Mendocino Complex Fire is Now Largest in California History

news image
Special Stories
7 Aug 2018 7:26 AM
On Monday evening, the Mendocino Complex Fire grew to 290,692 acres becoming the largest fire in California history. This comes just eight months after the Thomas Fire achieved the same status after burning 281,893 acres. The Mendocino Complex Fire is a combination of the Ranch and River Fires. Together the blazes have destroyed 143 structures including 75 homes. Over 11,000 structures remain threatened to potential damage. Crews from across the west have pitched in to assist local firefighters. In total, nearly 4,000 firefighters and other personnel have been assigned to battle the blaze. Also assigned to the fire: 441 fire engines, 15 helicopters, 93 water tenders, and 85 dozers. While tremendous efforts have gone to contain the flames, containment dropped from 33% to 30% on Monday. Conditions show no real signs of letting up with dry, hot, and windy weather persisting through this week. The combined fire smoke has also riddled the Western U.S. with poor air quality. The air is so stagnant in the Sacramento Valley that “haze” dominates the seven-day forecast. Large fires are a growing trend in California with seven of the largest ten fires occurring in the last twelve years. These include four of the five largest fires in the last seven years. All in all, the 2018 California fire season has been an active one. Nearly 5,000 fires have been tracked, burning a total of 629,531 acres since January 1st, 2018. Unfortunately, the fast pace is likely to continue into the coming weeks. Written by Dakota Smith.
All Weather News
More
Severe Weather Outbreak Likely to Start the Week

Severe Weather Outbreak Likely to Start the Week

A major storm system is beginning to take sha

25 Apr 2025 11:59 AM
Severe Threat Continues for the Southern Plains

Severe Threat Continues for the Southern Plains

Early morning thunderstorms continue for Okla

25 Apr 2025 11:00 AM
NJ Wildfire Still Burning, Rain on the Way

NJ Wildfire Still Burning, Rain on the Way

The Jones Road Fire began in Ocean County, NJ

25 Apr 2025 9:00 AM
Feeling Like Summer in the Southeast This Week

Feeling Like Summer in the Southeast This Week

The southeast is getting a taste of summer-li

25 Apr 2025 8:25 AM
National Park Week: Get Out and Explore

National Park Week: Get Out and Explore

National Park Week starts Saturday, April 19t

25 Apr 2025 8:20 AM
Big Hail Threat Lingers in the Front Range & Plains Thursday

Big Hail Threat Lingers in the Front Range & Plains Thursday

THURSDAY HAILBig hail fell across the Central

25 Apr 2025 2:50 AM
Cold Front Sparks More Severe Storms Through Tuesday

Cold Front Sparks More Severe Storms Through Tuesday

What's one more day?This slow-moving front wi

23 Apr 2025 5:05 PM