CALIFORNIA'S LARGEST RECORDED WILDFIRE WINDING DOWN AS FIREFIGHTERS GAIN UPPER HAND

A wildfire in Southern California, dubbed the Thomas Fire, is now thebiggest in state history. The largest previously recorded wildfire in state history was the 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego County, which burned 273,246 acres. The Cedar Fire had been recognized as the biggest California wildfire in terms of acreage since 1932. Some fires before that date undoubtedly were larger, but records are unreliable, according to state fire officials.

The fire has scorched 281,620 acres and destroyed 1,063 structures, according to officials. The blaze, which is 86 percent contained, also threatens 18,000 structures.

The fire destroyed at least 50 homes and was the state’s biggest and most destructive wildfire of that year.

It's currently unclear what sparked the Thomas Fire.The number of firefighters assigned to the blaze is dropping rapidly, a sure sign authorities believe they’ve turned the corner. Now, about 900 firefighters are assigned to the area, down from about 3,000 at the height of the assault

Long Valley Fire - 83,733 acres burned

The Long Valley Fire was first ignited in July of 2017. The blaze, which was located about two miles north of Doyle, Calif., and about 50 miles north of Reno, Nev., was contained 10 days after it first started.

Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, which was fueled by sagebrush and grass.

Modoc July Complex Fire - 83,120 acres burned

The Modoc July Complex Fire was first ignited in July 2017, but was 100 percent contained as of September 2017.

The fire, which was started by lightning, was fueled by grass, brush and timber. It was located in the Modoc National Forest in northeast California.

Detwiler Fire - 81,826 acres burned

The Detwiler Fire was first ignited in July of 2017, but was 100 percent contained as of October.

The fire destroyed 63 residences, 67 minor structures and one commercial structure. At least 13 other residences were damaged by the fire, which started in Mariposa County, about two miles east of Lake McClure.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, said the cause of the fire was “a discharge of firearms on public lands.”

Salmon August Complex Fire - 65,888 acres burned

The Salmon August Complex Fire was started by lightning. The first ignition was in July of 2017. Only 87 percent of the fire is currently contained. Timber and brush serve as the main source of fuel.

The fire is located in the Marble Mountain Wilderness and the Klamath NF side of the Trinity Alps Wilderness, which are both located in North California.

News source : website