding area near Eagle Lake.
Several campgrounds and recreational sites were closed as firefighting crews worked under difficult conditions to control the blaze. The fire was fully contained by August 7, 2018, but the impacted area faced long-term damage to forestland and recreation resources.
Hog Fire – Lassen National Forest (2020)
The Hog Fire ignited on July 18, 2020, near Hog Flat Reservoir just west of Susanville in Lassen County. Over the course of a month, it burned nearly 9,600 acres, forcing evacuations and threatening local communities.
Firefighters battled challenging conditions, including unpredictable fire behavior and spot fires. The Hog Fire was fully contained by August 17, 2020, but left behind scorched forestland and renewed calls for fire prevention and replanting in the region.
Pickett Fire – Shasta-Trinity National Forest (2015)
Back in the summer of 2015, a lightning strike ignited what became known as the Pickett Fire, sweeping through California’s Shasta-Trinity National Forest. With dry conditions and summer storms fueling the flames, the fire quickly spread, leaving behind thousands of scorched acres and widespread ecological damage. In response, the Forest Service launched a major reforestation effort. In 2018 alone, they planted over 70,000 conifer seedlings—including ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and Douglas-fir—to help bring the hardest-hit areas back to life. Nearly a decade later, the recovery work continues, showing just how long it takes to heal after a wildfire of this scale.
Bradley Fire – Shasta-Trinity National Forest (2021)
The Bradley Fire ignited on July 11, 2021, near Highway 89 and Harris Spring Road, east of McCloud in Siskiyou County. Fueled by dry timber and brush, the fire burned approximately 357 acres before it was fully contained by July 15, 2021. Quick response efforts helped prevent further spread into surrounding forestland.
Rebuilding from the Ashes
As California’s national forests continue to bear the scars of these destructive events, the need for restoration has never been clearer. In the face of adversity, resilience is key.
Through large-scale reforestation, improved forest management, and wildfire mitigation efforts, California has an opportunity to forge a more sustainable future—one where wildfires are less catastrophic, and forest ecosystems can thrive once again. Wildfires have forever changed the landscapes of California’s forests—but with each new tree planted, we take a step toward healing.
You can help restore wildfire-damaged forests by planting a tree in honor or memory of someone special. Your living tribute supports long-term reforestation, providing habitat, shade, and life to future generations.
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A single tree can become a lasting legacy.