Sixteen large wildfires were burning in California as of Friday Aug. 3, scorching more than 410,000 acres and destroying or damaging more than 1,800 structures.
Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue in August as more than 14,000 firefighters are working to contain fires around the state. About 11,000 homes remain under threat.
Below, a roundup of the fires that have burned 1,000 acres or more in California. Note: Information was updated Friday Aug. 3, 2018.
Carr Fire, Shasta County
- Acres: 131,896
- Containment: 39 percent
- Evacuations: 15,000 residents, more than 1,600 homes threatened
- Residences Destroyed/Damaged: 1,067/189
[NATL-BAY]PHOTOS: Carr Fire in Shasta County Destroys Homes, Kills 8
Mendocino Complex, Mendocino/Lake Counties
- Acres: 153,738
- Containment: 30 percent
- Structrures Destroyed/Damaged: 41/10
- Evacuations: 14,300 residents
- Structures Threatened: 9,200
Note: The complex includes the River and Ranch fires
Ferguson Fire, Mariposa County
- Acres: 73,560
- Containment: 41 percent
- Closures: The fire has forced the closure of part of Yosemite National Park
[NATL-LA Updated 8/14] PHOTOS: Scenes From the Ferguson Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Cranston Fire, Riverside County
- Acres: 13,139
- Containment: 96 percent
[UPDATED 7/30] PHOTOS: Cranston Fire Tears Through Riverside County Mountain Communities
Whaleback Fire, Lassen County
- Acres: 18,726
- Containment: 70 percent
Georges Fire, Inyo County
- Acres: 2,883
- Containment: 70 percent
Valley Fire, San Bernardino County
- Acres: 1,350
- Containment: 30 percent
Natchez Fire, Del Norte County
- Acres: 8,432
- Containment: 15 percent
Eagle Fire, Modoc County
- Acres: 2,100
- Containment: 95 percent
Last year was one of the most deadly and destructive on record in terms of wildfires in California. Forty-six people were killed and more than 11,000 homes were destroyed by wildfires in 2017. More than 9,000 fires burned 1.2 million acres across California.
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The significant increase in the numbers and size of fires last year was largely because the state was coming off one of its wettest winters in years in 2016-2017, which left hillsides covered in grass and other vegetation. That grass dried out in summer and turned into tinder, providing fuel for rapidly spreading fires often pushed by strong winds that can carry hot embers for miles and turn small spot fires into infernos.
An increase in the number of dead and dying trees also has exacerbated the wildfire threat, Cal Fire officials said.
Since 1970, California is not only seeing more fires, but larger fires. Seven of the top 10 largest have all occurred since 2000. They are the 2017 Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties; The October 2003 Cedar fire in San Diego County; the August 2012 Rush fire in Lassen County; the Rim fire in Tuolumne County in August 2013; the July 2007 Zaca fire in Santa Barbara County; the October 2007 Witch fire in San Diego County; and the Klamath Theater Complex fires that burned in June 2008 in Siskiyou County.
