Wildfires Fast Facts

Updated 8:15 AM EST, Tue March 1, 2022
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BIG BEND, CA - NOVEMBER 10: The Camp Fire burns in the hills on November 10, 2018 near Big Bend, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity the Camp Fire ripped through the town of Paradise charring 105,000 acres, killed 23 people and has destroyed over 6,700 homes and businesses. The fire is currently at 20 percent containment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
BIG BEND, CA - NOVEMBER 10: The Camp Fire burns in the hills on November 10, 2018 near Big Bend, California. Fueled by high winds and low humidity the Camp Fire ripped through the town of Paradise charring 105,000 acres, killed 23 people and has destroyed over 6,700 homes and businesses. The fire is currently at 20 percent containment. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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A plane drops fire retardant on a burning hillside Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Flames burn inside a van as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Flames burn inside a van as the Camp Fire tears through Paradise, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. Tens of thousands of people fled a fast-moving wildfire Thursday in Northern California, some clutching babies and pets as they abandoned vehicles and struck out on foot ahead of the flames that forced the evacuation of an entire town and destroyed hundreds of structures. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
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An airplane flies over a large wildfire plume from a recent flareup of the Woolsey Fire near Lake Sherwood, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. Forecasters had warned of continuing fire danger in Southern California due to persistent Santa Ana winds, the withering, dry gusts that sweep out of the interior toward the coast, pushing back moist ocean breezes. (AP Photo/Amanda Myers)
An airplane flies over a large wildfire plume from a recent flareup of the Woolsey Fire near Lake Sherwood, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. Forecasters had warned of continuing fire danger in Southern California due to persistent Santa Ana winds, the withering, dry gusts that sweep out of the interior toward the coast, pushing back moist ocean breezes. (AP Photo/Amanda Myers)
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A firefighter runs while trying to save a home as a wildfire tears through Lakeport, Calif., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. The residence eventually burned. Firefighters pressed their battle against a pair of fires across Mendocino and Lake counties. In all, roughly 19,000 people have been warned to flee and 10,000 homes remain under threat. Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter runs while trying to save a home as a wildfire tears through Lakeport, Calif., Tuesday, July 31, 2018. The residence eventually burned. Firefighters pressed their battle against a pair of fires across Mendocino and Lake counties. In all, roughly 19,000 people have been warned to flee and 10,000 homes remain under threat. Noah Berger/AP
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CNN  — 

Here’s some background information about wildfires.

About

Wildfires are sometimes called “wildland fires.”

Wildfires can originate from a dropped match, cigarette embers, campfires, exhaust sparks from a train or arson. Many wildland fires are ignited by lightning.

There are no official rules, but the first responders usually name a fire after a meadow, creek, city or type of plant they see.

Wind, temperature and humidity all influence wildfires. Strong winds push flames toward new fuel sources. Wind can pick up and transfer burning embers and sparks, starting “spot fires.”

During the day, sunlight heats the ground and warm air rises, allowing hot air currents to travel up sloped landscapes. At night, the ground cools and air currents travel down the slopes.

Humidity dampens fuel, slowing the spread of flames. Humidity is greater at night, so fires usually burn less intensely then.

Large fires can create their own winds and weather, increasing their flow of oxygen. A really large fire can generate hurricane-force winds, up to 120 mph.

Largest monetary wildland fires losses are ranked by the Insurance Information Institute.

US Fire Season Summary

(National Interagency Fire Center)
2012
Fires: 67,774 Acres Burned: 9,326,238
2013
Fires: 47,579 Acres Burned: 4,319,546
2014
Fires: 63,312 Acres Burned: 3,595,613
2015
Fires: 68,151 Acres Burned: 10,125,149
2016
Fires: 67,743 Acres Burned: 5,509,995
2017
Fires: 71,499 Acres Burned: 10,026,086
2018
Fires: 58,083 Acres Burned: 8,767,492
2019
Fires: 50,477 Acres Burned: 4,664,364
2020
Fires: 58,950 Acres Burned: 10,122,336
2021
Fires: 58,985 Acres Burned: 7,125,643

Structures Destroyed by Wildfires, by Year

(National Interagency Coordination Center)

2011 - 5,246 structures destroyed: 3,459 residences, 1,711 outbuildings and 76 commercial structures. The annual average is 1,354 residences, 1,199 outbuildings and 45 commercial structures.

2012 - 4,244 structures destroyed: 2,216 residences, 1,961 outbuildings and 67 commercial structures. The annual average is 1,416 residences, 1,253 outbuildings and 46 commercial structures.

2013 - 2,135 structures destroyed: 1,093 residences, 945 outbuildings and 97 commercial structures. The annual average is 1,394 residences, 1,233 outbuildings and 50 commercial structures.

2014 - 1,953 structures destroyed: 1,038 residences, 874 minor structures, 20 commercial structures and 14 mixed commercial/residential structures. The annual average is 1,372 residences, 1,210 minor structures and 49 commercial structures.

2015 - 4,636 structures destroyed: 2,638 residences, 29 multiple residences, 1,849 minor structures, 111 commercial structures and nine mixed commercial/residential structures. The annual average is 1,449 residences, 1,248 minor structures and 53 commercial structures.

2016 - 4,312 structures were destroyed: 3,192 residences, 1,025 minor structures, 78 commercial structures and 17 mixed commercial/residential structures. The annual average is 1,449 residences, 1,248 minor structures and 53 commercial structures.

2017 - 12,306 structures were destroyed: 8,065 residences, 4,002 minor structures, 229 commercial structures and 10 mixed commercial/residential structures. The annual average is 1,545 residences, 1,236 minor structures and 55 commercial structures.

2018 - 25,790 structures were destroyed: 18,137 residences, 6,927 minor structures and 229 commercial/residential structures. The annual average is 2,701 residences, 1,379 minor structures and 64 commercial/mixed residential structures. The number of structures destroyed in 2018 is more than twice the 2017 figure.

2019 - 963 structures were destroyed: 444 residences, 482 minor structures and 37 commercial/residential structures. The annual average is 2,593 residences, 1,600 minor structures and 94 commercial/mixed residential structures.

2020 - 17,904 structures were destroyed: 9,630 residences, 7,255 minor structures and 1,119 commercial/mixed residential structures. The annual average is 2,913 residences, 1,857 minor structures and 141 commercial/mixed residential structures.

2021 - 5,972 structures destroyed: 3,577 residences, 2,225 minor structures, and 237 commercial/mixed residential structures.

Firefighters look out over a burning hillside as they fight the Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, California, on Monday, October 26.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters look out over a burning hillside as they fight the Blue Ridge Fire in Yorba Linda, California, on Monday, October 26.
A man evacuates his home as flames from the Blue Ridge Fire approach in Chino Hills, California, on Tuesday, October 27.
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David McNew/Getty Images
A man evacuates his home as flames from the Blue Ridge Fire approach in Chino Hills, California, on Tuesday, October 27.
Firefighters conduct a backfire operation in Chino Hills on October 27.
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Myung J Chun/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
Firefighters conduct a backfire operation in Chino Hills on October 27.
A firefighter uses a hose as the Silverado Fire approaches near Irvine, California.
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Mike Blake/Reuters
A firefighter uses a hose as the Silverado Fire approaches near Irvine, California.
Firefighter Raymond Vasquez battles the Silverado Fire in Irvine on Monday, October 26.
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Jae C. Hong/AP
Firefighter Raymond Vasquez battles the Silverado Fire in Irvine on Monday, October 26.
Flames rise from mountain ridges near a farmstead as a wildfire burns near Granby, Colorado, on Thursday, October 22.
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David Zalubowski/AP
Flames rise from mountain ridges near a farmstead as a wildfire burns near Granby, Colorado, on Thursday, October 22.
Evacuees drive through a traffic jam exiting Big Thompson Canyon as the East Troublesome Fire forced residents out of Estes Park, Colorado, on October 22.
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Bethany Baker/USA Today Network/Reuters
Evacuees drive through a traffic jam exiting Big Thompson Canyon as the East Troublesome Fire forced residents out of Estes Park, Colorado, on October 22.
Structures burned by the Cal-Wood Fire are seen in Boulder County, Colorado, on October 18.
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Matthew Jonas/MediaNews Group/Boulder Daily Camera/Getty Images
Structures burned by the Cal-Wood Fire are seen in Boulder County, Colorado, on October 18.
Flames from the Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, work their way along a ridge outside Estes Park on October 16.
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Bethany Baker/The Coloradoan/USA Today Network
Flames from the Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in Colorado history, work their way along a ridge outside Estes Park on October 16.
An airplane drops fire retardant on the Bruder Fire in Redlands, California, on October 15.
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Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
An airplane drops fire retardant on the Bruder Fire in Redlands, California, on October 15.
Dr. Alex Herman, right, and veterinary technician Linden West examine <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2020/10/01/us/mountain-lion-cub-rescued-california-zogg-fire/index.html" target="_blank">Captain Cal,</a> a 6-week-old mountain lion cub recovering from severe burn injuries at the Oakland Zoo Hospital in Oakland, California. The zoo later took in <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2020/10/11/us/oakland-zoo-mountain-lion-rescued-from-wildfire-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">two more cubs rescued</a> from the same fire.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
Dr. Alex Herman, right, and veterinary technician Linden West examine Captain Cal, a 6-week-old mountain lion cub recovering from severe burn injuries at the Oakland Zoo Hospital in Oakland, California. The zoo later took in two more cubs rescued from the same fire.
Burned bottles of wine sit in a pile at the Castello di Amorosa winery, which was destroyed by the Glass Fire in Calistoga, California, on October 1. Wildfires have damaged and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/11/us/california-wildfires-wineries/index.html" target="_blank">destroyed dozens of the region's famed wineries,</a> many of them family-owned businesses.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Burned bottles of wine sit in a pile at the Castello di Amorosa winery, which was destroyed by the Glass Fire in Calistoga, California, on October 1. Wildfires have damaged and destroyed dozens of the region's famed wineries, many of them family-owned businesses.
A firefighter walks along a path as the Glass Fire burns in Calistoga, California, on October 1.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter walks along a path as the Glass Fire burns in Calistoga, California, on October 1.
Vehicles burned in the Glass Fire sit outside of a home that survived in Calistoga on September 30.
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Samuel Corum/AFP/Getty Images
Vehicles burned in the Glass Fire sit outside of a home that survived in Calistoga on September 30.
The remains of guest houses smolder at Calistoga Ranch after the Glass Fire passed through on September 30.
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Samuel Corum/AFP/Getty Images
The remains of guest houses smolder at Calistoga Ranch after the Glass Fire passed through on September 30.
Firefighter Abraham Garcia signals a water truck in Angwin, California, on September 29.
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Paul Kuroda/Sipa USA
Firefighter Abraham Garcia signals a water truck in Angwin, California, on September 29.
Firefighters watch the Glass Fire slowly creep across a clearing near Calistoga on September 29.
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Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
Firefighters watch the Glass Fire slowly creep across a clearing near Calistoga on September 29.
Damaged wine barrels sit stacked at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga on September 29.
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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Damaged wine barrels sit stacked at the Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga on September 29.
The Glass Fire burns in the background as Josh Asbury, an employee of CableCom, installs fiber-optic cable in Calistoga on September 28.
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Adrees Latif/Reuters
The Glass Fire burns in the background as Josh Asbury, an employee of CableCom, installs fiber-optic cable in Calistoga on September 28.
Residents of the Oakmont Gardens senior home are transported to safety as the Shady Fire approaches in Santa Rosa on September 28.
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Noah Berger/AP
Residents of the Oakmont Gardens senior home are transported to safety as the Shady Fire approaches in Santa Rosa on September 28.
Cellar worker Jose Juan Perez extinguishes hotspots at Castello di Amorosa, a Calistoga winery that was damaged in the Glass Fire.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Cellar worker Jose Juan Perez extinguishes hotspots at Castello di Amorosa, a Calistoga winery that was damaged in the Glass Fire.
An officer with Napa County Animal Control rescues a cat after the Glass Fire passed through Napa Valley, California, on September 28.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Samuel Corum/AFP/Getty Images
An officer with Napa County Animal Control rescues a cat after the Glass Fire passed through Napa Valley, California, on September 28.
The Glass Fire burns on a Napa County mountainside on September 28.
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Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
The Glass Fire burns on a Napa County mountainside on September 28.
Flames from the Glass Fire consume the Black Rock Inn in St. Helena, California, on September 27.
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Noah Berger/AP
Flames from the Glass Fire consume the Black Rock Inn in St. Helena, California, on September 27.
Embers fly from a tree as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena on September 27.
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Noah Berger/AP
Embers fly from a tree as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena on September 27.
An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Glass Fire, which was burning near the Davis Estates winery in Calistoga on September 27.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Glass Fire, which was burning near the Davis Estates winery in Calistoga on September 27.
Cal Fire Capt. Jesse Campbell works to save the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena.
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Noah Berger/AP
Cal Fire Capt. Jesse Campbell works to save the Louis Stralla Water Treatment Plant as the Glass Fire burns in St. Helena.
A photograph of Charles Morton, a firefighter killed battling the El Dorado Fire, is displayed at a memorial service in San Bernardino, California, on September 25. Morton, 39, was a 14-year veteran of the US Forest Service and a squad boss with the Big Bear Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest.
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Mario Tama/Getty Images
A photograph of Charles Morton, a firefighter killed battling the El Dorado Fire, is displayed at a memorial service in San Bernardino, California, on September 25. Morton, 39, was a 14-year veteran of the US Forest Service and a squad boss with the Big Bear Hotshot Crew of the San Bernardino National Forest.
An inmate firefighter takes a break while working to contain the Bear Fire in Oroville, California, on September 24.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Go Nakamura/Bloomberg/Getty Images
An inmate firefighter takes a break while working to contain the Bear Fire in Oroville, California, on September 24.
Inmate firefighters extinguish hot spots while working to contain the Bear Fire on September 24.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Go Nakamura/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Inmate firefighters extinguish hot spots while working to contain the Bear Fire on September 24.
The Bobcat Fire burns near Cedar Springs, California, on September 21.
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Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
The Bobcat Fire burns near Cedar Springs, California, on September 21.
Wildfire smoke rises in Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming on September 21.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Jerod Delay/AP
Wildfire smoke rises in Medicine Bow National Forest in southeastern Wyoming on September 21.
A deer looks for food in an area burned by the Bobcat Fire in Pearblossom, California.
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Kyle Grillot/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A deer looks for food in an area burned by the Bobcat Fire in Pearblossom, California.
A woman takes photos as the Bobcat Fire burns in Juniper Hills, California, on September 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
A woman takes photos as the Bobcat Fire burns in Juniper Hills, California, on September 18.
Wind whips embers from Joshua trees burned by the Bobcat Fire in Juniper Hills on September 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Wind whips embers from Joshua trees burned by the Bobcat Fire in Juniper Hills on September 18.
Firefighter Kirk McDusky walks past smoke rising from the Brattain Fire in Paisley, Oregon, on September 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Adrees Latif/Reuters
Firefighter Kirk McDusky walks past smoke rising from the Brattain Fire in Paisley, Oregon, on September 18.
A Juniper Hills home burns during the Bobcat Fire on September 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Kyle Grillot/AFP/Getty Images
A Juniper Hills home burns during the Bobcat Fire on September 18.
A firefighter battles the Bobcat Fire while defending the Mount Wilson observatory in Los Angeles on September 17.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Ringo Chiu/Reuters
A firefighter battles the Bobcat Fire while defending the Mount Wilson observatory in Los Angeles on September 17.
Stacey Kahny fixes her hair inside her tent at the evacuation center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Central Point, Oregon, on September 16. Kahny lived with her parents at a trailer park in Phoenix, Oregon, that was destroyed by fire.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Paula Bronstein/AFP/Getty Images
Stacey Kahny fixes her hair inside her tent at the evacuation center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in Central Point, Oregon, on September 16. Kahny lived with her parents at a trailer park in Phoenix, Oregon, that was destroyed by fire.
A charred yearbook lies in the debris as Fred Skaff and his son Thomas clean up their home in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 16.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Paula Bronstein/AFP/Getty Images
A charred yearbook lies in the debris as Fred Skaff and his son Thomas clean up their home in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 16.
In this aerial photo taken with a drone, red fire retardant sits on leveled homes in Talent, Oregon, on September 15.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
In this aerial photo taken with a drone, red fire retardant sits on leveled homes in Talent, Oregon, on September 15.
A firefighter works at the scene of the Bobcat Fire burning on hillsides near Monrovia, California, on September 15.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Ringo Chiu/AFP/Getty Images
A firefighter works at the scene of the Bobcat Fire burning on hillsides near Monrovia, California, on September 15.
President Donald Trump listens as California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about the wildfires during a briefing on September 14.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Andrew Harnik/AP
President Donald Trump listens as California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about the wildfires during a briefing on September 14.
George Coble walks through his destroyed property in Mill City, Oregon, on September 12.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
John Locher/AP
George Coble walks through his destroyed property in Mill City, Oregon, on September 12.
The Bobcat Fire burns in Angeles National Forest, north of Monrovia, California, on September 11.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Etienne Laurent/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The Bobcat Fire burns in Angeles National Forest, north of Monrovia, California, on September 11.
Crystal Sparks kisses her 4-year-old twins, Chance and Ryder Sutton, as they escape the Obenchain Fire in Butte Falls, Oregon, on September 11.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Adrees Latif/Reuters
Crystal Sparks kisses her 4-year-old twins, Chance and Ryder Sutton, as they escape the Obenchain Fire in Butte Falls, Oregon, on September 11.
North Valley Disaster Group member Kari Zeitler and Butte County Animal Control officer Linda Newman bridle up two donkeys wandering along a roadside in Berry Creek, California, on September 11. The donkeys were displaced by the Bear Fire.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Peter DaSilva/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
North Valley Disaster Group member Kari Zeitler and Butte County Animal Control officer Linda Newman bridle up two donkeys wandering along a roadside in Berry Creek, California, on September 11. The donkeys were displaced by the Bear Fire.
A firefighter shoots an incendiary device during a back burn to help control the Dolan Fire in Big Sur, California, on September 11.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Nic Coury/AP
A firefighter shoots an incendiary device during a back burn to help control the Dolan Fire in Big Sur, California, on September 11.
Dora Negrete is consoled by her son Hector Rocha after seeing their destroyed mobile home in Talent, Oregon, on September 10.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Paula Bronstein/AP
Dora Negrete is consoled by her son Hector Rocha after seeing their destroyed mobile home in Talent, Oregon, on September 10.
This aerial photo shows a destroyed mobile-home park in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 10.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
David Ryder/Getty Images
This aerial photo shows a destroyed mobile-home park in Phoenix, Oregon, on September 10.
A street is shrouded by smoke from wildfires in West Linn, Oregon, on September 10.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Christian Gallagher/AP
A street is shrouded by smoke from wildfires in West Linn, Oregon, on September 10.
A tanker jet drops fire retardant to slow the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia, California, on September 10.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
David McNew/Getty Images
A tanker jet drops fire retardant to slow the Bobcat Fire in the Angeles National Forest north of Monrovia, California, on September 10.
Looking up San Francisco's Columbus Avenue, the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are covered with smoke from nearby wildfires on September 9. This photo was taken in the late morning.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Eric Risberg/AP
Looking up San Francisco's Columbus Avenue, the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are covered with smoke from nearby wildfires on September 9. This photo was taken in the late morning.
Visitors of San Francisco's Dolores Park are seen under an orange sky <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/09/weather/california-orange-skies-wildfires-photos-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">darkened by smoke</a> on September 9.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Stephen Lam/Reuters
Visitors of San Francisco's Dolores Park are seen under an orange sky darkened by smoke on September 9.
Wildfire smoke hangs over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on September 9.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Michael Short/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Wildfire smoke hangs over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on September 9.
Bejhan Razi, a senior building inspector in Mill Valley, California, checks out repairs on a lamp-post clock as the sky is illuminated by nearby wildfires.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Scott Strazzante/The San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images
Bejhan Razi, a senior building inspector in Mill Valley, California, checks out repairs on a lamp-post clock as the sky is illuminated by nearby wildfires.
People stand in Alamo Square Park as smoke hangs over San Francisco on September 9.
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David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images
People stand in Alamo Square Park as smoke hangs over San Francisco on September 9.
People stop to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge as it is affected from smoke by nearby wildfires on September 9.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Eric Risberg/AP
People stop to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge as it is affected from smoke by nearby wildfires on September 9.
Firefighters cut defensive lines and light backfires to protect structures in Butte County, California, on September 9.
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Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters cut defensive lines and light backfires to protect structures in Butte County, California, on September 9.
Flames shoot from a home in Butte County.
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Noah Berger/AP
Flames shoot from a home in Butte County.
A Pacific Gas and Electric worker looks up at the advancing Creek Fire near Alder Springs, California, on September 8.
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Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A Pacific Gas and Electric worker looks up at the advancing Creek Fire near Alder Springs, California, on September 8.
Lisa Theis unloads the last of her 44 alpacas after she evacuated her ranch in North Fork, California.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Peter DaSilva/UPI/Alamy Live News
Lisa Theis unloads the last of her 44 alpacas after she evacuated her ranch in North Fork, California.
Flames burn at a home leveled by the Creek Fire in Fresno County, California.
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Noah Berger/AP
Flames burn at a home leveled by the Creek Fire in Fresno County, California.
A slide is melted at a school playground in Fresno County.
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Noah Berger/AP
A slide is melted at a school playground in Fresno County.
Rubble is seen on September 7 after a wildfire left the small town of Malden, Washington, in ruins. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/08/us/malden-washington-fire-town-destroyed/index.html" target="_blank">The fire destroyed about 80% of the homes and buildings in Malden,</a> which is about 35 miles south of Spokane.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Jesse Tinsley/AP
Rubble is seen on September 7 after a wildfire left the small town of Malden, Washington, in ruins. The fire destroyed about 80% of the homes and buildings in Malden, which is about 35 miles south of Spokane.
Firefighter Nick Grinstead battles the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake, California, on September 7.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Firefighter Nick Grinstead battles the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake, California, on September 7.
A firefighter in Jamul, California, battles the Valley Fire on September 6.
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Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images
A firefighter in Jamul, California, battles the Valley Fire on September 6.
A fire encroaches Japatul Road in Jamul on September 6.
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Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images
A fire encroaches Japatul Road in Jamul on September 6.
Little League baseball players warm up for a game near Dehesa, California, as the Valley Fire burns on September 6.
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Sandy Huffaker/AFP/Getty Images
Little League baseball players warm up for a game near Dehesa, California, as the Valley Fire burns on September 6.
A firefighter watches the advancing Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A firefighter watches the advancing Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
A business owner in Shaver Lake walks next to kayaks he rents as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the sky on September 6.
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Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A business owner in Shaver Lake walks next to kayaks he rents as smoke from the Creek Fire fills the sky on September 6.
Family members comfort each other as the El Dorado Fire moves closer to their home in Yucaipa, California, on September 6.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Terry Pierson/Orange County Register/Zuma
Family members comfort each other as the El Dorado Fire moves closer to their home in Yucaipa, California, on September 6.
A firefighter sets a controlled burn with a drip torch while fighting the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A firefighter sets a controlled burn with a drip torch while fighting the Creek Fire in Shaver Lake.
Dozens of evacuees are airlifted to safety on a California National Guard helicopter on September 5. The Creek Fire had left them stranded in a popular camping area in the Sierra National Forest.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
California National Guard/AP
Dozens of evacuees are airlifted to safety on a California National Guard helicopter on September 5. The Creek Fire had left them stranded in a popular camping area in the Sierra National Forest.
Firefighters walk in a line in Yucaipa on September 5.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
Firefighters walk in a line in Yucaipa on September 5.
Haze and smoke blanket the sky near Naches, Washington, as the Evans Canyon Fire burns on September 3.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Amanda Ray/Yakima Herald-Republic/AP
Haze and smoke blanket the sky near Naches, Washington, as the Evans Canyon Fire burns on September 3.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, listens as Santa Cruz State Park Superintendent Chris Spohrer talks about the fire damage to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
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LiPo Ching/San Francisco Chronicle/AP
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, listens as Santa Cruz State Park Superintendent Chris Spohrer talks about the fire damage to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Randy Hunt packs up his belongings, including his daughter Natasha's first Pooh bear, left, in case he and his wife Sheli had to evacuate the home they rent in Middletown, California, on August 26.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times/Getty Images
Randy Hunt packs up his belongings, including his daughter Natasha's first Pooh bear, left, in case he and his wife Sheli had to evacuate the home they rent in Middletown, California, on August 26.
Firefighter Juan Chavarin pulls down a burning tree trunk in Guerneville, California, on August 25.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images
Firefighter Juan Chavarin pulls down a burning tree trunk in Guerneville, California, on August 25.
A sign reading "Vaca Strong" adorns a charred hillside in Vacaville, California, on August 24.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
A sign reading "Vaca Strong" adorns a charred hillside in Vacaville, California, on August 24.
Austin Giannuzzi cries while embracing relatives at the burned remains of their Vacaville home on August 23.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
Austin Giannuzzi cries while embracing relatives at the burned remains of their Vacaville home on August 23.
A firefighter looks out from a helicopter while battling the LNU Lightning Complex fires in Lake County, California.
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Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter looks out from a helicopter while battling the LNU Lightning Complex fires in Lake County, California.
Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road in Lake County on August 23.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires leap above Butts Canyon Road in Lake County on August 23.
Karol Markowski of the South Pasadena Fire Department hoses down hot spots while battling the CZU Lightning Complex fires in Boulder Creek, California, on August 22.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Karol Markowski of the South Pasadena Fire Department hoses down hot spots while battling the CZU Lightning Complex fires in Boulder Creek, California, on August 22.
A burned-out vehicle is left in front of a destroyed residence as smoke fills the sky in Boulder Creek on August 22.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A burned-out vehicle is left in front of a destroyed residence as smoke fills the sky in Boulder Creek on August 22.
Smoke hangs low in the air at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park as some redwoods burn in Boulder Creek on August 22.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Smoke hangs low in the air at the Big Basin Redwoods State Park as some redwoods burn in Boulder Creek on August 22.
A firefighter watches the LNU Lightning Complex fires spread through the Berryessa Estates neighborhood in Napa County on August 21.
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Noah Berger/AP
A firefighter watches the LNU Lightning Complex fires spread through the Berryessa Estates neighborhood in Napa County on August 21.
Veterinary technician Brianna Jeter comforts a llama injured by a fire in Vacaville on August 21. At right, animal control officer Dae Kim prepares to euthanize the llama.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Veterinary technician Brianna Jeter comforts a llama injured by a fire in Vacaville on August 21. At right, animal control officer Dae Kim prepares to euthanize the llama.
Smoke from nearby wildfires hangs over San Francisco on August 21.
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Liu Guanguan/China News Service via Getty Images
Smoke from nearby wildfires hangs over San Francisco on August 21.
A firefighter monitors the advance of a fire in Boulder Creek on August 21.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A firefighter monitors the advance of a fire in Boulder Creek on August 21.
Members of the US Forest Service discuss their next moves to battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Dotsero, Colorado, on August 21.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily via AP
Members of the US Forest Service discuss their next moves to battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Dotsero, Colorado, on August 21.
People pack brown-bag lunches at an evacuation center in Santa Cruz, California, on August 21.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
People pack brown-bag lunches at an evacuation center in Santa Cruz, California, on August 21.
A smoke plume from the LNU Lightning Complex fires billows over Healdsburg, California, on August 20.
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Noah Berger/AP
A smoke plume from the LNU Lightning Complex fires billows over Healdsburg, California, on August 20.
A firefighter battles flames in Santa Cruz County, California, on August 20.
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Philip Pacheco/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A firefighter battles flames in Santa Cruz County, California, on August 20.
Only scorched homes and vehicles remain in the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa in Napa County, California, on August 20.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Only scorched homes and vehicles remain in the Spanish Flat Mobile Villa in Napa County, California, on August 20.
Peter Koleckar reacts after seeing multiple homes burned in his neighborhood in Bonny Doon, California, on August 20.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
Peter Koleckar reacts after seeing multiple homes burned in his neighborhood in Bonny Doon, California, on August 20.
A forest burns in Bonny Doon on August 20.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A forest burns in Bonny Doon on August 20.
A man looks at a tree blocking his way after a fire ravaged Vacaville, California, on August 20.
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Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
A man looks at a tree blocking his way after a fire ravaged Vacaville, California, on August 20.
A melted plastic fence lies on the charred ground after fire swept through Vacaville on August 20.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
A melted plastic fence lies on the charred ground after fire swept through Vacaville on August 20.
Sarah Hawkins searches through rubble after her Vacaville home was destroyed on August 20.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP
Sarah Hawkins searches through rubble after her Vacaville home was destroyed on August 20.
Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salinas, California, on August 19.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Nic Coury/AP
Fire crews maintain a backburn to control the River Fire near the Las Palmas neighborhood in Salinas, California, on August 19.
Gina Santos cries in her car after evacuating Vacaville on August 19.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Gabrielle Lurie/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
Gina Santos cries in her car after evacuating Vacaville on August 19.
People herd cows down Pleasants Valley Road in Vacaville on August 19.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Gabrielle Lurie/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
People herd cows down Pleasants Valley Road in Vacaville on August 19.
Flames consume a home in Napa County, California, on August 19.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Flames consume a home in Napa County, California, on August 19.
Embers burn along a hillside above Lake Berryessa as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Napa County on August 18. This image was taken with a long exposure.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Embers burn along a hillside above Lake Berryessa as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through Napa County on August 18. This image was taken with a long exposure.
A resident runs into a home to save a dog while flames from the Hennessy Fire close in near Lake Berryessa on August 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
A resident runs into a home to save a dog while flames from the Hennessy Fire close in near Lake Berryessa on August 18.
A home burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat community in Napa County on August 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
A home burns as the LNU Lightning Complex fires tear through the Spanish Flat community in Napa County on August 18.
An air tanker drops retardant on fires in the Spanish Flat community of Napa County on August 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
An air tanker drops retardant on fires in the Spanish Flat community of Napa County on August 18.
Flames from the Hennessy Fire consume a cabin at the Nichelini Family Winery in Napa County on August 18.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Noah Berger/AP
Flames from the Hennessy Fire consume a cabin at the Nichelini Family Winery in Napa County on August 18.
Tony Leonardini works on a spot fire as thunderstorm winds fan the Hennessy Fire in Napa County on August 17.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP
Tony Leonardini works on a spot fire as thunderstorm winds fan the Hennessy Fire in Napa County on August 17.
Smoke from the Grizzly Creek Fire is thick in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 16.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Chris Dillmann/Vail Daily via AP
Smoke from the Grizzly Creek Fire is thick in Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 16.
Kathy Mathison looks at the still-smoldering wildfire on August 16 that, just a day before, came within several feet of her home in Bend, Oregon.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Dean Guernsey/The Bulletin via AP
Kathy Mathison looks at the still-smoldering wildfire on August 16 that, just a day before, came within several feet of her home in Bend, Oregon.
Firefighters look at smoke and flames rising from the Ranch2 Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains, east of Los Angeles, on August 14.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images
Firefighters look at smoke and flames rising from the Ranch2 Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains, east of Los Angeles, on August 14.
A helicopter makes a water drop over the Ranch2 Fire in Azusa, California, on August 13.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A helicopter makes a water drop over the Ranch2 Fire in Azusa, California, on August 13.
A car is charred by the Lake Fire near Lake Hughes, 60 miles north of Los Angeles, on August 13.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images
A car is charred by the Lake Fire near Lake Hughes, 60 miles north of Los Angeles, on August 13.
A couple watches the Ranch2 Fire from a distance on August 13.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP
A couple watches the Ranch2 Fire from a distance on August 13.
A firefighter crew works in Lake Hughes on August 13.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Christian Monterrosa/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
A firefighter crew works in Lake Hughes on August 13.
The Lake Fire burns a home in Angeles National Forest on August 13.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
The Lake Fire burns a home in Angeles National Forest on August 13.
Flames and smoke from the Lake Fire rise on Wednesday, August 12.
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Mario Tama/Getty Images
Flames and smoke from the Lake Fire rise on Wednesday, August 12.
A firefighter works against the Lake Fire on August 12.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP
A firefighter works against the Lake Fire on August 12.
Firefighters make an escape plan as the Lake Fire burns a hillside on August 12.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Christian Monterrosa/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Firefighters make an escape plan as the Lake Fire burns a hillside on August 12.
A tanker makes a drop on the Lake Fire on August 12.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
David Crane/The Orange County Register/AP
A tanker makes a drop on the Lake Fire on August 12.
A plume of smoke rises from the Lake Fire on August 12.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Mario Tama/Getty Images
A plume of smoke rises from the Lake Fire on August 12.
Fire crews battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 11.
Photos: Wildfires burning in the West
Chelsea Self/Glenwood Springs Post Independent via AP
Fire crews battle the Grizzly Creek Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on August 11.