25 Wildfires That Went Down In History As Truly Catastrophic And Devastating

We may not hear about them often, but according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there have been approximately 70,000 wildfires per year on US soil since 1983. And unfortunately, these fires are becoming increasingly worse. The 10 years that have burned through the largest number of acres have all occurred since 2004, with the peak years being between 2015 and 2020.

Wildfire season is also occurring earlier than it used to, as the peak was in August from 1984 to 2002. Today, however, July sees the most wildfires, and an average of 1.8 million acres burned each July between 2003 and 2021. Unsurprisingly, climate change plays a huge role in exacerbating this issue.    

One look at these images will tell you just how devastating wildfires can be. USA Facts reports that in 2023, 4,318 structures were damaged or destroyed due to wildfires. And one hundred people tragically lost their lives in the Lahaina fire in Maui, Hawaii.

Unfortunately, once a wildfire starts, it can be incredibly challenging and costly to put out. The United States Government used to spend around $2 billion annually on wildfire suppression, but since 2017, there have been five years where the cost has surpassed $3 billion. In fact, in 2021, the National Forest Service alone spent over $4 billion fighting fires.

So where exactly are these fires taking place? The National Interagency Coordination Center reported that in 2023, wildfires took place in every single state except Delaware. California had the most devastation, as over 332,000 acres burned, followed by Alaska, where over 314,000 acres burned. There were 10 fires that demolished at least 40,000 acres across the country, including four in Alaska, three in California, and one in Washington, New Mexico and Nebraska.

When it comes to what exactly is sparking these wildfires, the US Forest Service Research Data Archive reports that a whopping 85% of them are started by humans. Failing to put out a campfire, burning debris, dropping a cigarette on the ground or intentionally committing arson are some of the main causes of wildfires. However, they can begin naturally as well, often due to trees or dry areas being struck by lightning.

Because the vast majority of wildfires are started by humans, it’s up to us to prevent them. And the US Department of the Interior has some tips on how to keep our forests, homes and cities safe. First, they note the importance of keeping up to date with weather and drought conditions. Avoid any activities involving fire when it’s hot, dry and windy. And when you build a campfire, ensure that you’re in an open location far away from any flammable items or materials.

When you’re finished with a campfire, it’s best to douse it in water until it’s cold. Don’t just cover it with some dirt and assume it will go out. If you’re driving in the wilderness, be careful to keep vehicles off dry grass. And always maintain your equipment and vehicle. Anything that shoots sparks from its exhaust can become a fire hazard in seconds. And if you have a vehicle, make sure that you keep a shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher inside for emergencies.