The 10 Biggest Wildfires in US History

1

This complex fire, consisting of the Ranch Fire and the River Fire, burned a total of 459,123 acres.

Mendocino Complex Fire, California (2018)

2

The Thomas Fire scorched 281,893 acres, making it the largest wildfire in California's recorded history at the time.

Thomas Fire, California (2017)

3

This fire burned across 271,911 acres in both California and Nevada.

Rush Fire, California and Nevada (2012)

4

The Rim Fire consumed 257,314 acres in and around Yosemite National Park, making it one of the largest wildfires in California's history.

Rim Fire, California (2013)

5

The Hayman Fire burned 137,760 acres and is the largest wildfire in Colorado's recorded history.

Hayman Fire, Colorado (2002)

6

The Ranch Fire, one of the fires in the Mendocino Complex, burned a total of 410,203 acres.

Mendocino Complex Fire, California (2018)

7

The Carr Fire burned through 229,651 acres and destroyed more than 1,000 structures.

Carr Fire, California (2018)

8

The Bootleg Fire, one of Oregon's largest wildfires, burned approximately 413,400 acres.

Bootleg Fire, Oregon (2021)

9

The Buzzard Fire charred 278,305 acres in the Gila National Forest.

Buzzard Fire, New Mexico (2018)

10

The Wallow Fire burned approximately 538,049 acres across both Arizona and New Mexico.

Wallow Fire, Arizona and New Mexico (2011)

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