Creek Fire (2020)

Fresno & Madera Counties (Sierra National Forest), California · Sep 4, 2020Dec 24, 2020

Acres burned

379,895

Lives lost

0

Structures destroyed

853

Year

2020

What happened

The Creek Fire trapped hundreds of Labor Day campers at Mammoth Pool Reservoir, forcing dramatic military helicopter rescues, and became one of the largest single fires in California history.

Cause

Undetermined

Location

Fresno & Madera Counties (Sierra National Forest), California

Key facts

  • Dramatic helicopter rescues of trapped campers
  • One of the largest single CA fires
  • Generated a massive pyrocumulonimbus cloud
  • Burned in drought-killed Sierra forest

Could your home survive a fire like the Creek Fire?

Check your address for a 0–100 wildfire risk score, every fire recorded nearby, and the hardening steps that change the outcome.

Related major fires

Creek Fire FAQ

When was the Creek Fire and where did it burn?

The Creek Fire started Sep 4, 2020 in Fresno & Madera Counties (Sierra National Forest), California, and was contained Dec 24, 2020.

How many acres did the Creek Fire burn?

The Creek Fire burned approximately 379,895 acres.

How many people died in the Creek Fire?

Approximately 0 people died in the Creek Fire.

What caused the Creek Fire?

Undetermined.

Figures are approximate and compiled from official agency reporting; totals for recent fires may still be revised. FireRisk.ai is an independent wildfire-risk service.