Six of the top 20 largest California wildfires have happened in 2020
(KION) It has been a historic wildfire season in California, both in terms of acres burned and the number of major fires.
Cal Fire reports that six of the 20 largest wildfire in California history have happened in 2020. The largest wildfire in California history is currently burning in Mendocino County. The August Complex has burned 471,185 acres so far, and it is 24% contained. Previously, the largest fire was the Mendocino Complex Fire in 2018.
Other 2020 fires included in the top 20 largest California wildfires are: SCU Lightning Complex, LNU Lightning Complex, Elkhorn, North Complex and Creek.
This year has also had some of the most destructive wildfires. Two of this year's wildfires are now included in the top 20 most destructive wildfires in the state.
The CZU August Lightning Complex in Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties ranks as the tenth most destructive. 1,490 structures have been destroyed and one person has died. The LNU Lightning Complex has destroyed 1,491 structures, and five people have died.
The Camp Fire that burned in November 2018 is still the most destructive on record. Nearly 19,000 structures were destroyed, and 85 people died.
So far this fire season, more than 3,900 structures have been destroyed.
More than 3.1 million acres have burned this fire season. Twelve people have died statewide.
