Mendocino Complex Fire (2018)
Mendocino, Lake, Colusa & Glenn Counties, California · Jul 27, 2018 – Sep 18, 2018
Largest California wildfire at the timeAcres burned
459,123
Lives lost
1
Structures destroyed
280
Year
2018
What happened
The Mendocino Complex (the River and Ranch fires) was the largest wildfire in California history at the time, burning more than 459,000 acres in 2018 before being surpassed by later "gigafires."
Cause
Sparks from a hammer striking metal
Location
Mendocino, Lake, Colusa & Glenn Counties, California
Key facts
- ▪Largest CA wildfire at the time (2018)
- ▪Two fires: the River and Ranch fires
- ▪Started by sparks from a hammer
- ▪Surpassed by the 2020 August Complex
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Mendocino Complex Fire FAQ
When was the Mendocino Complex Fire and where did it burn?
The Mendocino Complex Fire started Jul 27, 2018 in Mendocino, Lake, Colusa & Glenn Counties, California, and was contained Sep 18, 2018.
How many acres did the Mendocino Complex Fire burn?
The Mendocino Complex Fire burned approximately 459,123 acres.
How many people died in the Mendocino Complex Fire?
Approximately 1 person died in the Mendocino Complex Fire.
What caused the Mendocino Complex Fire?
Sparks from a hammer striking metal.
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.