Record-Breaking California Wildfire Season | Over 3-Million-Acres Burned and 6 of Top 20 Largest Fires in History

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Credit: CalFire

The 2020 wildfire season has been record-breaking, in not only the total amount of acres burned at over 3 million but also 6 of the top 20 largest wildfires in California history have occurred this year.

At 746,607-acres, the August Complex fire is now the largest in California history. Burning in the Mendocino National Forest, the blaze is currently 25% contained, with over 1,100 personnel involved in fighting it.

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August Complex fire. Credit: InciWeb

As critical fire weather conditions subsided yesterday, firefighters accomplished full containment on one of the many fires burning in the State, reports CalFire. Approximately 14,000 firefighters remain on the line of 29 major wildfires burning across California. Although 37 new fires were sparked yesterday, crews contained most of them quickly though two have grown to large wildfires.

Since the beginning of the year, wildfires have now burned over 3.1 million acres in California.  There have been 12 fatalities and over 3,900 structures destroyed.

Weather conditions improve across the state today, with most areas experiencing seasonal temperatures and dry conditions. All Red Flags Warnings have been lifted with the exception of a small portion of upper Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties. This warning is in effect this afternoon and evening due to gusty winds and low humidity. Northern California should expect average temperatures through the weekend, with a possible cooling trend next week. In Southern California, temperatures will be at or slightly above normal and humidity levels low into the weekend. Onshore flow beginning tomorrow will help humidity recovery over the weekend.

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Credit: CalFire

As crews contain the wildfires, evacuations will be lifted and residents allowed to return home.  Sounds simple, but did you know there are many hazards to watch out for when you get to your property?  Crews still working in the area, hot spots, and potential hidden fire damage are just a few of the things for you to be aware of.

To learn more about returning home after a wildfire, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.   


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4 thoughts on “Record-Breaking California Wildfire Season | Over 3-Million-Acres Burned and 6 of Top 20 Largest Fires in History

  1. If you responsibly harvest the forest, turn it into timber, and allow it to naturally grow back you will be helping capture carbon.

  2. Its only going to get worse until forest officials learn how to manage the fuel.

    The forests are overgrown and ready to burn.

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